Prep Time: 35 min.

This Christmas Tree Cheese Platter is perfect for an easy holiday appetizer at all your holiday parties!

The pieces are perfectly bite-sized, and everyone will love the crunch of cucumber paired with creamy, salty feta.

If you prefer, you can fill the square cucumber cavities with herby cream cheese or sharp cheddar. You can even skip the Christmas tree shape and make a wreath instead (just be sure to top it with plenty of fresh basil leaves).

This tree cheese board recipe can conveniently be made in advance and stored in the fridge till you are ready to serve. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil, and sprinkle flaky sea salt and chili for a spicy kick.

You can serve the cucumber and feta bites on top of crackers and use pomegranate seeds or olives as 'baubles.'

TIP: Check out these chocolate christmas trees or grape trees for a sweet alternative. And for a more filling appetizer you can't miss sandwiches in the shape of a tree.

Ingredients

Instructions

Makes 1 platter.

1. Slice the cucumber into equal pieces.

2. Cut v-shape indents from the center of the cucumber to the outer edge, going all the way around. If you want to save time, you can omit this step.

3. Use the square cutter to cut out the middle of the cucumber slices.

4. Fill this with square-shaped feta pieces.

5. Arrange the cucumber and feta pieces in a Christmas tree shape. I used 18 pieces, but you can make it larger or smaller depending on how many people you serve.

6. Place the cucumber cutouts under the tree to make the tree trunk.

7. Use the round cutter to make red cheddar lights.

8. Top the tree with basil leaves and the cheddar lights.

9. Slice a piece of apple (or lemon peel) and trim a star with the star-shaped cutter.

10. Add the star to the top of the tree.

11. Serve.

Notes

The cookie cutters are part of a set and linked in my Shop.