Ready to spice up your holiday appetizer game? These Christmas Cheese Trees are easy to make, look festive, and are a big hit at any party. Packed with creamy cheese, crunchy nuts, and a dash of spice, they’re sure to win over your guests.
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I’ve made these Christmas cheese trees for several holiday parties, and they always disappear fast! They’re perfect for serving at any festive gathering, bringing a little cheer and lots of flavor. Whether it’s an afternoon snack with the kids or an evening treat at your holiday bash, these cheese trees are delicious and so quick to throw together at the last minute.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Christmas Cheese Trees
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
If you’re ready to create a forest of tasty treats, I’ll show you how to get started with these Christmas Cheese Tree appetizers:
Prep the Cheese
If your Camembert isn’t already cut, slice it into eight even wedges. This will form the base of your trees.
Create the Trunk
Press a pretzel stick into the base of each cheese wedge to act as the trunk. Make sure it’s secure but doesn’t split the cheese.
Mix Your Spices
On a plate, combine the chopped walnuts with red pepper flakes, oregano, and thyme. This mix will coat your cheese wedges, giving them their festive flair.
Coat the Trees
Dip each cheese wedge lightly in maple syrup or honey. Then, roll them in your walnut and spice mixture until they’re well coated on all sides.
Arrange Your Forest
Place your cheese trees on a serving platter. You can drizzle a little extra maple syrup or honey over the top if you like things extra sweet.
Serve and Enjoy
These trees are best enjoyed at room temperature, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully. Arrange them on your table and watch them disappear as quickly as they were made!
Christmas Cheese Tree
Add Preferred SourceIngredients
- Pretzel sticks
- 1 Camembert cheese either pre-cut into wedges or cut into 8 portions
- ½ cup finely chopped walnuts
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
Instructions
- If the Camembert isn’t pre-cut, slice the cheese into 8 equal wedges.1 Camembert cheese
- Insert a pretzel stick halfway into each cheese wedge, creating the "tree trunk."Pretzel sticks
- In a plate, mix the chopped walnuts, red pepper flakes, oregano, and thyme. This will be the coating for the "trees."½ cup finely chopped walnuts, 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- Lightly coat all sides of the cheese wedges with maple syrup or honey using a brush or spoon.2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- Roll the cheese wedges in the walnut and spice mixture, making sure they are fully coated on all sides.
- Arrange the "trees" on a serving plate. If desired, drizzle more maple syrup or honey over the top for extra sweetness.
- These Christmas cheese trees are best served at room temperature and make for a fun and festive appetizer.
Notes
- Cheese: While Camembert is my go-to, feel free to swap it out for Brie or a firmer goat cheese if that’s what you have on hand.
- Pretzel Stick Length: Make sure your pretzel sticks are sturdy enough to support the cheese wedges but short enough to fit the proportions of your “trees.”
- Spice to Your Taste: Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference. If you’re not a fan of heat, you can skip them altogether.
- Sweetness Level: Honey tends to be sweeter than maple syrup. If you opt for honey, you can use less to keep the flavors balanced.
- Nuts: Walnuts are great, but almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts are also fantastic for rolling your cheese wedges in.
- Fresh Herbs: Swap out dried herbs for fresh ones if you prefer. Fresh oregano and thyme will give a vibrant flavor to your cheese trees. You can also try fresh rosemary if you have it on hand.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble these trees ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just add the final drizzle of maple syrup or honey before serving.
- Additional Flavors: Feel adventurous? Add a sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder to your spice mix for an extra layer of flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pretzels to make this appetizer gluten-free and celiac-friendly.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Storing these festive treats is easy. Simply place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days.
- To Serve Again: When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let them come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving. This brings out the best flavor and texture, making your cheese trees just as tasty as when they were first made!
Nutrition
Recipe Notes and Tips
I’ve got some handy pointers to make your Christmas cheese trees even more spectacular:
- Cheese: While Camembert is my go-to, feel free to swap it out for Brie or a firmer goat cheese if that’s what you have on hand.
- Pretzel Stick Length: Make sure your pretzel sticks are sturdy enough to support the cheese wedges but short enough to fit the proportions of your “trees.”
- Spice to Your Taste: Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference. If you’re not a fan of heat, you can skip them altogether.
- Sweetness Level: Honey tends to be sweeter than maple syrup. If you opt for honey, you can use less to keep the flavors balanced.
- Nuts: Walnuts are great, but almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts are also fantastic for rolling your cheese wedges in.
- Fresh Herbs: Swap out dried herbs for fresh ones if you prefer. Fresh oregano and thyme will give a vibrant flavor to your cheese trees. You can also try fresh rosemary if you have it on hand.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble these trees ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just add the final drizzle of maple syrup or honey before serving.
- Additional Flavors: Feel adventurous? Add a sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder to your spice mix for an extra layer of flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pretzels to make this appetizer gluten-free and celiac-friendly.
How to Store Leftover Christmas Tree Cheeses
Storing these festive treats is easy. Simply place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let them come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving. This brings out the best flavor and texture, making your cheese trees just as tasty as when they were first made!
What to Serve with Christmas Cheese Trees
Wondering what to pair with your Christmas Cheese Trees? Try a platter of crisp, sliced apples and pears for a lovely contrast to the rich cheese. Add some crackers and a variety of charcuterie for those who like a bit more substance. For drinks, a light, bubbly prosecco or a crisp white wine complements the creamy and spicy flavors beautifully, making your holiday spread both elegant and irresistible!
More Recipes You Will Love
If these Christmas Cheese Trees have your taste buds tingling, I have a few more to add to your party spread:
