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Show-Stopping Christmas Tree Veggie Platter with Whipped Feta

Christmas tree veggie platter with whipped feta - featured image
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A stunning Christmas tree-shaped veggie platter with creamy whipped feta dip. This easy, make-ahead appetizer is perfect for holiday parties and is always the first thing to disappear.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces feta cheese, drained
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons water, or more as needed
  • Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh dill or chives, finely chopped
  • 1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets
  • 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into small florets
  • 1 bag (10-12 ounces) cherry or grape tomatoes
  • 1 large red bell pepper, cut into small star shapes
  • 1 English cucumber, sliced into rounds or half-moons
  • 1 bunch of celery, cut into 3-inch sticks
  • Optional: Sugar snap peas, radishes, or baby carrots

Instructions

  1. Make the Whipped Feta Dip (5 minutes): Crumble the drained feta block into your food processor. Add the softened cream cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Pulse a few times to break everything up, then process continuously for about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides, add the water, and process again for another 30-60 seconds until the dip is completely smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add another tablespoon of water and process again. Taste and add black pepper. Stir in fresh h…
  2. Prep the Vegetables (15 minutes): Wash and thoroughly dry all your vegetables. Cut the broccoli and cauliflower into small, uniform florets — about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Slice the cucumber into rounds or half-moons. Cut the celery into 3-inch sticks. Halve the cherry tomatoes if they’re large, or leave them whole if they’re small. Cut the red bell pepper into a star shape using your cookie cutter. Set everything aside.
  3. Assemble the Tree Base (5 minutes): Place your serving platter or board on your work surface. If you’re using a wooden board, line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the small bowl of whipped feta dip at the bottom center of your board, about 2 inches from the edge.
  4. Build the Tree Trunk (2 minutes): Arrange the celery sticks vertically below the dip bowl, extending down toward the bottom edge of the board. You want about 4-5 sticks, side by side, to form a solid trunk.
  5. Layer the Tree Branches (10 minutes): Starting right above the dip bowl, begin arranging your broccoli and cauliflower florets in a triangular shape. Work from the bottom up, creating a wide base that gradually narrows to a point at the top. Alternate between broccoli and cauliflower for texture and color contrast. Use the larger florets at the bottom and smaller ones as you move up.
  6. Add the Ornaments (5 minutes): Scatter the cherry tomatoes over the green ‘branches’ of the tree. Press them gently into the gaps between the florets. Add the cucumber slices in a similar way, tucking them in for extra color and crunch.
  7. Place the Star Topper (1 minute): Gently set the red bell pepper star at the very top point of your tree. Press it down lightly so it stays in place.
  8. Serve Immediately or Refrigerate: This platter is best served cold. If you’re making it ahead, cover the entire board loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Add the star topper and any delicate herbs just before serving. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before guests arrive so the dip softens slightly.

Notes

Dry your vegetables thoroughly to prevent the tree from looking wilted. Cut florets small and uniform for the best visual impact. Don’t skip softening the cream cheese for a smooth dip. Build the tree from the bottom up for a natural pyramid shape. Use the dip bowl as an anchor to hold the bottom of the tree in place. The dip can be made a day ahead; vegetables can be washed and cut up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble the tree no more than 8 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas tree veggie platter, whipped feta dip, holiday appetizer, vegetable platter, Christmas appetizer, healthy appetizer, vegetarian appetizer, gluten-free appetizer

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/show-stopping-christmas-tree-veggie-platter-with-whipped-feta/