Christmas Tree Bean Dip with Pesto Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a festive appetizer that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, then you’re going to fall head over heels for my Christmas Tree Bean Dip with Pesto Recipe. This dip is the kind of dish that instantly transforms any holiday gathering into a cozy, colorful celebration. I promise, once you see how simple and fun this is to make, you’ll find yourself reaching for it every holiday season (and beyond!). Plus, it’s packed with creamy, tangy, and vibrant flavors that your guests won’t stop raving about.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Christmas Tree Bean Dip with Pesto Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that balance creaminess with vibrant, colorful toppings. Here’s what I typically pick up at the store, and why each ingredient shines in this festive dip.

• Cannellini beans: These white beans give the dip a silky smooth base and mild flavor that complements pesto beautifully.
• Reduced-fat cream cheese: I prefer Neufchâtel for its lower fat and just-right tang—makes the texture super creamy.
• Kosher salt: Key to bringing out all the flavors without overpowering the dip.
• Fresh or refrigerated pesto: This adds that vibrant green color and punch of herbaceous flavor—choose a high-quality brand for the best results.
• Yellow bell pepper: Perfect to cut into a star shape for the tree topper—bright and eye-catching.
• Brownish or purple-black pepper: I like this for the tree trunk because of its deep, earthy color that pairs well visually.
• Chopped artichoke hearts: They add a pleasant, slightly tangy bite and interesting texture.
• Chopped jarred roasted red peppers: Sweet and smoky, these are like edible garland on the tree.
• Kalamata olives: Sliced into rings, they look like tiny tree ornaments and give a salty contrast.
• Sweety Drop peppers: Those tiny tear-shaped peppers add a pop of fresh color and a mild, fun crunch.
• Crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese: Or tomato-basil flavored feta if you want a little extra zing—it’s like snowy sprinkles on top.

Variations

I love making this Christmas Tree Bean Dip with Pesto Recipe my own by playing with different toppings or adding flavors to the base. It’s a great opportunity to experiment and make it just right for your crowd.

• Dairy-Free Version: Replace cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese or blend in ripe avocado for creaminess—I tried this once, and it still had that festive vibe!
• Herb Variations: Swap out basil pesto for sun-dried tomato pesto or even a cilantro-lime pesto for a fresh twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes into the base before blending for a subtle heat that wakes up the flavors.
• Different Toppings: Try cherry tomatoes halved, chopped walnuts, or even small mozzarella balls as ornaments—my family goes crazy for those little mozzarella “baubles.”

How to Make Christmas Tree Bean Dip with Pesto Recipe

Step 1: Blend the Creamy Base

Begin by combining the drained cannellini beans, cream cheese, and kosher salt in your blender or food processor. I usually use the mini chopper from my Ninja set because it’s just the right size for this. Pulse until the mixture is velvety smooth—scraping down the sides once or twice helps get every bit blended perfectly. This silky base is exactly what makes the dip so addictive, so take your time here!

Step 2: Shape Your Christmas Tree

Spread the bean and cream cheese mixture onto your serving platter in the shape of a Christmas tree. My go-to is a large 12″ x 16″ oval platter, but feel free to use whatever you have. The key is to keep a sturdy shape with slightly defined edges, but no need to stress about perfection — it’s charmingly rustic if it’s a little uneven.

Step 3: Add the Pesto Layer

Spoon about ¼ cup of pesto over the cream cheese base, spreading it in a thin, even layer that stops just before the edges. If your cream cheese layer is nice and thick, you can use up to ⅓ cup of pesto to get that bold green color and fresh basil punch. The pesto is the “green tree” part of this dip, so pick a pesto that’s beautifully vibrant and flavorful — it truly makes a difference.

Step 4: Craft the Star and Trunk

Use a small star-shaped cookie cutter to carve the star from a flat slice of yellow bell pepper—this will sit at the top of your tree. For the trunk, cut a small rectangular piece from a brownish or purple-black pepper. If you don’t have those on hand, no worries—rectangular crackers work wonderfully too! Place the star and trunk in position as a charming finishing touch.

Step 5: Decorate Your Tree with Toppings

Here’s the really fun part: garnishing your tree! I like to arrange chopped artichoke hearts and roasted red peppers into looping strings of garland across the “branches.” Next, add Kalamata olive rings and those tiny Sweety Drop peppers to mimic shiny ornaments. Finally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese all over like fresh snow dusting the tree. Take a minute to admire your handiwork — it’s almost too pretty to eat, but trust me, it’s a party in every bite.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Bean Dip with Pesto Recipe

Garnishes

For garnishes, I personally love adding a few fresh basil leaves here and there when possible—adds a fresh aroma that complements the pesto. Sometimes, I finish with an extra drizzle of olive oil for shine. You’ll find the crumbled feta and colorful peppers act as festive accents all on their own.

Side Dishes

This dip shines alongside crusty baguette slices, whole-grain crackers, or lightly toasted pita chips. For a healthier touch, crisp veggie sticks like cucumber, red bell pepper strips, and celery are excellent dippers and add extra crunch next to the creamy dip.

Creative Ways to Present

I once arranged several smaller “mini trees” on a long wooden board for a holiday brunch—each one styled slightly differently with toppings to please every palate. Using natural elements, like sprigs of rosemary or pine needles around the platter, adds to the festive winter vibe. You can even use edible glitter or colored pepper flakes to mimic Christmas lights if you’re feeling extra festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your party, leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I keep the toppings separate from the base to prevent sogginess. Just assemble again before serving if you want to freshen it up.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing the bean and cream cheese base alone, and it freezes pretty well—just thaw overnight in the fridge and whisk gently to regain smoothness. I wouldn’t recommend freezing the fully assembled dip with toppings, though, as the decorated peppers and olives lose their texture.

Reheating

This dip is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want to serve it softer straight from the fridge, let it sit out for about 20 minutes before serving to let the cream cheese soften up nicely.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Christmas Tree Bean Dip with Pesto Recipe brings so much joy and vibrant holiday spirit to my kitchen every time I make it. It’s one of those dishes that’s both stunning and satisfying, and everyone always asks for the recipe. I hope you’ll give it a try—imagine the smiles on your guests’ faces when they see this gorgeous, flavorful tree shining on your table. Trust me, this one’s a keeper for festive seasons to come!

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