Description
Create a festive and visually appealing Christmas Tree Appetizer that’s quick to assemble and perfect for holiday gatherings. Layers of cheese, peppers, grapes, salami, olives, and pretzels form a colorful edible tree garnished with fresh rosemary for a touch of greenery and aroma.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Meats
- 1 cup cheese cubes
- 3 ounces sliced salami
Fruits and Vegetables
- 4 piquanté peppers
- 1 cup green grapes
- 1 cup red grapes
- 1/2 cup mixed olives
Other
- 5 to 8 small pretzel sticks
- 2 tablespoons rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- Arrange cheese cubes: Place a few cheese cubes at the top center of a large platter or board in a triangular shape to form the tree’s apex.
- Build layers: Below the cheese cubes, layer piquanté peppers, followed by green grapes, then another layer of cheese cubes, salami slices, red grapes, and finally a layer of mixed olives, creating a colorful, layered Christmas tree shape.
- Add the trunk: Insert 5 to 8 small pretzel sticks vertically at the bottom center of the tree to form the trunk, securing the tree visually.
- Garnish with rosemary: Tuck several fresh rosemary sprigs along the edges of the tree shape. The rosemary not only adds a festive green touch but also provides a lovely pine-like fragrance to complete the presentation.
Notes
- Use a large platter or wooden board to give ample space for layering and shaping.
- You can substitute the piquanté peppers with mini sweet peppers if desired.
- Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving to keep ingredients fresh.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the salami or replace it with a vegetarian deli meat alternative.
- Ensure grapes and peppers are washed and dried thoroughly to prevent moistening the cheese and pretzels.
