Ingredients :
- 2 blocks (16 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons chopped pimentos (or sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil or parsley
- 1-2 cups chopped fresh dill (for coating the tree)
- Pretzels sticks (for the tree trunks)
- Small star-shaped cheese or bell pepper pieces (for the tree toppers)
- Small crackers or pretzel crisps (for serving)
Instructions :
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the shredded cheese (mozzarella/cheddar), garlic powder, Italian seasoning, pimentos, and basil/parsley.
- Shape the Trees: Place the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using your hands, shape the mixture into small, cone-shaped “Christmas trees” (about 2-3 inches tall). You should get around 8-10 small trees.
- Chill: Wrap the shaped trees tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Coat and Decorate: Once firm, unwrap the trees. Spread the chopped fresh dill on a plate. Gently roll each cream cheese tree in the dill until completely coated, pressing lightly to make sure the dill sticks.
- Assemble: Insert a pretzel stick into the base of each tree for the trunk. Place the small star piece on top.
- Serve: Arrange the Christmas tree appetizers on a platter with small crackers or pretzel crisps.