Save to Pinterest A festive and elegant appetizer platter featuring crisp silver crackers, luscious grapes, creamy cheese, and sparkling accents—perfect for New Years Eve celebrations.
This platter has become my go-to for holiday gatherings because it impresses guests with minimal effort and maximum style.
Ingredients
- Crackers: 24 silver-dusted or plain water crackers (see Notes for dusting option)
- Fruit: 2 cups seedless red grapes, washed and dried, 2 cups seedless green grapes, washed and dried
- Cheese: 200 g (7 oz) brie cheese, sliced, 200 g (7 oz) aged cheddar, sliced, 150 g (5 oz) goat cheese, crumbled
- Garnishes & Extras: 2 tbsp edible silver leaf or silver cake shimmer (optional, for festive touch), 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, Fresh mint sprigs
- Optional Accents: Sparkling grape juice or prosecco for pairing
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Arrange the crackers in a circular or fan pattern on a large serving platter. If desired, lightly brush the crackers with a tiny amount of water and dust with edible silver shimmer for a sparkling effect. Let dry for 2–3 minutes.
- Step 2:
- Cluster the red and green grapes in small bunches and place them around and between the crackers.
- Step 3:
- Arrange slices of brie and cheddar, and sprinkle the goat cheese in small mounds across the platter.
- Step 4:
- Drizzle honey over the goat cheese and scatter toasted walnuts on top.
- Step 5:
- Tuck fresh mint sprigs between clusters for a pop of color and aroma.
- Step 6:
- If using, carefully apply edible silver leaf to a few grapes or sections of cheese for a celebratory touch.
- Step 7:
- Serve immediately with sparkling grape juice or prosecco on the side.
Save to Pinterest This platter always brings the family together, sparking conversations and smiles during the holidays.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp sparkling wine or a nonalcoholic sparkling grape juice for a refreshing complement.
Storage Tips
Store assembled platter loosely covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours to keep grapes fresh and crackers crisp.
Variations
Try adding sliced pears or figs for extra flavor and elegance, or swap walnuts for pecans for a different nutty crunch.
Save to Pinterest A quick assembly yields a stunning centerpiece that elevates any celebration effortlessly.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What types of grapes work best for this platter?
Seedless red and green grapes are preferred for their sweetness and ease of eating, providing a fresh contrast to the creamy cheeses.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses used?
Yes, selecting cheeses with varying textures and flavors like brie, cheddar, and goat cheese creates a balanced and interesting platter.
- → How do I achieve the sparkling effect on crackers?
Lightly brush crackers with water and dust edible silver shimmer or apply silver leaf for an elegant, festive appearance.
- → Are there gluten-free options for this platter?
Use gluten-free water crackers instead of traditional ones to accommodate gluten restrictions without losing texture.
- → What pairings complement this platter best?
Sparkling grape juice or prosecco complement the flavors and add a celebratory touch, balancing the creaminess and sweetness.
- → How should I arrange the ingredients for best presentation?
Arrange crackers in a circular or fan shape, place clustered grapes between them, and scatter cheeses, nuts, and mint evenly for an inviting look.