Name: Cream Cheese Havarti Parmesan: 10 Festive Appetizer Ideas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup Havarti cheese, shredded; 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated; 1 sheet refrigerated pizza dough (about 13 oz); 2 tbsp chopped parsley; 1 tbsp chopped rosemary; 1 tbsp chopped thyme; 2 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 large egg, beaten (for brushing); 2 tbsp sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional); 2 tbsp chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional); 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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Cream Cheese Havarti Parmesan is the perfect festive appetizer for your holiday gatherings. This delightful pull-apart Christmas tree features a creamy blend of Havarti cheese, Parmesan, and cream cheese, all wrapped in golden pizza dough. Topped with fresh herbs, it’s not just delicious but visually stunning, guaranteed to be a showstopper. Let’s dive into how to create this irresistible dish!

Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Havarti Parmesan

This recipe is a winner for many reasons. First, it combines three delightful cheeses into a creamy texture that everyone loves. The Creamy Havarti Cheese melts beautifully, while the Parmesan cheese blend adds a nutty flavor that complements the cream cheese perfectly. It’s easy to make and only takes about 40 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for busy holiday seasons. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly, allowing everyone to indulge!

Delicious blend of cheeses
Perfect for parties and gatherings
Visually appealing Christmas tree shape
Quick to prepare and bake
Great for dipping or spreading
Versatile with various serving options

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Havarti Parmesan

Gather these items:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup Havarti cheese, shredded
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
1 sheet refrigerated pizza dough (about 13 oz)
2 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tbsp chopped rosemary
1 tbsp chopped thyme
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 large egg, beaten (for brushing)
2 tbsp sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)
2 tbsp chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

How to Make Cream Cheese Havarti Parmesan Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, shredded Havarti, grated Parmesan, parsley, rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Step 3: Unroll pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll out to a rectangle about 14×10 inches.
Step 4: Cut out a large triangle for the tree shape. Use leftover dough to form a trunk and branches if desired. Place the triangle on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Spread cheese mixture evenly over the triangle, leaving about 1/2 inch from the edges.
Step 6: Roll out remaining dough and cut a matching triangle. Place over the filling and pinch edges to seal.
Step 7: Make horizontal cuts about 1 inch apart along both sides of the tree, leaving the center intact. Twist each branch 2-3 times to expose filling.
Step 8: Brush the entire tree with beaten egg. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds and extra herbs if desired.
Step 9: Bake for 22-26 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.
Step 10: Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Pro Tips for the Best Cream Cheese Havarti Parmesan

Keep these in mind:

Use the best cream cheese for spreading to get a smooth texture.
Don’t skip the herbs; they elevate the flavor immensely.
Serve warm for the best gooey experience.
For an extra kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.

Best Ways to Serve Cream Cheese Havarti Parmesan

This festive appetizer can be served in various ways:

Pair it with a creamy cheese spread for dipping.
Serve alongside a selection of crackers and fresh vegetables.
Include it on a cheese board for a beautiful presentation.

How to Store and Reheat Cream Cheese Havarti Parmesan

After making this delicious appetizer, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. This is a great option for meal prep during the holidays!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cream Cheese Havarti Parmesan

What’s the secret to perfect Cream Cheese Havarti Parmesan?

The secret lies in using high-quality ingredients and ensuring that your cream cheese is softened for easy mixing. Havarti cheese with cream cheese creates an incredibly creamy texture that makes this dish irresistible.

Can I make Cream Cheese Havarti Parmesan ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cheese mixture and assemble the tree ahead of time. Just keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it right before serving for the freshest taste!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cream Cheese Havarti Parmesan?

Avoid overfilling the dough to prevent leaks during baking. Also, ensure the dough is rolled out evenly for consistent cooking. Try different Havarti cheese varieties for unique flavors!

Variations of Cream Cheese Havarti Parmesan You Can Try

There are several ways to customize this recipe:

Incorporate different herbs such as dill or basil for varied flavors.
Add chopped olives for a Mediterranean twist.
Include roasted garlic for a deeper, richer taste.

This vegetarian dish not only satisfies your cheese cravings but also impresses your guests with its festive presentation. Enjoy creating this delicious centerpiece!

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread for a delightful twist. If you’re looking for more holiday appetizers, consider Cranberry Brie Bites as a perfect pairing!

Cream Cheese Havarti Parmesan: 10 Festive Appetizer Ideas

Author: basmer
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This festive pull-apart Christmas tree appetizer features a creamy blend of Havarti, Parmesan, and cream cheese, wrapped in golden pizza dough and topped with fresh herbs.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, shredded Havarti, grated Parmesan, parsley, rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Unroll pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll out to a rectangle about 14×10 inches.
Cut out a large triangle for the tree shape. Use leftover dough to form a trunk and branches if desired. Place triangle on prepared baking sheet.
Spread cheese mixture evenly over the triangle, leaving about 1/2 inch from the edges.
Roll out remaining dough and cut a matching triangle. Place over the filling and pinch edges to seal.
Make horizontal cuts about 1 inch apart along both sides of the tree, leaving the center intact. Twist each branch 2-3 times to expose filling.
Brush the entire tree with beaten egg. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds and extra herbs if desired.
Bake for 22-26 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.
Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.