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Holiday Cheese Tree with Cranberry & Pistachio Garland Recipe

Holiday Cheese Tree with Cranberry & Pistachio Garland Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 19 reviews

Create a festive and visually stunning holiday cheese tree featuring an assortment of cheeses, dried cranberries, and pistachios arranged in a triangular shape and decorated with fresh herbs. This easy-to-assemble appetizer combines savory, sweet, and crunchy elements perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Tree

  • 12 oz assorted cheeses (cheddar, gouda, brie, mozzarella, etc.), cut into cubes

Garland and Decoration

  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup shelled pistachios
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary (for the “tree trunk”)
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs, for decoration

Finishing Touch & Serving

  • 2 tbsp honey (optional drizzle)
  • Crackers or crostini, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the base: Place a large wooden board or platter on your workspace to serve as the foundation for assembling the cheese tree.
  2. Assemble the cheese tree: Arrange the cheese cubes in a triangular shape, starting with a wide base and tapering to a point at the top. Mix different types of cheese for visual contrast and balance.
  3. Add the garland: Decorate the cheese tree by alternating lines of dried cranberries and shelled pistachios across the layers, mimicking festive garlands.
  4. Decorate: Insert fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs between the cheese layers to resemble green foliage. Place a single rosemary sprig vertically at the bottom to represent the tree trunk.
  5. Optional finishing touch: Just before serving, drizzle 2 tablespoons of honey over the assembled tree for a glossy, sweet finish that complements the cheese and nuts.
  6. Serve: Arrange crackers or crostini around the cheese tree on the board. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Notes

  • You can customize the cheese selection based on preference; firmer cheeses work best for stacking.
  • For a vegan version, substitute cheese with plant-based cheeses and ensure honey is replaced with maple syrup.
  • Assemble just before serving to prevent the cheese and garnishes from drying out.
  • Try varying the nuts and dried fruits for different flavor profiles and colors.

Nutrition

Keywords: holiday appetizer, cheese tree, festive cheese platter, cheese and nut garland, party cheese board

Find it online: https://maicook.com/holiday-cheese-tree-with-cranberry-and-pistachio-garland-recipe/