Save It A festive, spicy dip shaped like a Christmas tree, featuring creamy cheese, fresh herbs, and a kick of chili peppers—perfect for holiday gatherings.
Making this dip is always a hit at our family gatherings, bringing everyone together for some fun and festive snacking.
Ingredients
- 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese: softened
- 120 g (1/2 cup) sour cream:
- 100 g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese:
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise:
- 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:
- 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
- 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.
Save It This recipe always brings smiles at our holiday parties, making snack time festive and fun for the whole family.
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 are needed to prepare this dip effectively.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 175 calories, 14 g total fat, 4 g carbohydrates, 6 g protein.
Save It This chili pepper Christmas tree dip is a guaranteed festive crowd-pleaser every holiday season.
Recipe FAQs
- → What gives the dip its spicy flavor?
The thinly sliced fresh red chili peppers add a bright, spicy kick, complemented by a hint of smoked paprika and cumin in the creamy base.
- → Can the dip be made ahead of time?
Yes, the dip can be prepared in advance and refrigerated. Cover it tightly and decorate just before serving for the best presentation.
- → What are good accompaniments for this dip?
It pairs well with crackers, vegetable sticks, or pita chips, providing a crunchy contrast to the creamy texture.
- → Are there vegetarian-friendly options for this dish?
Yes, this dip is vegetarian and gluten-free, containing dairy but no meat ingredients.
- → How can I adjust the heat level of the dip?
Use hotter chili peppers or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the spice intensity according to your taste.
- → Can the cheddar cheese be substituted?
Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese can be used as alternatives for a different flavor profile.