Begin by gathering your ingredients so that you have everything close at hand on the counter or table. You'll want to use a Christmas Tree-shaped dish to form the spread in. If you don't have one, no worries. Simply use a flat platter or plate and shape your own Christmas tree.
Prepare the Ingredients
Using a Chef's knife and cutting board, drain and chop the cornichons (German dill pickles) and go ahead and use any of the spices in the jar to go with it.
Drain and chop the roasted red peppers and the sundried tomatoes.
Shred the cheddar cheese.
Make the Cheese Spread
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, dried green onions, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried minced onion, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Mix with a fork or spoon until thoroughly combined.
Add to the creamed mixture the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped cornichons, roasted red peppers, and sundried tomatoes. Mix together until combined.
Using a rubber spatula, transfer the cheese mixture to a Christmas Tree platter and spread it out to the edges, smoothing it as you go.
Add Toppings to the Spread
Now it's time to add the fun toppings to the cheese spread to give it lots of holiday color. Decorate "the tree" with kalamata olives, pimento stuffed green olives, chopped roasted red peppers, and sundried tomatoes. Make sure to distribute the colors evenly.
Sprinkle the top with dried or fresh parsley and dried or fresh green onions. I encourage you to use fresh herbs and onions if you're able. Otherwise, feel free to use dried options, as I have done.
Finally, drizzle a flavored olive oil over the olives to give it even more flavor. This is optional, but it tastes wonderful.
Carefully cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (more if possible) to allow the flavors to meld.
When ready to serve, bring the cheese spread to room temperature and serve with your favorite snack crackers. I like to serve with Ritz crackers and Triskets. Be sure to provide a spreading knife for easy serving.