Best 2 Basil Parmesan Spread Red White And Green Christmas Appetizer Recipes

Indulge in a delightful and festive appetizer that embodies the colors of Christmas – Basil Parmesan Spread. This vibrant and flavorful spread is a perfect addition to your holiday gatherings, adding a touch of elegance and cheer to your table. Adorned with fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and a hint of garlic, this creamy and tangy spread tantalizes the taste buds and complements an assortment of crackers, bread slices, and vegetable crudités. Along with this star appetizer, the article also presents a collection of equally enticing recipes, including a mouthwatering Creamy Pesto Pasta, a hearty and comforting Chicken Pesto Soup, and a refreshing Pesto Grilled Shrimp Skewers. These culinary creations are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them ideal for any festive occasion.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CHEESE AND CRACKERS CHRISTMAS TREE

Cheese and Crackers Christmas Tree image

Add extra flair to your holiday spread with this impressive cheese-and-cracker Christmas tree that's actually very easy to make. Serve it with extra crackers on the side.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories appetizer

Time 1h

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

Two 8-ounce blocks cream cheese, at room temperature
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
5 cups shredded white Cheddar (about 16 ounces)
Kosher salt
1 pretzel rod
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for dusting
1/2 cup pretzel sticks (about 40 pieces)
1/2 cup mini buttery crackers (about 45 pieces)
1/4 cup sliced almonds
2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
Crackers, for serving

Steps:

Put the cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, lemon zest, shredded Cheddar and 1 teaspoon salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and mix until thoroughly combined, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula as needed.
Mound about 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture on a serving plate and insert the pretzel rod vertically (the pretzel will help to hold up the structure). Add more of the cheese mixture, forming it around the pretzel rod and into a cone shape about 6 inches wide and 10 inches tall.
Press the chopped parsley into the surface of the cheese tree to make it green, making sure to cover all the white areas. Chill in the refrigerator until firm, about 30 minutes.
Insert the pretzel sticks, mini butter crackers and almonds all over the tree, angled downward to create "branches". Take care to alternate the ingredients to add variety and depth. As you decorate the top, break the pretzel sticks in half so they are proportional to the size of the tree. Top the tree with one sliced almond for the "star". Tuck the pomegranate seeds in between the branches for festive "lights". Dust the edges with more finely chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan "snow". Serve with crackers on the side.

BASIL PARMESAN DIP (COOKING LIGHT)

Basil Parmesan Dip (Cooking Light) image

This addictive dip is from the July '09 Cooking Light issue. I served this for dipping with pita chips and also with bread cubes. It makes a WONDERFUL sandwich spread - we put it on a turkey sandwich. The original recipe didn't call for the olive oil; I decided to add it since it only adds about 1 fat gram per 2 tablespoon serving. So you can certainly leave it out if you're watching fat grams.

Provided by appleydapply

Categories Spreads

Time 5m

Yield 1 cup, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaf (don't use dried)
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese or 3/4 cup romano cheese
3/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
extra basil (to garnish)

Steps:

Place all ingredients in food processor or blender and process until smooth.
Serve with pita chips, bagel crisps, or bread cubes. Or use instead of mayonnaise on a turkey sandwich.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 88.4, Fat 7.1, SaturatedFat 3.5, Cholesterol 17.1, Sodium 153, Carbohydrate 1.9, Fiber 0.2, Sugar 0.2, Protein 4.4

Tips:

For the best flavor, use fresh basil leaves. If you don't have fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but it won't be as flavorful.
Make sure the cream cheese is softened before you start making the spread. This will make it easier to mix and spread.
If you want a smoother spread, you can use a food processor or blender to mix the ingredients.
Be careful not to overmix the spread, or it will become too thin.
Serve the spread immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Basil parmesan spread is a delicious and easy appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. It's made with just a few simple ingredients and can be prepared in minutes. The creamy texture of the spread is complemented by the fresh flavor of basil and the nutty flavor of parmesan cheese. This spread is sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering.