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If you want a Christmas appetizer that makes people light up, THIS Pickle Christmas Tree is it. It’s simple to assemble and guaranteed to be the most talked-about dish on the table.
I’ve wanted to make this appetizer for the longest time!
I have wanted to make a Pickle Christmas Tree for years, and today was finally the day it all went down in my kitchen. And this holiday appetizer honestly turned out EVEN cuter than I could have imagined!
My favorite kind of Christmas recipes are the ones that feel playful and fun! And this pickle tree hit the nail right on the head!
You Only Need a Few Ingredients to make this Pickle Tree
You only need a handful of ingredients and a few suplies to make this pickle tree. It’s great for a Christmas party as it’s one of those ideas that gets everyone talking. Even the grumpy one will crack a smile. ;) I mean, how could you not smile when you see this pickle tree?! Even my kids loved it!
It’s also a Fun Grinch Movie Party Idea
And if you are planning a Grinch-themed movie night or party, this pickle recipe would be such a fun holiday appetizer. Ever since McDonald’s launched their Grinch Happy Meals with the Dill Pickle Grinch Salt Fries, I cannot help but associate pickles with the Grinch.
Watch how to Make this Pickle Tree
It’s Even Easier Than It Looks
Even though this Christmas pickle tree does take time to assemble, the steps are straightforward. It is repetitive, like crocheting or repeating the same step. I turned on Christmas music, and before I knew it, the entire pickle tree was done.
Tips Before You Start
For a fuller, prettier pickle tree, try to buy a variety of baby pickle sizes. I used both, baby pickles and organic baby dill pickles.
Always buy extra. Just think, the more the merrier! But in all seriousness, the more dill pickles means you will have a better-shaped Christmas pickle tree.
What You Will Need
I included all the ingredients and supplies I bought to make this recipe here.
• Plastic wrap
• 11.9 inch foam crafting cone
• Toothpicks
• Small star cookie cutter
Ingredients
- 2 24-oz jars baby pickles
- 8 16-oz jars of organic baby dill pickles
- 1 container (10 ounces) cherry tomatoes
- Small block of cheddar cheese
- Fresh rosemary
How to Make a Pickle Christmas Tree
1. Prep the cone
Wrap the foam cone completely with food-safe plastic wrap. Place it on a plate or cutting board.
2. Sort the pickles
Separate your baby pickles into 7 groups from largest to smallest. Set aside 6 of the smallest pickles for the very top of the tree.
3. Build the first row
Insert a toothpick about 1½ inches above the base. Push it about ¾ of the way in and attach a pickle with the narrow end pointing up and the curved side facing outward. Continue around the cone.
4. Keep building upward
Repeat the process, switching to slightly smaller pickles for each row. Overlap the row below by about ¼ inch and place each pickle in the gaps of the row underneath for that classic tree shape.
5. Finish the top
Add 4 to 6 toothpicks at the top and attach the smallest baby pickles to create the tree tip.
6. Decorate
Add cherry tomatoes on toothpicks for ornaments.
7. Make the cheddar star
Cut a small star from cheddar cheese using a cookie cutter and secure it on top with a toothpick.
8. Garnish
Add fresh rosemary around the base to give your pickle tree that evergreen look.
Toothpick Reminder
A quick reminder… this pickle tree is held together with toothpicks, so let guests know before diving in, especially if kiddos are around. You could also display a note card with your appetizer.
Snack Ideas to Serve with Pickle Tree
Serve your pickle tree appetizer with cured meats, extra cheese, crackers, nuts, or even your favorite holiday dip.
More Easy Christmas Recipes
If you want more Christmas party ideas and easy Christmas recipes with few ingredients, do not miss my Snowman Appetizer and, of course, my cookbook Celebrating Every Day. You will find even more fun Christmas recipes like my Broccoli Christmas Tree and Snowman Cheeseball that are so much fun for any holiday party.
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Pickle Christmas Tree Appetizer
Ingredients
- 2 24 oz jar baby pickles, various sizes
- 8 16 oz jar organic baby dill pickles
- one 10 ounce container cherry tomatoes
- small block of cheddar cheese
- fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Wrap the foam crafting cone with food grade plastic wrap and place on a round plate or cutting board.
- Separate the pickles by size into 7 groups from largest to smallest. Reserve about 6 of the smallest pickles for the top of the tree. This will make tapering the pickles up the tree easier when constructing.
- Starting from the bottom of the cone, insert a toothpick about 1 1/2 inches up from the base of the cone. Press a toothpick 3/4 of the way into the cone and attach a pickle. Repeat until one row of pickles is complete. Notes: Attach the pickles with the smaller end facing up and curved side bowing outward.
- Repeat step #3 tapering up using smaller pickles for each subsequent row. Notes: Overlap the bottom row of pickles 1/4 of an inch with the top pickles. Also, place the top pickles in the gap between the bottom pickles.
- When you reach the top of the tree, insert 4-6 toothpicks on the top of the tree facing upward and attach the smallest pickles.
- Insert toothpicks into the tree and decorate with cherry tomatoes for the ornaments.
- Using a small star cookie cutter, cut out the cheese star and attach to the top of the tree with a toothpick. Notes: The cheese star can also be cut out by hand.
- Garnish the base of the tree with fresh rosemary.
- Optional, serve with cured meats, cheese, and nuts.
