Chili Pepper Christmas Tree

A festive, spicy dip shaped like a Christmas tree, featuring creamy cheese, fresh herbs, and a kick of chili peppers—perfect for holiday gatherings.

I love serving this dip during the holidays because it always impresses guests with its unique shape and delightful flavors.

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

Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.

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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.

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This dip often brings my family together during the holidays, sparking conversations and compliments over its festive look and tasty flavor.

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)

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Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

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This dip is a perfect holiday addition that combines festive presentation with delicious, creamy, and spicy flavors.

Recipe FAQ

→ How can I make the dip spicier?

Increase the number of chili peppers or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix for extra heat.

→ Can I substitute the cheddar cheese?

Yes, Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese work well as alternatives, adding different flavors to the base.

→ What’s the best way to shape the dip?

Use a spatula to form a triangle with a wide base and pointed top on a serving platter, then decorate.

→ Which vegetables are used for decoration?

Red chili rings, diced green and yellow bell peppers, chopped cilantro, and carrot strips create a festive look.

→ Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, the dip’s ingredients are gluten-free. Just serve with gluten-free crackers or vegetables.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, prepare and refrigerate the dip until ready to serve. Decorate just before serving for best presentation.