Festive Garlic Herb Olive Tree Recipe

When it comes to holiday appetizers, the Garlic Herb Olive Tree is a surefire way to impress your guests while keeping things simple and stress-free. This creamy and savory centerpiece combines delicious cheeses, olives, and aromatic rosemary for a visually stunning appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Herb Olive Tree

• Stunning Presentation: This appetizer resembles a holiday tree, bringing charm and elegance to your table.
• Quick and Easy: Requires just 20 minutes of prep time, and no cooking is involved.
• Customizable: Swap ingredients or decorations to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Combines rich, creamy cheese with tangy olives and fresh rosemary.
• Versatile Pairing: Works beautifully with crackers, pretzels, or fresh baguette slices for a perfect bite.
• Perfect for Gifting: It’s easy to transport and makes a thoughtful, edible gift for holiday parties.

Not only does it look elegant, but it also tastes divine, making it the ideal addition to any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Garlic Herb Olive Tree

• Cream Cheese (8 oz): The creamy base for shaping the tree.
• Boursin Garlic and Herb Cheese (5.2 oz): Adds a burst of flavor and a velvety texture.
• Greek Olive Medley (10 olives): Provides a variety of textures and flavors.
• Kalamata Olives (10 olives): These rich, tangy olives complement the creamy cheese.
• Fresh Rosemary Sprigs (4): Trimmed into smaller pieces for decoration and fragrance.
• Ritz Crackers: For serving alongside the tree, pretzels or baguette slices work, too.

How to Make the Garlic Herb Olive Tree

Combine the Cheeses: In a mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese and Boursin cheese until smooth and well-mixed.

Shape the Tree: Turn the cheese mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap placed on a cutting board. Use the wrap to help shape the mixture into a triangular tree shape.

Add Decorations: Place the olives in various spots around the tree, pressing them gently into the cheese. Trim the rosemary sprigs and arrange them in between the olives for a tree-like appearance.

Top It Off: Insert a star-shaped bamboo skewer or other decorative topper at the tree’s peak.

Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the tree until ready to serve. Present it with crackers, pretzels, or baguette slices. A cheese knife makes spreading even easier.

Tips and Tricks

• Chilling is Key: Refrigerating the cheese mixture for 15 minutes before shaping can make it easier to work with.
• Star Topper Alternatives: If you don’t have a star skewer, a small star-shaped cookie cutter or edible decoration works well.
• Flavor Boost: Add finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or crushed nuts for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
• Mess-Free Serving: Use parchment paper on your serving plate to make cleanup easier.
• Room for Creativity: For a colorful twist, add pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries for a festive pop of red.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Shape the tree and chill it up to a day in advance for a stress-free serving experience.

Variations, Additions, and Substitutions

• Cheese Swaps: Replace Boursin with goat cheese or feta for a tangier flavor profile.
• Herb Variety: Experiment with thyme or dill alongside the rosemary for an herbaceous twist.
• Olive Options: Try green Castelvetrano olives or stuffed olives for a unique flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika into the cheese base for some heat.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Serve with cucumber slices or celery sticks instead of crackers.

Create Mini Garlic Herb Olive Trees for Individual Servings

If you’re hosting a larger gathering or want to serve individual portions, consider shaping the cheese mixture into smaller trees. Decorate them the same way, and serve each guest their personal “tree” with crackers or veggie sticks on the side. This fun and interactive twist can make your holiday spread even more memorable!

FAQ for The Garlic Herb Olive Tree

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the tree a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Add crackers or bread just before serving to keep them fresh.

2. How long can this sit out?
Since it contains dairy, it’s best to limit the tree’s time at room temperature to two hours for food safety.

3. Can I freeze this?
While freezing cream cheese-based recipes can alter the texture, you can freeze the mixture without decorations for up to a month. Decorate it after thawing.

4. What’s the best way to transport this to a party?
Shape the tree and add decorations, then cover it with plastic wrap and place it in a sturdy container. Add crackers or bread at the venue to avoid sogginess.

5. Can I make a vegan version?
Yes! Use plant-based cream cheese and a garlic herb spread. Opt for marinated artichokes or cherry tomatoes instead of olives for decoration.

This Garlic Herb Olive Tree isn’t just a recipe; it’s an edible masterpiece that transforms a simple spread into a holiday celebration.

Whether you’re hosting a party or bringing a dish to a potluck, this creamy, cheesy masterpiece will have everyone talking and maybe even asking for the recipe!

And trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for every holiday season. It’s festive, delicious, and irresistibly fun to create!

Festive Garlic Herb Olive Tree Recipe