Save A festive and colorful appetizer featuring juicy strawberries, creamy cheese, and sweet grapes arranged to resemble Santa hats perfect for holiday gatherings.
This is a fun and visually appealing dish I love making every holiday season It never fails to delight guests and family members alike
Ingredients
- Fruit: 16 large fresh strawberries hulled 16 red grapes (seedless)
- Cheese: 180 g (6 oz) mozzarella cheese cut into 16 cubes (about 2 cm each)
- Garnish: 2 tablespoons cream cheese softened (for pom-poms)
- Serving: Fresh mint leaves (optional for decoration)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Wash and thoroughly dry the strawberries and grapes.
- Step 2:
- Slice the stem end off each strawberry to create a flat base.
- Step 3:
- Thread one mozzarella cube onto a small skewer or toothpick.
- Step 4:
- Add a strawberry flat side down on top of the cheese cube.
- Step 5:
- Place a grape on top of the strawberry to form the pom-pom of the Santa hat.
- Step 6:
- For extra flair pipe a small dot of cream cheese on top of each grape to resemble the hats pom-pom.
- Step 7:
- Arrange the finished Santa hats on a serving platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Save This platter always brings smiles at family gatherings especially when kids join in to help assemble the Santa hats
Notes
For a tangy twist use cubes of sharp white cheddar instead of mozzarella Substitute grapes with blueberries for a different look For vegan guests use plant-based cheese and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative Pair with sparkling wine or a festive punch
Required Tools
Small skewers or toothpicks Paring knife Piping bag or zip-top bag (for cream cheese)
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (mozzarella cream cheese) Check cheese labels for possible allergens and ensure grapes are seedless to avoid choking hazards
Save This simple yet elegant appetizer is perfect for holiday parties and sure to impress your guests
Kitchen Help
- → What cheese works best for this platter?
Mozzarella cubes offer a mild, creamy texture that pairs well with fruit, but sharp cheddar can add a tangy twist.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and cover the platter; refrigerate until serving to keep the ingredients fresh.
- → How do I make the grape look like a pom-pom?
Add a small dot of softened cream cheese on top of each grape to mimic the pom-pom effect.
- → Are there suitable swaps for dietary restrictions?
Use plant-based cheese and dairy-free cream cheese to accommodate vegan and dairy-free preferences.
- → What tools are needed to assemble this platter?
Small skewers or toothpicks, a paring knife, and a piping bag or zip-top bag for the cream cheese dot.
- → What fruits can I substitute for grapes?
Seedless blueberries make a colorful alternative with a similar size and sweetness.