Holiday appetizers are where creativity meets deliciousness, and this year, there’s one recipe that’s stealing the spotlight: Laughing Cow Cheese Christmas Trees. These adorable, festive treats are not just delightful to look at—they’re also incredibly easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to wow your guests. If you’re tired of the same old cheese boards and want something with a little more charm, this viral trend is the perfect addition to your holiday spread.
Let’s dive into how this genius appetizer works, why it’s become a holiday favorite, and how you can put your own twist on it to impress everyone at your next gathering.
Why Holiday Appetizers Set the Tone
Appetizers are like the opening act for a big concert—they set the mood and get everyone excited. During the holiday season, they take on an even bigger role, acting as icebreakers for festive gatherings. A thoughtfully crafted appetizer doesn’t just fill hungry bellies; it also doubles as decor, adding to the holiday ambiance.
Cheese, in particular, shines as a go-to ingredient. It’s versatile, universally loved, and works well with just about everything—from crackers to fresh fruits to cured meats. This is why cheese boards are such a hit. But this year, Laughing Cow Cheese Christmas Trees are giving even the fanciest charcuterie setups a run for their money.
The Magic of Laughing Cow Cheese Christmas Trees
So, what’s the buzz all about? Content creator @workeatplaylove (known as Nolina) introduced the world to this brilliant idea, and the concept is as simple as it is ingenious. Here’s the process:
- Unwrap the Cheese: Start with a wedge of Laughing Cow cheese. The wedges are already shaped like little Christmas trees—how convenient is that?
- Add the “Trunk”: Insert a pretzel stick into the wide base of the wedge to mimic a tree trunk.
- Decorate the Tree: Dip the cheese in Italian seasoning for a touch of greenery and sprinkle pomegranate arils to resemble ornaments.
- Serve in Style: Arrange the “trees” on a festive serving board—preferably one shaped like a tree for extra holiday flair.
The result? A whimsical appetizer that looks like it took hours but really comes together in minutes.
How to Customize Your Cheese Trees
What makes Laughing Cow Cheese Christmas Trees such a hit is their versatility. You can take the basic idea and tailor it to your taste preferences or the ingredients you have on hand.
1. Go Veggie-Forward
Looking for a lighter, healthier option? Pair the cheese with finely chopped broccoli florets, diced red peppers, or cherry tomatoes. Arrange these veggies on the cheese wedge to create a colorful, festive look.
2. Spice It Up
Want to give your trees a bold kick? Coat the cheese in finely chopped chives or parsley, sprinkle with red pepper flakes, and finish with a drizzle of hot honey. This spicy-sweet combo is sure to be a conversation starter.
3. Create a Charcuterie Twist
If you’re a fan of charcuterie boards, why not incorporate those elements into your trees? Use thin slices of salami or prosciutto as “garland,” green olives as ornaments, and rosemary sprigs for that pine-tree effect.
4. Try Other Cheeses
While Laughing Cow is the star of this recipe, you can easily switch things up. Content creator @themodernnonna used brie wedges for her version, dipping them in warm honey and coating them with crushed pistachios and dried cranberries. She finished the look with fresh mint leaves, creating an elegant variation that feels fancy but is just as easy to make.
Why This Appetizer Is Perfect for the Holidays
There’s a reason this appetizer has gone viral—it ticks all the boxes for a perfect holiday dish:
- Simple: Minimal ingredients and no cooking required.
- Customizable: Endless options to suit different tastes.
- Visually Stunning: A guaranteed showstopper on any table.
- Kid-Friendly: Little ones will love helping assemble the trees.
Plus, let’s be honest: anything that resembles Christmas trees automatically feels festive and fun.
Tips for Making the Best Cheese Christmas Trees
To ensure your cheese trees are a hit, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs, ripe fruits, and quality cheese for the best flavor.
- Plan Ahead: Assemble your trees a few hours before your party and store them in the fridge. This saves you time and stress on the big day.
- Get Creative with Presentation: Arrange the trees on a platter with additional garnishes like cranberries, rosemary sprigs, or even edible glitter for extra holiday magic.
Bring the Holiday Cheer to Your Table
Laughing Cow Cheese Christmas Trees aren’t just appetizers—they’re a conversation piece, a family-friendly activity, and a way to spread holiday cheer. Whether you stick to the classic version or put your own spin on it, this recipe is bound to become a holiday tradition you’ll return to year after year.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab a box of Laughing Cow cheese, some pretzel sticks, and your favorite toppings, and start creating your own edible forest. Your guests will thank you—and probably ask for the recipe!
Final Thoughts
The holidays are all about creating memorable moments, and what better way to do that than with an appetizer that’s as fun to make as it is to eat? Laughing Cow Cheese Christmas Trees are proof that sometimes the simplest ideas are the most impactful.
Ready to impress your friends and family? Go ahead, try this viral recipe—it might just become your new favorite holiday tradition.
