Creamy, spicy cheese spread shaped like a Christmas tree, accented with fresh herbs and vibrant peppers.
# Ingredient List:
→ Base
01 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - ½ cup sour cream
03 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
04 - 2 tbsp mayonnaise
→ Flavorings
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
07 - ½ tsp ground cumin
08 - ½ tsp salt
09 - ¼ tsp black pepper
10 - 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
11 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
→ Decoration & Topping
12 - 2–3 fresh red chili peppers, thinly sliced
13 - ½ green bell pepper, diced
14 - ½ yellow bell pepper, diced
15 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
16 - 1 small carrot, sliced into thin strips
17 - Crackers or vegetable sticks, for serving
# Steps:
01 - In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and shredded cheddar until smooth and creamy.
02 - Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, chopped chives, and parsley; stir well to combine.
03 - Transfer mixture to a serving platter and shape into a Christmas tree form, creating a triangle with a wide base and pointed top.
04 - Arrange red chili pepper rings as garlands, scatter diced green and yellow bell peppers as ornaments, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for pine needles.
05 - Place thin carrot strips at the base of the tree to resemble the trunk.
06 - Offer immediately alongside crackers or vegetable sticks, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
