Santa Hat Fruit Cheese Platter

A festive and colorful appetizer featuring juicy strawberries, creamy cheese, and sweet grapes arranged to resemble Santa hats perfect for holiday gatherings.

This platter quickly became a holiday tradition in my family each season.

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.

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This fun appetizer always brings smiles and holiday cheer to our family gatherings.

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).

Nutritional Information

Calories 78, total fat 4.5 g, carbohydrates 6 g, protein 4 g per serving.

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This platter is a quick and delightful addition to any holiday party.

Recipe FAQ

→ What type of cheese works best for this platter?

Mozzarella cheese cubes offer a smooth and mild flavor that complements the fruit well. Sharp white cheddar can be used for a tangy alternative.

→ Can I substitute the grapes with another fruit?

Yes, seedless grapes can be swapped with blueberries for a different appearance and a slightly different flavor profile.

→ How should the strawberries be prepared?

Wash and dry the strawberries, then slice off the stem end to create a flat base for stacking with the cheese and grapes.

→ Is there a way to make this platter suitable for vegans?

Plant-based cheese and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives can be used to accommodate vegan preferences.

→ What tools are needed to assemble the fruit and cheese hats?

Small skewers or toothpicks, a paring knife for slicing, and a piping bag or zip-top bag to pipe cream cheese details are recommended.