Save to Pinterest A festive and colorful appetizer featuring juicy strawberries, creamy cheese, and sweet grapes arranged to resemble Santa hats perfect for holiday gatherings.
This platter always brings smiles at our holiday parties and is so simple to assemble.
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 to Pinterest Preparing this platter brings back fond memories of decorating the tree with family while snacking on these festive treats.
Notes
For a tangy twist use cubes of sharp white cheddar instead of mozzarella. Substitute grapes with blueberries for a different look. 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)
Nutritional Information
Calories 78, Total Fat 4.5 g, Carbohydrates 6 g, Protein 4 g per serving
Save to Pinterest This platter adds festive charm to any holiday gathering and is sure to impress your guests.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What ingredients create the Santa hat effect?
Fresh strawberries form the hat base, mozzarella cubes create structure, and seedless grapes topped with cream cheese mimic the pom-poms.
- → Can I substitute the cheese for dietary preferences?
Yes, sharp white cheddar or plant-based cheese alternatives work well for different tastes and dietary needs.
- → How should the fruit be prepared for assembly?
Strawberries are hulled and sliced at the stem end for stability, grapes should be seedless and washed thoroughly.
- → What is the suggested presentation for serving?
Arrange the assembled Santa hats on a platter and optionally garnish with fresh mint leaves for added freshness and color.
- → Are there tips to keep the platter fresh before serving?
Cover and refrigerate the platter if not serving immediately to maintain freshness and texture of the fruit and cheese.