Looking for a delicious but easy appetizer this Christmas? This cute Christmas tree is only two main ingredients, about 5 minutes of prep, and then you get true enjoyment of an amazing and unique flavor combination. Great with crackers or vegetables, you'll wow your family and friends with a fun addition to any gathering.
Christmas Tree Appetizer
Serves 12
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
1 jar jalapeño jelly
1 green onion for trunk
1 yellow pepper for star
Assorted gluten free crackers or vegetables for serving
To prepare, place the cream cheese into the freezer for 15 minutes. Open and cut in a diagonal lengthwise. Flip over one of the triangles and put the two together to form a tree shape on a serving plate. Add a piece of a green onion for the trunk. Cut a star from a yellow pepper and place at the top. Heat about 1/2 cup jalapeño jelly for 20 seconds in the microwave to get it pourable (instead of jelly-like). Pour or spoon over the cream cheese. Serve with crackers and/or assorted vegetables.
Step-by-step tutorial:
Gather your ingredients. You will need an 8 oz. block of cream cheese, a yellow pepper, a green onion, and a jar of jalapeño jelly. They usually have red or green jellies. With this brand the green jelly is mild and the red jelly is spicy. Use whatever type you prefer. Both are delicious!
Before cutting the cream cheese, I put the block in the freezer for about 15 minutes. This firms it up enough that it won't collapse while cutting, but will keep it's thick shape. Cut the cream cheese on a diagonal lengthwise. Flip one half over and put the two together to form a tree shape.
Cut a star from a section of the yellow pepper. Cut a piece of a green onion to be the trunk of the tree.
Once the cream cheese gets to room temperature, you can smooth out the top crack so it looks like one big cream cheese block. Heat about 1/2 cup of the jelly in the microwave for about 20 seconds so it is more pourable, rather than gel-like. Pour or spoon the jelly over the cream cheese. You can add more to your liking or as the night goes on.
It is such a fast and festive appetizer that really has deliciously unique flavor combinations of sweet, heat, and creamy.
Serve this with your favorite gluten free crackers. The ones shown here are Simple Mills, and they are delicious with this appetizer.
Using a knife or just your cracker, scoop up this creamy goodness and enjoy the festive flavor!
Recipe Source: Shanna's recipe box