The Christmas & Cream Spread is everything you dream of in a holiday appetizer: creamy, vibrant, and just the right amount of sweet and tangy. Imagine a luscious, smooth cream cheese base, studded with pops of crimson dried cranberries, bright flecks of orange zest, and a festive crunch from pistachios. Serve it alongside crisp crackers or pillowy baguette slices, and watch it disappear before your eyes! This spread isn’t just delicious—it’s full of holiday cheer and makes the perfect centerpiece for any gathering.

Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients come together in the most magical way for this recipe! Each one plays a key role in the taste, texture, and festive flair that make this Christmas & Cream Spread a true showstopper.

Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): The creamy, mild base that makes this spread irresistibly smooth and rich.
Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a gentle sweetness that balances the tang of the cream cheese.
Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the spread with warm, cozy undertones that round out the flavors.
Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Brings a subtle nutty depth—totally optional, but highly recommended for that extra holiday sparkle!
Dried cranberries (1/2 cup, chopped): Little bursts of tart sweetness and gorgeous red color that just scream festive.
Pistachios (1/4 cup, chopped): Crunchy and beautifully green, they offer delicious texture and visual contrast.
Orange zest (2 tablespoons): Bright, fragrant citrus notes that make every bite taste like Christmas.
Crackers or sliced baguette (for serving): The perfect snack-sized vessels for scooping up every creamy, flavorful bite!

How to Make Christmas & Cream Spread

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Base

Begin by adding your softened cream cheese to a medium bowl. Sprinkle in the powdered sugar, pour over the vanilla extract, and, if you want that little touch of magic, add the almond extract as well. Use a hand mixer (or some good old-fashioned elbow grease with a spatula) to blend everything together until the mixture is silky-smooth and fluffy—this is your delicious, cloud-like canvas!

Step 2: Fold in the Festive Mix-Ins

Now it’s time for the fun! Add in your chopped dried cranberries, chopped pistachios, and generous orange zest. Gently fold them into the cream cheese mixture with a spatula, making sure those jeweled bits are evenly distributed throughout for a colorful, gorgeous spread.

Step 3: Shape and Chill

Spoon the finished spread into your chosen serving dish, or for an extra wow factor, shape it into a log with the help of plastic wrap. Pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up and let the flavors blend together. Your kitchen will start to smell like the holidays before you can even set out the crackers!

Step 4: Serve and Shine

Right before serving, you can sprinkle a few extra cranberries and pistachios on top to take your Christmas & Cream Spread from lovely to spectacular. Lay out your favorite crackers, crostini, or fresh baguette slices, and watch as friends and family dive in!

How to Serve Christmas & Cream Spread

Garnishes

A handful of extra chopped cranberries and pistachios sprinkled up top instantly transforms your spread into something truly party-worthy. If you have leftover orange zest, a small dusting on the surface amps up the color and fragrance, turning every scoop into a mini celebration.

Side Dishes

Serve your Christmas & Cream Spread with a cheerful platter of crackers, crostini, or baguette slices—just make sure they’re sturdy enough for generous scooping! For an extra festive touch, add some sliced apples, pears, or grapes alongside. Their crispness and sweetness pair perfectly with the rich cream cheese and bright fruit-and-nut mix.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your imagination lead the way! Shape the spread into a ball and roll it in chopped pistachios for a holiday cheese ball effect, or use small cookie cutters to create festive shapes. Serve individual mini-spreads in pretty ramekins or even spooned onto endive leaves for elegant bite-sized treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the Christmas & Cream Spread tightly and refrigerate. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it a perfect make-ahead appetizer for busy holiday hosting.

Freezing

The spread freezes surprisingly well! If you want to get ahead of party prep, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap (shaped as a log or in an airtight container) and freeze for up to one month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving, and give it a quick stir for the freshest texture.

Reheating

For the best texture, serve this spread chilled straight from the refrigerator, not heated. If you’ve frozen it, just let it thaw in the fridge and set it out at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly—you want it spreadable but not runny.

FAQs

Can I make Christmas & Cream Spread ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this spread up to two days in advance. The flavors actually meld together even more beautifully as it sits in the fridge, so it’s a win-win for busy holiday hosts.

Is there a dairy-free or vegan alternative?

Yes, you can easily swap the regular cream cheese with your favorite dairy-free or vegan cream cheese. All the other ingredients are naturally plant-based, so this recipe adapts beautifully for everyone at your table.

Can I substitute other nuts or fruits?

If pistachios aren’t your thing, try toasted pecans, walnuts, or even almonds for a different, but equally delicious, twist. Swap the cranberries for chopped dried cherries or apricots to suit your taste or what you have on hand!

What’s the best way to serve this at a party?

Serve Christmas & Cream Spread in a low, wide dish so your guests can easily scoop every bit. Lay out an assortment of crackers, crostini, and sliced baguette so there’s something for everyone—don’t forget to add festive garnishes right before serving for that wow factor!

Is the spread gluten-free?

The spread itself is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free crackers or bread if you’re accommodating gluten-sensitive guests.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a foolproof, crowd-pleasing party appetizer, look no further than this Christmas & Cream Spread. It’s equal parts stunning and simple, and I can promise you—your holiday table will feel brighter and merrier with it front and center. Give it a try and let the compliments roll in!

Christmas & Cream Spread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free (if served with GF crackers)

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Description

Indulge in the festive flavors of the season with this Christmas & Cream Spread. Creamy, tangy cream cheese combined with sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pistachios, and zesty orange zest make for a delightful holiday appetizer that is perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Ingredients

Scale

Cream Spread:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Additional Ingredients:

1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped pistachios
2 tablespoons orange zest
Crackers or sliced baguette (for serving)

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Instructions

Prepare Cream Spread: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth and creamy.
Combine Ingredients: Fold in the dried cranberries, pistachios, and orange zest until evenly distributed.
Chill: Spoon the spread into a serving dish or shape into a log using plastic wrap. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Serve: Serve with crackers, crostini, or baguette slices.