Save A festive, spicy dip shaped like a Christmas tree featuring creamy cheese fresh herbs and a kick of chili peppers perfect for holiday gatherings.
My family loves this dip every holiday season it brings fun and flavor to our gatherings.
Ingredients
- Base: 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese softened 120 g (1/2 cup) sour cream 100 g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- Flavorings: 2 garlic cloves minced 1/2 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 tsp ground cumin 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp black pepper 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Decoration & Topping: 2 3 fresh red chili peppers thinly sliced into rings 1/2 green bell pepper diced 1/2 yellow bell pepper diced 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro 1 small carrot sliced into thin strips (for the tree trunk) Crackers or vegetable sticks for serving
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl combine the cream cheese sour cream mayonnaise and cheddar cheese Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2:
- Add the garlic smoked paprika cumin salt pepper chives and parsley Stir until well combined.
- Step 3:
- Transfer the mixture onto a serving platter Using a spatula shape the dip into a Christmas tree form (triangle with a wide base and pointed top).
- Step 4:
- Decorate the tree with rings of red chili pepper (as garlands) diced green and yellow bell peppers (as ornaments) and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a pine needle effect.
- Step 5:
- Place carrot strips at the base to resemble the tree trunk.
- Step 6:
- Serve immediately with crackers or vegetable sticks or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Save This dip always draws compliments during family gatherings creating warm holiday memories.
Notes
For extra spice use hotter chili peppers or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for variety Garnish with pomegranate seeds for a festive red ornament touch.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl Spatula Serving platter Knife and cutting board
Nutritional Information
Calories 175 Total Fat 14 g Carbohydrates 4 g Protein 6 g per serving
Save This dip is a festive and delicious addition sure to impress your guests each holiday season.
Recipe Guide
- → What gives the dip its spicy kick?
The thinly sliced fresh red chili peppers provide a gentle heat, which can be adjusted by choosing hotter varieties or adding cayenne pepper.
- → Can I use different cheeses in this dip?
Yes, substituting cheddar with Monterey Jack or pepper jack offers varying flavor profiles and spice levels.
- → How should I decorate the dip to resemble a tree?
Shape the mixture into a triangular mound, then top with chili rings as garlands, diced bell peppers as ornaments, chopped cilantro for pine needles, and carrot strips as the trunk.
- → What are good accompaniments for serving?
Crackers, vegetable sticks, or bread slices pair well, balancing the creamy and spicy flavors with a crunchy texture.
- → Is this dish suitable for special diets?
It is vegetarian and gluten-free. However, it contains dairy and may contain eggs from mayonnaise, so check ingredients if sensitive.