Festive creamy dip with chili, herbs, and cheddar, shaped like a tree—ideal for parties and snacking.
# What You'll Need:
→ Base
01 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 1/2 cup sour cream
03 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
04 - 2 tbsp mayonnaise
→ Flavorings
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
10 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
11 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
→ Decoration & Topping
12 - 2 to 3 fresh red chili peppers, thinly sliced into rings
13 - 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
14 - 1/2 yellow bell pepper, diced
15 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
16 - 1 small carrot, sliced into thin strips
17 - Crackers or vegetable sticks, for serving
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.
02 - Mix in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, chopped chives, and parsley until evenly distributed.
03 - Spread the mixture onto a serving platter and shape it into a triangular Christmas tree with a wide base tapering to a pointed top using a spatula.
04 - Adorn the tree with red chili pepper rings as garlands, diced green and yellow bell peppers as ornaments, and sprinkle chopped cilantro to simulate pine needles.
05 - Place thin carrot strips at the bottom of the shape to represent the tree trunk.
06 - Present immediately with crackers or vegetable sticks, or refrigerate covered until ready to serve.
