If you're looking to upgrade your holiday party fare from a standard cheese board or antipasto plate into something even more festive, Rachael's culinary team has your back with appetizers in the shape of Christmas trees!
All you need is a styrofoam cone from a craft store and plenty of snacks to create this incredible "forest" of snack trees that Senior Culinary Producer Jeanette Donnarumma and Food Stylists Tina Wu-Chae and Kate Bennert put together.
Watch the video above to see how to make each one and get the recipes below!
This colorful tree will satisfy the meat-eaters in your family while fulfilling an Italian-American holiday tradition. Using toothpicks, cover your tree with salami, prosciutto, pepperoni, and other cured meats. You can also add tiny mozzarella balls and olives.
GET THE RECIPE: ANTIPASTO TREE
2. CRUDITE TREE
To make a stunning crudite tree, use cruciferous vegetables that can be easily broken into florets. We like bright green Romanesco broccoli, but regular old cauliflower and broccoli work just as well too. You can also make a second tree from colorful strips of cut bell peppers!
The real secret to making an irresistible crudite platter, though? A cheese ball. Turn your cheese balls into squares of various sizes and place them at the base of your tree to act as presents.
GET THE RECIPE: CRUDITE TREE
3. PRETZEL TREE
Turn everyone’s mall favorite into a holiday snack with this festive tree! Fasten pretzel balls to the cone and then cut out stars of cheddar cheese to decorate. Serve alongside a kicky sauce of mayo, mustard and honey for a snack that your guests won’t be able to resist.
GET THE RECIPE: PRETZEL TREE
