What gives this dip its spicy flavor?

Fresh red chili pepper rings add a lively, spicy kick, balanced by smoked paprika and ground cumin for warmth without overpowering heat.

Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?

Yes, the dip can be mixed and shaped a few hours before serving. Keep it refrigerated and cover to maintain freshness.

Crackers, vegetable sticks like celery or carrot, and pita chips complement the creamy texture and spicy notes perfectly.

Monterey Jack or pepper jack can replace cheddar to vary the flavor profile while maintaining creamy consistency.

Diced green and yellow bell peppers serve as colorful accents resembling tree ornaments, adding crunch and fresh taste.

A festive, spicy dip shaped like a Christmas tree, featuring creamy cheese, fresh herbs, and a kick of chili peppers—perfect for holiday gatherings.

I love making this dip for family gatherings because it always brightens up the snack table and gets everyone talking.

Base: 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened, 120 g (1/2 cup) sour cream, 100 g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tbsp mayonnaise
Flavorings: 2 garlic cloves, minced, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives, 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Decoration & Topping: 2–3 fresh red chili peppers, thinly sliced into rings, 1/2 green bell pepper, diced, 1/2 yellow bell pepper, diced, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 small carrot, sliced into thin strips (for the tree trunk), Crackers or vegetable sticks, for serving

Step 1:: In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 2:: Add the garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, chives, and parsley. Stir until well combined.
Step 3:: Transfer the mixture onto a serving platter. Using a spatula, shape the dip into a Christmas tree form (triangle with a wide base and pointed top).
Step 4:: Decorate the tree with rings of red chili pepper (as garlands), diced green and yellow bell peppers (as ornaments), and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a pine needle effect.
Step 5:: Place carrot strips at the base to resemble the tree trunk.
Step 6:: Serve immediately with crackers or vegetable sticks, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

This dip has become a holiday staple for our family, bringing warmth and smiles to every gathering.

Serve with a variety of crackers and vegetable sticks for a colorful and crunchy pairing.

Try swapping cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile. Add pomegranate seeds for a festive red ornament touch.

Cover and refrigerate any leftovers for up to 3 days to maintain flavor and freshness.

This dip is the perfect festive appetizer that looks as good as it tastes.

→ What gives this dip its spicy flavor?: Fresh red chili pepper rings add a lively, spicy kick, balanced by smoked paprika and ground cumin for warmth without overpowering heat.
→ Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?: Yes, the dip can be mixed and shaped a few hours before serving. Keep it refrigerated and cover to maintain freshness.
→ What are suitable accompaniments for serving?: Crackers, vegetable sticks like celery or carrot, and pita chips complement the creamy texture and spicy notes perfectly.
→ Are there options to modify the cheese blend?: Monterey Jack or pepper jack can replace cheddar to vary the flavor profile while maintaining creamy consistency.
→ How do the bell peppers contribute?: Diced green and yellow bell peppers serve as colorful accents resembling tree ornaments, adding crunch and fresh taste.