Christmas Spread

Name: Christmas Spread
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 8 oz Cream cheese (Softened); 1/4 cup Powdered sugar (Adjust based on sweetness preference); 1 tsp Vanilla extract; 1/2 cup Chopped cranberries; 1/4 cup Chopped nuts (e.g., pecans or walnuts); 1 tbsp Chopped herbs (e.g., rosemary or thyme) (Optional for extra flavor); 1 box Crackers or bread (For serving with the spread)

The holiday season is the perfect time to gather friends and family around the table, and what better way to celebrate than with a delightful and festive Christmas spread? This quick and easy recipe is sure to impress your guests while being simple enough for anyone to recreate.

Elevate Your Holiday Gatherings with a Christmas Spread

Nothing sets the mood for holiday cheer like a beautifully arranged platter. A Christmas spread not only provides a variety of flavors and textures but also becomes a centerpiece for conversation. This festive spread combines the richness of cream cheese with the bright flavors of cranberries and herbs, ensuring your holiday celebrations are delicious and memorable.

🧂 Ingredients:

Cream cheese
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Chopped cranberries
Chopped nuts (e.g., pecans or walnuts)
Herbs (e.g., rosemary or thyme)
Crackers or bread for serving

👩‍🍳 Directions:

Preparation: Start by letting your cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This ensures it’s soft and easy to blend.
Mixing: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to mix until smooth and creamy.
Adding Flavors: Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and nuts. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add finely chopped herbs for an extra burst of flavor. Rosemary or thyme pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cranberries.
Chill: Transfer the mixture into a serving dish, smoothing the top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld.
Serve: Once chilled, remove from the refrigerator and serve with an assortment of crackers or bread. The contrast of the creamy spread with the crunchy texture of crackers is simply delightful!

🩺 Health & Lifestyle Tie-in: Not only is this Christmas spread delicious, but it also packs a nutritional punch. The cream cheese provides protein, while the nuts offer heart-healthy fats. Eating well during the holidays can also lead to fewer health costs in the long run, so enjoy this festive treat guilt-free!

💡 Tips & Variations:

Add Spice: For an extra kick, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture.
Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of powdered sugar based on your sweetness preference. You can also use honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
Presentation: For a beautiful display, garnish with additional chopped cranberries and herbs on top of the spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I prepare this Christmas Spread in advance?
Yes! This spread can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

2. What can I serve with this spread?
Crackers, sliced baguette, and even fresh vegetable sticks are great accompaniments. Get creative with a variety of textures!

3. How can I make this spread lower in calories?
Opt for light cream cheese or Greek yogurt as a substitute for traditional cream cheese. You can also reduce the amount of powdered sugar to minimize sugar count.

4. Is it suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Christmas spread is vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for holiday gatherings that cater to various dietary preferences.

👉 Try it now! Whip up this Christmas spread at your next holiday gathering and watch your friends and family rave about it. If you make this dish, let me know in the comments or tag me — I’d love to see your version! Enjoy your festive celebrations and happy eating!