Antipasto Christmas Tree

Last Updated on February 27, 2024

The holiday season is all about celebrating with loved ones, creating cherished memories, and indulging in delicious food. As someone who loves to experiment in the kitchen, I’m always on the lookout for unique and creative recipes that will make my guests’ jaws drop.

This year, I stumbled upon an incredible idea that combines the flavors of the classic antipasto platter with the festive spirit of Christmas – the Antipasto Christmas Tree. This beautifully arranged appetizer is not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavors that will leave your taste buds begging for more.

So, join me as we embark on this culinary adventure and create the ultimate centerpiece for your holiday celebrations.

Table of Contents

What is Antipasto Christmas Tree?

For those unfamiliar with the concept, antipasto is an Italian term that refers to a platter of cold appetizers, typically served before the main course. It often includes a variety of cured meats, cheeses, olives, marinated vegetables, and bread.

The Antipasto Christmas Tree takes this beloved appetizer and transforms it into a festive masterpiece that will steal the show at any holiday gathering.

Why You’ll Love this Antipasto Christmas Tree?

There are numerous reasons why you’ll fall head over heels for this Antipasto Christmas Tree. Firstly, its presentation is simply awe-inspiring. The tree-like shape formed by the carefully arranged ingredients is a true feast for the eyes.

It adds a touch of elegance and whimsy to any table, instantly elevating the ambiance of your holiday celebrations. Secondly, the flavors of the antipasto ingredients complement each other perfectly. The combination of salty cured meats, creamy cheeses, tangy pickles, and aromatic herbs creates a harmonious explosion of taste in every bite.

Lastly, this appetizer is incredibly versatile. You can customize it to cater to your guests’ preferences, incorporating their favorite ingredients and flavors, making it suitable for everyone around the table to enjoy.

The Ingredients You Will Need To Make Antipasto Christmas Tree:

For the dip:

Cream Cheese, softened: Provides a creamy and rich base for the dip, adding smoothness and a tangy flavor.
Sun-dried Tomatoes, chopped: Contribute intense tomato flavor and a slightly chewy texture to the dip, enhancing its taste and adding visual appeal.
Red Bell Peppers (or Capsicum), diced: Add sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color to the dip, providing a contrast to the other ingredients.
Dill Pickles, finely diced: Offer tanginess and a subtle crunch to the dip, balancing the creaminess of the cream cheese and adding a hint of acidity.
Chives, chopped: Provide a mild onion flavor and bright green color to the dip, enhancing its visual appeal and adding freshness.
Parsley, chopped: Adds freshness and herbaceous flavor to the dip, contributing to its overall aroma and taste.
Onion Powder: Enhances the savory flavor of the dip, providing depth and complexity without the texture of raw onions.
Garlic Powder: Adds aromatic garlic flavor to the dip, complementing the other ingredients and providing a savory note.
Salt (optional): Seasoning ingredient that enhances the flavors of the dip, balancing the sweetness of the bell peppers and tomatoes.

For the decorations:

Pitted Mixed Olives (Black, Green, and Kalamata), dried: Used as festive ornaments to decorate the antipasto Christmas tree, providing visual interest and variety in color.
Sun-dried Tomatoes, chopped and dried: Serve as colorful and flavorful accents for the Christmas tree, adding a burst of tomato flavor and texture.
Rosemary Leaves/Sprigs: Mimic the appearance of pine needles on the Christmas tree, adding a festive touch and aromatic herbaceous flavor.
Ritz, Water Crackers, or Pretzels for serving: Provide a crunchy base for the antipasto Christmas tree, allowing guests to enjoy the dip with a variety of dippers.
Salami slices: Offer savory and salty flavor to the decorations, resembling garland or ribbons on the Christmas tree and adding texture and richness.
Prosciutto slices: Add a delicate and savory flavor to the decorations, resembling bows or ribbons on the Christmas tree and providing a contrast to the other ingredients.

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Dip

To begin, we need to create a flavorful base for our Antipasto Christmas Tree. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, diced red bell peppers, finely diced dill pickles, chopped chives, chopped parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt (if desired). Mix all the ingredients until well combined and set aside in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Assemble the Tree Shape

To create the iconic tree shape of our antipasto masterpiece, we need a strong and stable base. I suggest using a cone-shaped mold made of sturdy material like Styrofoam or metal. Alternatively, you can create your own makeshift mold by rolling a piece of cardboard into a cone shape and securing it with tape.

Step 3: Decorate with Olives and Sun-dried Tomatoes

Once our cream cheese dip is chilled, it’s time to start decorating the tree. Begin by placing dried olives all around the base of the cone-shaped mold. Use a toothpick or skewer to secure them in place if necessary. This will serve as the tree’s trunk. Then, layer the chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the olives to create a vibrant and festive appearance.

Step 4: Spread the Cream Cheese Dip

Now, grab your chilled cream cheese dip from the refrigerator and start spreading it over the exterior of the cone-shaped mold, covering the olives and sun-dried tomatoes completely. Ensure that the dip is evenly distributed and smooth. You can use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to achieve this.

Step 5: Add Salami and Prosciutto Slices

To enhance both the flavor and appearance of our Antipasto Christmas Tree, we will layer salami and prosciutto slices over the cream cheese dip. Start from the bottom and work your way up, overlapping the slices as you go. This step adds a savory and indulgent touch to our creation.

Notes:

Now that we’ve covered the main steps, let me share with you some useful tips that will help you make the perfect Antipasto Christmas Tree.

– Soak the cone-shaped mold in water for a few minutes before starting to assemble the tree. This will make it easier to remove the mold once the cream cheese dip has set.

– Ensure that all the ingredients used for decoration, such as olives and sun-dried tomatoes, are thoroughly dried with a paper towel. Excess moisture may affect the texture and visual appeal of the tree.

– Experiment with different flavor variations by adding ingredients like roasted red peppers, marinated artichokes, or even spicy pickled jalapenos to the cream cheese dip.

– Don’t be afraid to get creative with the decorations. You can include other elements like cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, or even tiny decorative ornaments to add extra flair to your tree.

– Serve your Antipasto Christmas Tree with a variety of crackers, breadsticks, or pretzels to complement the flavors and provide a crunchy texture.

Storage Tips:

If, by some miracle, you have leftovers of this show-stopping appetizer, here are some guidelines to ensure its freshness:

– Transfer any remaining cream cheese dip to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of serving.

– Separate the decorations from the base, carefully removing any toothpicks or skewers used to secure the olives.

– Place the tree and its components in separate containers, covering them tightly with plastic wrap or foil.

– Store the tree in the refrigerator for up to two days, while the dip and decorations can be kept for up to four days.

– Before serving again, allow the dip and decorations to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Reassemble the tree, using toothpicks or skewers to secure any loose decorations.

Nutrition Information:

While Antipasto Christmas Tree is a delight for the senses, it’s always good to be mindful of the nutritional information. Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:

– Calories: 180

– Total Fat: 13g

– Saturated Fat: 7g

– Cholesterol: 40mg

– Sodium: 260mg

– Total Carbohydrate: 10g

– Dietary Fiber: 1g

– Sugars: 2g

– Protein: 6g

Serving Suggestions:

To elevate your Antipasto Christmas Tree experience, here are some serving suggestions that will leave your guests impressed:

1. Serve with a Variety of Cheese: Accompany your Antipasto Christmas Tree with an assortment of complementary cheeses like Parmesan, Gorgonzola, or fresh mozzarella. This will provide additional options for your guests to savor.

2. Pair with a Festive Beverage: Offer your guests a selection of holiday-inspired drinks like mulled wine, spiced cider, or a refreshing prosecco cocktail. The combination of the Antipasto Christmas Tree and a thoughtfully chosen beverage will heighten the overall dining experience.

3. Create Mini Antipasto Platters: For those who prefer a more personalized experience, consider creating mini antipasto platters alongside the tree. Provide small plates for your guests to choose their own combinations of meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables.

4. Make it a Sweet Treat: Surprise your guests by adding a touch of sweetness to the Antipasto Christmas Tree. Introduce elements like candied walnuts, grapes, or figs to create a balanced flavor profile that will keep everyone coming back for more.

5. Offer a Vegetarian Alternative: While the traditional antipasto platter typically includes cured meats, you can cater to your vegetarian guests by offering a selection of grilled vegetables, marinated tofu, or plant-based alternatives to charcuterie.

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Antipasto Christmas Tree?

If you want to put your own twist on the Antipasto Christmas Tree, here are some alternative ingredients you can incorporate:

1. Vegetarian Delights: Replace the cured meats with vegetarian alternatives like smoked tofu, marinated seitan, or sliced portobello mushrooms. These substitutes will provide a similar flavor profile and keep your vegetarian guests satisfied.

2. Seafood Sensation: If you’re a seafood enthusiast, consider adding elements like smoked salmon, marinated anchovies, or grilled shrimp to your Antipasto Christmas Tree. These additions will infuse the appetizer with a fresh and oceanic twist.

3. Middle Eastern Flair: Introduce Middle Eastern flavors by incorporating ingredients such as marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, hummus, or baba ganoush into your cream cheese dip. These additions will create a vibrant and exotic fusion.

4. Sweet and Fruity: For those with a love for the sweet and tangy, include elements like dried apricots, cranberries, or thinly sliced apples into your Antipasto Christmas Tree. This will add a delightful contrast to the savory components.

5. Vegan Variety: If you’re following a vegan lifestyle or want to provide a vegan option for your guests, replace the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative, like cashew cream or a vegan cheese spread. This substitution ensures that everyone can enjoy the Antipasto Christmas Tree, regardless of dietary restrictions.

Antipasto Christmas Tree

Kimberly Booker RD

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 7

Cook Time 3

Total Time 10

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 177 kcal

Ingredients

For The Dip:

1/2 cup Red Bell Peppers or Capsicum, diced
1 tablespoon Onion Powder
2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
Salt to taste (if desired)
1/2 cup Sun-dried Tomatoes chopped
1/4 cup Dill Pickles finely diced
1/4 cup Chives chopped
1/4 cup Parsley chopped
4 cups Cream Cheese softened

For The Decorations:

Rosemary Leaves/Sprigs to decorate
Prosciutto slices for serving
Ritz Water Crackers, or Pretzels for serving
Salami slices for serving
1 1/2 – 2 cups Pitted Mixed Olives a variety of Black, Green, and Kalamata olives, dried with a paper towel
1/2 cup Sun-dried Tomatoes chopped (dried with a paper towel)