Christmas Tree Cheese Platter

If you’re looking for a Christmas appetizer that’s festive, easy to make, and doesn’t require turning on the oven, this Christmas Tree Cheese Platter is perfect! Made with cubes of Colby Jack and Gouda cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh rosemary, this adorable holiday appetizer looks like a little Christmas tree right on your serving platter.

I love finding easy Christmas party food ideas that look impressive but don’t take much time to put together. And this one couldn’t be simpler! With just four ingredients and about 15 minutes, you can create a festive appetizer that looks beautiful on your holiday table.

Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner, putting together a holiday snack board, or bringing something to a Christmas party, this Christmas Tree Cheese Board is a fun way to serve something everyone can enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Tree Cheese Platter

This festive cheese platter is one of those appetizers that looks like you put in a lot more effort than you actually did!

It’s colorful, easy to assemble, and perfect for setting out when guests arrive.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Only Four Ingredients: You don’t need a long shopping list to make this festive appetizer.
• Ready in 15 Minutes: There’s no cooking or baking required.
• Perfect for Christmas Parties: The Christmas tree shape makes it a fun addition to any holiday appetizer table.
• Easy to Customize: You can swap the cheeses or add your favorite snacks.
• Great for Sharing: Guests can grab a few bites while visiting before the main meal.

It’s also a great last minute Christmas appetizer when you need something festive without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need four simple ingredients to make this Christmas Tree Cheese Platter.

• Colby Jack Cheese – This mild, creamy cheese adds beautiful yellow and orange color to the platter. Cut it into small cubes for easy serving.
• Gouda Cheese – Gouda has a smooth, slightly nutty flavor that pairs nicely with the Colby Jack and tomatoes.
• Cherry Tomatoes – These bright red tomatoes add a pop of Christmas color and a fresh, juicy bite.
• Fresh Rosemary Sprigs – Rosemary adds the perfect touch of greenery and makes the platter look like a festive Christmas tree.

The combination of yellow cheese, red tomatoes, and green rosemary gives this appetizer its classic Christmas colors without needing any complicated decorations.

How to Make a Christmas Tree Cheese Platter

This easy Christmas cheese platter comes together in just a few minutes. All you need to do is prepare the ingredients and arrange them in a festive Christmas tree pattern.

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese

Cut 1 cup of Colby Jack cheese and 1 cup of Gouda cheese into small, bite sized cubes.

Try to keep the cubes approximately the same size so the finished platter looks neat and evenly arranged.

You can also purchase pre-cubed cheese to save even more time.

Step 2: Wash the Cherry Tomatoes

Rinse ½ cup cherry tomatoes under cool water and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Drying the tomatoes helps keep excess moisture off the cheese and serving platter.

Step 3: Start Building the Christmas Tree

Place your Christmas tree shaped platter on a flat surface.

Begin near the top of the platter by arranging a small row of Gouda cheese cubes.

Try to follow the outline of the Christmas tree as you arrange the ingredients.

Step 4: Add the Cherry Tomatoes

Directly beneath the Gouda cheese, arrange a row of cherry tomatoes.

The bright red tomatoes will create a colorful stripe across your Christmas tree.

Step 5: Add the Colby Jack Cheese

Place a row of Colby Jack cheese cubes beneath the tomatoes.

Continue arranging the ingredients so the rows gradually become wider toward the bottom of the platter.

Step 6: Add the Rosemary

Place a few fresh rosemary sprigs beneath the Colby Jack cheese.

The rosemary adds a beautiful green stripe and helps give the platter its Christmas tree appearance.

Step 7: Repeat the Pattern

Continue building the tree by adding another layer of Gouda cheese, followed by cherry tomatoes and Colby Jack cheese.

Keep the rows neat and follow the shape of your serving platter.

Step 8: Finish the Christmas Tree

Complete the platter by arranging fresh rosemary sprigs along the bottom of the tree.

Adjust the cheese cubes and tomatoes as needed to fill in any gaps and create a full Christmas tree shape.

Your festive Christmas Tree Cheese Platter is ready to serve!

Tips & Variations

There are plenty of ways to customize this Christmas Tree Cheese Board depending on what you have on hand or what your family enjoys.

• Use Different Cheeses: Try cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for different flavors and colors.
• Save Time with Cubed Cheese: Purchase precut cheese cubes from the grocery store to make assembly even faster.
• Add Crackers on the Side: Serve your cheese platter with a basket of buttery crackers or pretzels.
• Try Green Grapes: Add a few green grapes for another festive color and a touch of sweetness.
• Use a Regular Serving Board: If you don’t have a Christmas tree shaped platter, arrange the ingredients in a triangle on a large cutting board or serving tray.
• Add a Cheese Star: Cut a star from a slice of cheddar cheese and place it at the top of the tree for an extra festive touch.
• Prepare Ahead: Cut the cheese and wash the tomatoes ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble.
• Keep It Chilled: Refrigerate the platter until serving time, and avoid leaving perishable cheese out for more than 2 hours.

Perfect For:

This Christmas Tree Cheese Platter is a fun and easy appetizer for just about any holiday gathering.

• Christmas Eve parties
• Christmas dinner appetizers
• Holiday potlucks
• Family Christmas gatherings
• Office Christmas parties
• Christmas movie nights
• Holiday snack boards
• Festive brunch tables
• New Year’s Eve celebrations

It’s especially nice when you need something simple to put together while you’re busy preparing the rest of your holiday meal.

📸 Don’t Forget the Photo Op!

This colorful Christmas tree cheese platter is definitely worth snapping a picture of before everyone starts snacking!

Place it on your holiday table with a few Christmas decorations nearby, or set it on a wooden board for a simple, festive background.

The bright red tomatoes, golden cheese cubes, and fresh green rosemary make such a pretty combination!

We’d love to see your Christmas Tree Cheese Platter! Tag @BiteSizedFun or use #BiteSizedFun so we can see your festive holiday creations!

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re planning a Christmas party or putting together a festive appetizer spread, here are a few more fun recipes to try!

• Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Puff Pastry: Flaky puff pastry filled with creamy spinach dip and shaped into a festive pull apart Christmas tree.
• Hot Cheese Dip: A warm, cheesy appetizer that’s perfect for serving with crackers or bread.

This Christmas Tree Cheese Platter is proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to make something special for the holidays.

With just a few simple ingredients and a little creativity, you can put together an adorable Christmas appetizer that everyone will love!

One More Thing!

This recipe is part of our collection of easy Christmas appetizers and holiday party foods. Be sure to explore more of our festive snack boards, dips, and bite sized recipes for your next celebration!