Description
This festive Christmas Tree Appetizer is a visually stunning and delicious platter that combines multiple types of cheese with sweet red and green grapes, fresh herbs, and a celery stalk to create a beautiful tree shape perfect for holiday gatherings. It’s an easy no-cook appetizer that adds a seasonal touch to your party spread.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeses
- 12 ounces Colby Jack Cheese, cut into 3/4 inch cubes or triangles
- 8 ounces Cheddar Cheese, cut into 3/4 inch cubes or triangles
- 4 ounces Monterey Jack Cheese, cut into 3/4 inch cubes or triangles
Fruits
- 1 pound green grapes, separated from the stems
- 1 pound red grapes, separated from the stems
Herbs and Garnish
- 1 container fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 container fresh rosemary stems
- 1 stalk celery
Instructions
- Prepare the base layers: Begin by placing cheddar cheese cubes in a row on your serving platter, starting with eight cubes. Directly underneath, place a row of about twelve green grapes. As you progress, widen the rows accordingly to build the base structure of the Christmas tree.
- Assemble the cheese and grape rows: Create alternating rows on the platter in this order: cheddar cheese, green grapes, Monterey Jack cheese, red grapes, Colby Jack cheese, green grapes, cheddar cheese, red grapes, and finally Colby Jack cheese. Arrange these rows to gradually widen, shaping the outline of a Christmas tree.
- Add the tree topper and herbs: Place a single red grape on top of the tree as the tree topper, surrounded by green grapes. Distribute fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs throughout the grape rows to add color, fragrance, and festive greenery.
- Create the tree trunk and chill: Cut the celery stalk into approximately 2-inch sections and position it at the base of the tree to mimic a tree trunk. Cover the entire platter with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Use cheese cubes or triangles of uniform size to ensure a stable and attractive structure.
- Fresh grapes should be rinsed and patted dry to prevent excess moisture on the platter.
- The fresh herbs not only enhance visual appeal but also add pleasant aromatics that complement the cheese and grapes.
- Serve with a variety of crackers or sliced baguette on the side for added texture and flavor.
- This appetizer is best prepared shortly before serving to keep the grapes fresh and the celery crisp.
