Save A playful and creamy appetizer featuring a festive melted snowman made of cheese and yogurt, perfect for holiday gatherings and sure to delight kids and adults alike.
I first served this at a family holiday party and it was a huge hit — everyone loved how the melted snowman looked and tasted.
Ingredients
- Dip Base: 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese softened, 170 g (6 oz) plain Greek yogurt, 60 g (1/4 cup) sour cream, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- Accents & Decorations: 1–2 baby carrots (for noses), 6–8 whole black peppercorns or black olives diced (for eyes/buttons), 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced (for scarves), 2–3 pretzel sticks (for arms), Fresh parsley or chive stems (for accents), Crackers pita chips or sliced vegetables for serving
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add Greek yogurt, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until creamy and well combined. Stir in chopped chives.
- Step 2:
- Spoon the dip onto a large serving plate or shallow bowl. Use a spatula to shape the dip into a lumpy melted snow puddle leaving some uneven edges.
- Step 3:
- To create the snowman: Roll a small ball of cream cheese or dip for the head and place it at one end of the puddle. Insert a baby carrot as the nose. Add black peppercorns or olive pieces for eyes and buttons. Lay a red bell pepper strip around the neck as a scarf. Stick pretzel sticks on either side as arms. Use parsley or chive stems for extra decoration (optional).
- Step 4:
- Arrange crackers pita chips or sliced vegetables around the dip for serving.
Save Kids can help with decorating the snowman making it a fun family moment during preparation.
Required Tools
Medium mixing bowl, Electric mixer or whisk, Rubber spatula, Serving plate or shallow bowl, Small knife (for slicing accents)
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese yogurt sour cream). Contains gluten if serving with wheat-based crackers or pretzels. Always check labels for allergens if using pre-made ingredients.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 145 Total Fat: 10 g Carbohydrates: 7 g Protein: 6 g per serving.
Save This dip is sure to impress guests and bring a festive touch to any holiday gathering.
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients create the creamy base?
The base combines softened cream cheese, plain Greek yogurt, and sour cream, seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and fresh chives for a smooth, flavorful blend.
- → How is the snowman shape formed?
The dip is spooned into a lumpy, melting snow puddle shape, with small cream cheese balls for the head, accented by baby carrots, peppercorns or olives, bell pepper strips, pretzel sticks, and herbs.
- → What are the suggested serving options?
Serve the dip with crackers, pita chips, or sliced vegetables to complement its creamy texture and playful presentation.
- → Can the flavors be adjusted?
Yes, substituting garlic and onion powder with ranch seasoning or using low-fat dairy options offers alternative flavor profiles and lighter versions.
- → Are there common allergens to note?
This dish contains dairy and may include gluten if paired with wheat-based crackers or pretzels. Always verify ingredient labels for specific allergens.