Christmas Tree Cheese Spread is the perfect appetizer to bring a festive touch to your holiday table. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also delicious, requires no baking, and looks absolutely stunning!
This cheerful little tree is made with creamy ricotta cheese and grated Parmigiano Reggiano (not too aged), giving it a rich and authentic Italian flavor. The mixture is seasoned with extra virgin olive oil, black pepper, and fresh parsley to add a refreshing herbal note.
To decorate, I used Italian green and black olives to mimic Christmas ornaments and finished it off with sprigs of rosemary, which look just like fir tree needles.
This Italian antipasto doesn’t just taste amazing—it also doubles as a beautiful centerpiece. Place it in the middle of your table, and your guests can help themselves by spreading it onto slices of bread or crackers. I recommend serving it with homemade crusty bread for an extra special touch.
Making this festive cheese spread is surprisingly quick and fun—it’s a recipe the whole family can enjoy putting together. Plus, it’s a great way to add something unique and creative to your holiday menu.
Do you like the idea? Follow the step-by-step recipe below, and you’ll see how easy it is to make this delightful Christmas appetizer. It’s sure to impress your guests and become a new holiday favorite!
Ingredients
Prep Time: 10 Min | Rest Time: 30 Min | Servings: 6
- 200 g (7 oz) ricotta
- 100 g (3.5 oz) Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
- 130 g (4.6 oz) pitted green and black olives
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- A few sprigs of rosemary, for decoration
- Slices of bread for spreading the cheese (see our recipe for a loaf of crusty bread)
Instructions
Step 1) - To make the Christmas Tree Cheese Spread, first place the ricotta cheese in a colander so that it loses excess water. The ricotta should be as dry as possible.
Then place it in a bowl with the grated Parmigiano cheese and mix well to blend the cheeses. Use a spoon to stir it thoroughly until it becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 2) - To make the cheeses easier to work with, add two tablespoons of olive oil and mix well. This will make the mixture softer and more malleable, which is important for shaping later.
Once the cheese is smooth, season it with a generous pinch of ground black pepper and some finely chopped fresh parsley. Mix everything together carefully to make sure the flavors are evenly distributed.
Step 3) - Next, take a sheet of plastic wrap and spoon the cheese mixture onto the center. Gently close the wrap around the cheese and start shaping it with your hands. Form the cheese into a cone shape that is about 6-7 inches tall (15-18 cm). Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; you can adjust it later.
Place the wrapped cone in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help the cheese firm up and hold its shape, making it easier to decorate. While waiting, you can prepare your olives and other decorations.
After the cheese has chilled, remove it from the plastic wrap and place it on a serving plate. Use a spatula or the back of a knife to smooth out the surface, shaping it into a neat cone. Take your time with this step so the "tree" looks as polished as possible.
Decorate the Christmas Tree Cheese Spread
Step 4) - Now it’s time to decorate! Begin placing the pitted olives onto the cheese cone, starting at the base and working your way to the top. Alternate the colors of the olives to create a festive look. If some of the olives are too large, you can cut them in half to make them fit better.
Once the olives are in place, add small sprigs of rosemary between them. The rosemary not only adds a decorative touch, resembling the needles of a Christmas tree, but also gives a lovely aroma.
Finally, surround your Christmas Tree Cheese Spread with slices of homemade bread to complete the presentation. It’s ready to serve! Guests can scoop some of the cheese spread and olives onto their bread, enjoying a flavorful and festive appetizer that’s perfect for the holidays.
YOU MUST ALSO TRY:
- Stuffed Radicchio Leaves
- Grapes Dipped in Gorgonzola and Pistachios
- Parmigiano Balls
- Savory Panettone
- Speck Wrapped Chestnuts
Storage
To store your Christmas Tree Cheese Spread, follow these simple steps:
- Before Serving: If you've prepared the cheese spread in advance and haven't yet decorated it, wrap the cone tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. It can be stored this way for up to 24 hours. Add the olives and rosemary just before serving to keep the decorations fresh.
- After Serving: If there are leftovers, carefully remove any olives or rosemary that may not store well. Wrap the remaining cheese spread tightly in plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the cheese may change and the decorations might not hold up well. It’s best to enjoy the cheese spread fresh for the best flavor and appearance.
Tips and Variations
- Cheese: I used ricotta and Parmigiano Reggiano, but you can substitute any cream cheese you prefer. The key is to choose one with the right texture and creaminess. For a flavorful twist, try fresh goat cheese—it’s already packed with taste, so you won’t need to use too much seasoning.
- Seasoning: Along with olive oil, black pepper, and parsley, feel free to experiment with other herbs. You can also mix in some grated Pecorino Romano for an extra punch of flavor.
- Olives: Instead of the usual green and black olives, you can use the exquisite Taggiasche olives. These small, delicious olives come in a variety of natural colors—green, purple, and other shades—and are known for their slightly bitter, distinctive taste. Hailing from western Liguria, they are a prized Italian specialty.
- Decoration Alternatives: You can get creative with the decorations to suit your taste and style. For a pop of red, add halved cherry tomatoes alongside the olives. You could also sprinkle pomegranate seeds over the tree for a festive and elegant touch.
Recipe Card
Christmas Tree Cheese Spread with Ricotta and Olives
Ingredients
- 200 g ricotta 7 oz
- 100 g Parmigiano Reggiano 3.5 oz, grated
- 130 g olives 4.6 oz pitted, green and black
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 1 tablespoon parsley fresh, finely chopped
- black pepper ground, to taste
- 3 sprigs rosemary for decoration
- slices bread for spreading the cheese
Instructions
- Place the ricotta cheese in a colander so that it loses excess water. The ricotta should be as dry as possible.
- Then place it in a bowl with the grated Parmigiano cheese and mix well to blend the cheeses. Use a spoon to stir it thoroughly until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- To make the cheeses easier to work with, add two tablespoons of olive oil and mix well. This will make the mixture softer and more malleable, which is important for shaping later.
- Once the cheese is smooth, season it with a generous pinch of ground black pepper and some finely chopped fresh parsley. Mix everything together carefully to make sure the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Next, take a sheet of plastic wrap and spoon the cheese mixture onto the center. Gently close the wrap around the cheese and start shaping it with your hands. Form the cheese into a cone shape that is about 6-7 inches tall (15-18 cm). Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; you can adjust it later.
- Place the wrapped cone in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help the cheese firm up and hold its shape, making it easier to decorate. While waiting, you can prepare your olives and other decorations.
- After the cheese has chilled, remove it from the plastic wrap and place it on a serving plate. Use a spatula or the back of a knife to smooth out the surface, shaping it into a neat cone. Take your time with this step so the "tree" looks as polished as possible.
- Now it’s time to decorate! Begin placing the pitted olives onto the cheese cone, starting at the base and working your way to the top. Alternate the colors of the olives to create a festive look. If some of the olives are too large, you can cut them in half to make them fit better.
- Once the olives are in place, add small sprigs of rosemary between them. The rosemary not only adds a decorative touch, resembling the needles of a Christmas tree, but also gives a lovely aroma.
- Finally, surround your Christmas Tree Cheese Spread with slices of homemade bread to complete the presentation. It’s ready to serve! Guests can scoop some of the cheese spread and olives onto their bread, enjoying a flavorful and festive appetizer that’s perfect for the holidays.
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