Name: CHRISTMAS CHEESE TREES
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 min
Total time: 11 min
Ingredients: 8 cheese wedges, we used The Laughing Cow Light; 4 pretzel sticks, cut in half; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped; 2 teaspoons fresh basil, finely chopped; 1/4 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional; 1 tablespoon dried cranberries, finely chopped; 2 teaspoons walnuts or pecans (or both), finely chopped; 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped; drizzle of honey or hot honey, optional

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Celebrate the holiday season with these whimsical and festive Christmas cheese trees, effortlessly made with light Laughing Cow cheese wedges, pretzel sticks, fresh herbs, dried cranberries, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts. These charming appetizers not only add a touch of joy to your gatherings, but they are also customizable offering both sweet and savory options. With no baking required, these cheese trees come together in a mere 10 minutes for a hassle-free yet adorable addition to your holiday spread. Elevate your holidays with these delicious cheese tree appetizers!

Why You Will Love These Cheese Trees

These cheese trees are easy to make.
Easily customize them!
They have a beautiful presentation.
Make sweet or savory cheese trees with this recipe!
They look like mini Christmas trees!

What Are Christmas Cheese Trees?

Christmas cheese trees are made with cheese wedges, pretzel sticks, nuts, and fresh herbs to mimic a Christmas tree. The pretzel sticks act as the tree trunks, and The Laughing Cow cheese wedges are the trees. They are coated in fresh chopped herbs, nuts, and dried cranberries. They are such a fun and beautiful appetizer!

Ingredients Needed For Christmas Cheese Trees

Cheese Wedges: Use The Laughing Cow cheese wedges. We used the light version.
Pretzel Sticks: Cut each pretzel stick in half.
Fresh Herbs: For the savory version, add fresh chopped parsley, basil, and rosemary.
Red Pepper Flakes: Crushed red pepper is optional and adds a touch of heat.
Dried Cranberries: Finely chop the dried cranberries for a burst of tart and sweet flavor.
Nuts: Finely chop the nuts. Use walnuts, pecans, or a mix of both.
Honey: A drizzle of honey or hot honey is optional.

What Cheese Wedges To Use

Make these Christmas trees with cheese wedges! The Laughing Cow light cheese wedges work great! Or, use a hard cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella. If you do this, cut the cheese into small wedges.

How To Make Christmas Cheese Trees

Step 1: Finely chop the fresh herbs, dried cranberries, or nuts, depending on what you will be using.

Chopped cranberries pecans and walnuts on cutting board

Step 2: Unwrap a wedge of The Laughing Cow cheese. Repeat to unwrap all eight wedges.

Step 3: Cut the pretzel sticks in half.

Step 4: Hold the bottom of the wedge together while you insert the halved pretzel stick cut side into the cheese wedge. Holding the edges when inserting the pretzel helps so the wedge does not crack. Try to insert the stick in the middle of the cheese wedge. Repeat this process with each cheese wedge. If the cheese wedge breaks, press and push it back together.

Step 5: For the savory version, add the finely chopped parsley, basil, rosemary, and optional red pepper flakes to a shallow bowl. Or, for the sweet version, add the finely chopped dried cranberries, walnuts or pecans, and parsley to a shallow bowl. It depends on if you are making savory or sweet cheese trees. Then, mix the ingredients in the bowl.

Step 6: Carefully place each cheese tree into the shallow bowl. Lightly press to coat each cheese tree on one side or both sides.

Step 7: Serve the finished cheese trees and enjoy.

How To Serve Holiday Cheese Trees

Serve these holiday cheese trees on a platter or plate large enough to fit all of them. Enjoy them on their own, with crackers, or with toasted bread. Or, pair these cheese trees with another festive holiday appetizer like our snowman cheese ball to create a show-stopping appetizer spread. You can even serve them on a charcuterie board!

Expert Tips

How To Prevent The Cheese Trees From Breaking: Put the cheese wedge on a flat surface and hold the bottom end of the wedge. Lightly push the bottom of the wedge together as you insert the pretzel stick so the cheese doesn’t crack. Also, don’t push the pretzel stick that far. If your cheese tree does split or break, don’t worry, just reform it and press it back together.
Finely Chop The Ingredients: Finely chop so the ingredients are evenly distributed and stick to the cheese wedges.
How To Coat Cheese Trees: Place each cheese tree in the shallow bowl. Then, lightly press. It helps ensure the ingredients stick to the cheese wedges.

Cheese Tree Variations

Coat Both Sides: You can coat one or both sides of the cheese wedges.
What Herbs To Use: For the savory cheese trees, use fresh herbs such as fresh basil, parsley, rosemary, or thyme.
Make Sweet and Savory Cheese Trees: We gave you options to make sweet and savory cheese trees. Make either one or make both!
Use Light Or Regular Cheese: We used light cheese wedges, but regular will also work.
Fresh Herbs Substitution: If you don’t have fresh herbs, use dried herbs instead. Just use half the amount if you use dried herbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Holiday Cheese Trees Ahead Of Time?

You can prepare these holiday cheese trees to enjoy that day. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve, and enjoy them within the day you make them.

Are These Cheese Trees Spicy?

No, these cheese trees are not spicy. You don’t have to add any spice at all. Add some crushed red pepper flakes or your favorite spice mix for a kick of heat.

More Recipes To Try Next!

If you try this recipe please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating ★★★★★ letting us know how it turns out for you. We hope you enjoy these Christmas cheese trees!