The Christmas tree appetizer is not a real recipe, but a very simple and scenic idea to make the holiday aperitif special. All you need is a styrofoam cone and a handful of toothpicks to transform your favorite ingredients into a beautiful edible centerpiece that will surprise your guests.
You can get creative with what you have in the fridge: mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, salami, Emmental cubes, olives, grapes… each color adds a different touch and makes the little tree even richer and more inviting. It’s a quick idea that’s easy for everyone, perfect when you want to impress guests without cooking.
If you’re looking for an original and fun Christmas appetizer, this little tree is the perfect choice. Let’s see how to make it together!
If you’re looking for more holiday ideas, check out these suggestions:
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 4 People
- Cooking methods: No Cooking
- Seasonality: Christmas
Ingredients
- 10.5 oz cherry tomatoes
- 7 oz mini mozzarella balls
- as needed green olives (or black)
- 5.3 oz Hungarian salami (or other cold cuts)
- 5.3 oz Emmental cheese (or Edam)
- 5.3 oz white grapes (or pink)
- rosemary
The quantities of the ingredients are indicative and may vary based on the size of the cone and how much you want to fill it.
Tools
- Mold styrofoam cone
- Toothpicks
- Plastic wrap
Preparation
Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes and grape berries.
Drain the olives and mozzarella balls well.
Cut the Emmental cheese into cubes or into small star shapes as shown in the picture.
Fold the slices of salami to create small rosettes.
Take the styrofoam cone and completely cover it with plastic wrap, so it doesn’t come into direct contact with the food.
Pierce the ingredients with the toothpicks and insert them into the cone until all spaces are filled, in any order you like. Between one toothpick and another, garnish with small sprigs of rosemary to resemble pine needles.
If the toothpicks stick out too much, cut off a piece with scissors.
At the top of the tree, you can place a piece of cheese cut into a star shape (like I did), or a cherry tomato or an olive.
Place the Christmas tree appetizer on a plate and bring it to the table, accompanied by crackers, snacks, or dips… enjoy!
Tips and Notes
For 4-6 people, you will need a cone about 10.63-11.81 inches tall, or you can use 2 smaller ones.
You can decorate the tree with other ingredients: cold cuts such as cooked ham, raw ham, or bresaola, small pieces of sausage, different types of cheese, various types of olives, puff pastry pinwheels previously baked in the oven.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Can I prepare the tree in advance?
I recommend assembling it at the last minute, so the ingredients (especially the cheese and cold cuts) stay fresh. However, if you need to prepare it ahead of time, keep it in the fridge until serving.
Can I omit the cold cuts?
Of course, you can make the tree with the ingredients you prefer, even just vegetarian or vegan options.
