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Holiday Cheese Trees

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These adorable cheese Christmas trees will be the talk of your holiday party - they're like edible decorations that taste as festive as they look! Starting with creamy Laughing Cow cheese wedges as the base, you create these cute little trees decorated with nuts and dried fruit that add both flavor and visual appeal. What makes them extra special is how they combine simple ingredients into something totally whimsical and fun. They're so quick to put together but look like you spent hours on them, and they're perfect for getting kids involved in holiday preparations!
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Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 21:05:53 GMT
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A plate of triangular dessert slices topped with crushed pecans, cranberries, and pretzel sticks, garnished with herbs. Pin it
A plate of triangular dessert slices topped with crushed pecans, cranberries, and pretzel sticks, garnished with herbs. | tastygusto.com

Let me share my favorite last minute holiday appetizer these adorable Cheese Christmas Trees that always bring smiles to everyone's faces. They're the perfect blend of fun and delicious made with creamy cheese wedges pretzel sticks and a festive mix of toppings. I love how they look like tiny Christmas trees but take just minutes to put together.

Why These Are Pure Magic

What I love most about these cheese trees is how quickly they come together no cooking or baking needed! In less than 15 minutes you can create something that looks absolutely festive. Plus you can mix and match cheeses and toppings to make them exactly how you like.

Let's Gather Our Ingredients

  • Cheese Wedges: I love using Laughing Cow but any soft cheese works.
  • Pretzel Sticks: These make perfect little tree trunks.
  • Dried Cranberries: Chop these nice and small.
  • Pecans: The finer you dice them the better they stick.
  • Fresh Herbs: These add such lovely color and flavor.

Let's Create Some Trees

Get Everything Ready
Taking time to chop everything small makes such a difference.
Add the Trunks
Be gentle with those pretzel sticks they can be delicate.
Decorate Your Trees
That mix of toppings makes them look so festive.
Set Up Your Display
Arrange them with care they look adorable all together.

My Best Tips

After making these countless times I've learned a few tricks. Room temperature cheese is so much easier to work with and always keep extra pretzel sticks handy just in case. If you get any cracks just smooth them out with your fingers.

Make Them Your Own

Sometimes I'll use different cheeses or swap out the toppings. Goat cheese with herbs is lovely and candied pecans add such nice sweetness. The possibilities are endless really let your creativity shine!

Setting the Scene

I love arranging these on a pretty holiday platter with crackers and other nibbles. They look especially festive on a charcuterie board and always get lots of compliments. Just be sure to use a sturdy platter so they stand up nicely.

Keeping Them Fresh

These little trees keep well in the fridge for a couple days just cover them carefully. When you're ready to serve let them sit out for a few minutes the cheese tastes better when it's not too cold.

A festive dessert display featuring triangular pieces of cheesecake topped with nuts and cranberries, garnished with pretzel sticks, surrounded by fresh cranberries and herbs. Pin it
A festive dessert display featuring triangular pieces of cheesecake topped with nuts and cranberries, garnished with pretzel sticks, surrounded by fresh cranberries and herbs. | tastygusto.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these cheese trees ahead of time?

These are best assembled shortly before serving. However, you can prep the nut mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container until ready to use.

→ What other cheese can I use instead of Laughing Cow?

Laughing Cow works best due to its shape and texture. Other spreadable wedge cheeses might work, but may not hold the tree shape as well.

→ How long can these sit out at a party?

Since they contain cheese, they shouldn't sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Keep extras chilled until needed.

→ Can I use different nuts or dried fruits?

Yes, try walnuts and dried apricots for variety. Just make sure to chop everything very finely so it sticks to the cheese properly.

→ Why is my cheese cracking when I insert the pretzel?

Make a small hole with a toothpick first, then gently insert the pretzel stick. If cracks appear, simply smooth them with your fingers.

Conclusion

Learn how to create festive cheese trees that are both delicious and visually appealing. Perfect for holiday gatherings and easy to customize with different nuts and dried fruits.

Christmas Cheese Trees

Transform cheese triangles into festive Christmas trees using nuts, dried fruit, and herbs. A simple yet impressive holiday appetizer ready in just 15 minutes.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American Holiday

Yield: 8 Servings (8 cheese trees)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 8 Laughing Cow cheese triangle wedges.
02 1/4 cup pecans, very finely chopped.
03 3 tablespoons dried cranberries, very finely chopped.
04 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped.
05 Flaky sea salt and pepper to taste.
06 8 pretzel sticks.
07 Honey for drizzling (optional).
08 Crackers and pretzel thins for serving.

Instructions

Step 01

Remove all wrappers from the cheese wedges.

Step 02

Combine finely chopped pecans, cranberries, thyme, salt and pepper in a shallow bowl.

Step 03

Press one side of each cheese wedge gently into the nut mixture, leaving some cheese visible.

Step 04

Make a small hole with a toothpick, then carefully insert a pretzel stick into the bottom of each cheese wedge.

Step 05

Arrange on serving plate and drizzle lightly with honey if desired.

Notes

  1. Can substitute walnuts, dried apricots, and parsley for a different flavor combination.
  2. Make holes with toothpicks first to prevent cheese from cracking.
  3. Best assembled just before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Shallow bowl.
  • Serving platter.
  • Toothpick.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cheese).
  • Nuts (pecans).
  • Gluten (pretzels).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 46
  • Total Fat: 3 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 6 g
  • Protein: 1 g