Frosted Christmas Tree Snack Board with Saffron Dip

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with a stunning Frosted Christmas Tree Snack Board with Saffron Dip—a festive, no-fuss appetizer that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. This show-stopping snack board features a charming arrangement of seasonal fruits, veggies, cheeses, and crackers in the shape of a Christmas tree, dusted with a light touch of powdered sugar for a “frosted” wintery look.

Paired with a creamy, golden saffron dip, this board is perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights by the fire. It’s an edible centerpiece that delights guests of all ages and tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This snack board is more than just visually impressive—it’s a delicious blend of savory and sweet bites with a luxurious saffron-infused dip that elevates every bite. It’s easy to customize with your favorite snacks, requires minimal cooking, and is fun for both adults and kids. Whether you’re entertaining a crowd or just adding a little cheer to your evening, this recipe is your go-to for a festive, fuss-free appetizer.

Ingredients

The beauty of this Frosted Christmas Tree Snack Board lies in its flexibility and presentation. Here’s what you’ll need to bring it to life:

• Cheeses: Cubes of white cheddar, brie wedges, and mozzarella pearls to create layers of “snowy” white contrast.
• Fruits: Red and green grapes, raspberries, and sugared cranberries for holiday color and natural sweetness.
• Vegetables: Cucumber rounds, broccoli florets, and cherry tomatoes for fresh green and red hues.
• Crackers & Breadsticks: An assortment of savory crackers and thin breadsticks to form the base.
• Garnishes: Fresh rosemary sprigs (for a pine-like look), edible stars, and a dusting of powdered sugar to mimic frost.

Saffron Dip Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 pinch saffron threads
• 1 tablespoon hot water
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Lemon zest for brightness

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 290mg
  (Note: Values vary depending on ingredients used.)

Make-Ahead Tips

This festive snack board is perfect for prepping in advance, saving you time on busy holiday days. Begin by washing and chopping your fruits and vegetables the night before; store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge to keep them crisp. The cheeses can also be pre-cut and wrapped tightly in wax paper or plastic wrap. Assemble your saffron dip up to two days ahead and refrigerate in a sealed jar—it actually tastes better after the saffron has had time to infuse fully.

When you’re ready to serve, arrange the components on a large cutting board or platter in a triangular, tree-like shape. Add fresh rosemary sprigs for a tree branch effect, and finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar just before presenting to give it that signature frosted look. This make-ahead strategy ensures you can spend more time celebrating and less time prepping in the kitchen.

Tips for Making It Even Better

Choose quality ingredients: The freshness of your produce and the richness of your cheese will make or break this board. Go for crisp, bright veggies and ripe but firm fruits. For the saffron dip, high-quality saffron adds depth, so avoid imitation or low-grade varieties.

Layer textures and colors: Contrast is key to a visually appealing board. Alternate smooth cheeses with crunchy crackers, soft fruits with crisp vegetables. Use bold reds and greens to amplify the festive vibe, and consider small accents like star-shaped cheese or cookies as decorative toppings.

Assemble like a tree artist: Start at the bottom with the widest layer and work your way up to a narrow peak. Use symmetry but allow for organic, slightly irregular spacing to make the “tree” look more natural. Finish with a sprig of rosemary as the trunk and a star topper for a charming final touch. Keep extras nearby for easy refilling.

Frosted Christmas Tree Snack Board with Saffron Dip

Servings

6–8

servings

Prep time

25

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Total time

25

minutes

Ingredients

• Snack Board

• 1 cup white cheddar, cubed

• 1/2 wheel brie, cut into wedges

• 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls

• 1 cup grapes (red and green)

• 1/2 cup raspberries

• 1/2 cup sugared cranberries

• 1 cup cucumber rounds

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes

• 1 cup assorted crackers

• 1/2 cup breadsticks

• Fresh rosemary sprigs

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

• Edible stars (optional)

• Saffron Dip

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 1 tbsp mayonnaise

• 1 pinch saffron threads

• 1 tbsp hot water

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• Optional: 1/2 tsp lemon zest

Directions

• Infuse Saffron: Steep saffron threads in 1 tablespoon of hot water for 10 minutes.
• Make Dip: In a bowl, combine yogurt, sour cream, mayo, minced garlic, saffron water, salt, and pepper. Add lemon zest if desired. Chill until ready to serve.
• Prep Ingredients: Wash, dry, and chop all fruits and vegetables. Cut cheeses into bite-sized pieces.
• Assemble Tree: On a large board, layer ingredients in a tree shape, starting with crackers and breadsticks at the bottom, then adding fruits, veggies, and cheeses in rows.
• Decorate: Add rosemary sprigs between rows, place edible stars on top, and dust lightly with powdered sugar for a “frosted” finish.
• Serve: Place saffron dip in a small bowl at the base of the tree. Serve immediately or refrigerate briefly until guests arrive.

Read Also:-  Cheesy & Spicy Jalapeno Popper Dip

Notes

• A festive centerpiece that’s as fun to make as it is to share—happy holidays and happy snacking!