Save A festive and colorful appetizer featuring juicy strawberries, creamy cheese, and sweet grapes arranged to resemble Santa hats perfect for holiday gatherings.
I first served this at a holiday party and it was an instant hit with guests of all ages.
Ingredients
- Fruit: 16 large fresh strawberries hulled
- Fruit: 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 to our family holiday gatherings.
Substitutions
For a tangy twist use cubes of sharp white cheddar instead of mozzarella or substitute grapes with blueberries for a different look.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with sparkling wine or a festive punch to complement the flavors.
Storage
Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve to keep fresh.
Save Simple to prepare yet impressive to serve every time.
Recipe FAQ
- → What cheese works best for this platter?
Mozzarella provides a mild, creamy texture that pairs well with fruit, but sharp white cheddar can add a tangy twist.
- → Can I substitute the grapes with other fruits?
Yes, blueberries can be used as an alternative to grapes for a different look and flavor.
- → How do I assemble the fruit and cheese components?
Thread a cube of cheese onto a skewer, add a strawberry flat side down, top with a grape, and finish with a small cream cheese dot.
- → Is this suitable for vegan guests?
Plant-based cheese and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives can be used to make this suitable for vegan diets.
- → How should the platter be stored before serving?
Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve to keep the fruit fresh and the cheese firm.