Bring holiday cheer to your table with the whimsical and delicious "Cheesy Santa," a festive appetizer that's as fun to make as it is to eat! This no-cook recipe transforms a creamy blend of cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheddar into an edible work of art, shaped like everyone's favorite jolly character. Topped with vibrant red bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, and black olives for Santa's hat and face, and accented with fresh parsley for his fluffy beard, this appetizer is a show-stopper perfect for Christmas parties. Served with an assortment of crunchy crackers, it’s an irresistible crowd-pleaser that combines creamy textures with seasonal flair. Ready in just 25 minutes, the Cheesy Santa is the ultimate festive centerpiece that’s both tasty and Instagram-worthy!
In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheddar cheese until well combined.
Add the salt and garlic powder to the cheese mixture and stir to season the base.
Divide the mixture into two portions: one larger for Santa’s face and one smaller for his hat.
On a large serving platter, shape the larger portion into an oval shape to form Santa’s face.
With the smaller portion, form Santa’s hat above the oval shape, leaving space to add the decorative red parts.
Cut the red bell pepper into curved shapes to form strips for Santa’s hat and place them onto the upper portion of the cheese spread.
Halve the cherry tomatoes and use them to decorate the fur edge of Santa's hat and a pom-pom at the tip.
Slice two black olives into thin rounds for Santa’s eyes and place them on the face area.
Cut a slice of cherry tomato or use a small cube of red bell pepper for Santa’s nose.
Trim fresh parsley leaves and arrange them underneath the face as Santa’s beard and around the platter for garnish.
Serve with a variety of crackers around the platter for dipping and enjoy the festive creation!
Calories |
5609 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 354.1 g | 454% | |
| Saturated Fat | 123.5 g | 618% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 85.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 395 mg | 132% | |
| Sodium | 11239 mg | 489% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 505.8 g | 184% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 47.2 g | 169% | |
| Total Sugars | 108.0 g | ||
| Protein | 120.8 g | 242% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2814 mg | 216% | |
| Iron | 67.6 mg | 376% | |
| Potassium | 6197 mg | 132% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.