Peppermint Stripe Celebration Platter (Print View)

A vibrant platter featuring alternating red and white layers with cheeses, fruits, and savory accents.

# Components:

→ Cheeses

01 - 7 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or bocconcini)
02 - 7 oz white cheddar cheese, sliced
03 - 7 oz Havarti cheese, sliced

→ Red Accents

04 - 5 oz sliced strawberries
05 - 5 oz raspberries
06 - 3.5 oz cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
07 - 3.5 oz roasted red bell peppers, sliced

→ Savory Meats (optional)

08 - 5 oz thinly sliced salami
09 - 3.5 oz prosciutto

→ Crackers & Bread

10 - 5 oz water crackers
11 - 3.5 oz baguette slices

→ Garnishes

12 - Fresh mint leaves, for decoration
13 - Microgreens or edible flowers (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Select a large rectangular or circular platter as the foundation for the arrangement.
02 - Place a row of white cheese using mozzarella balls or cheddar slices along one edge of the platter.
03 - Arrange a row of red items such as sliced strawberries or raspberries adjacent to the white cheese row.
04 - Continue layering alternating rows of white and red elements including cheeses, tomatoes, roasted peppers, and cured meats to establish distinct striped patterns.
05 - Interleave rows of water crackers and baguette slices between some stripes for added texture and variety.
06 - If using, roll salami slices into rose shapes and nestle them within red stripes to enhance visual appeal.
07 - Adorn the platter with fresh mint leaves to reinforce the peppermint inspiration.
08 - Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours prior to serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent the whole day preparing, but it actually takes just 25 minutes—nobody needs to know how easy it really is
  • The alternating stripes create this mesmerizing visual that makes every bite feel intentional and special
  • You get to play with textures and flavors all in one platter, from creamy cheese to tart berries to salty cured meats
  • It's naturally vegetarian-friendly with simple swaps, so everyone at your table feels included
02 -
  • Temperature matters more than you'd think—arrange your platter when cheeses are slightly cool but not cold from the fridge. They'll be easier to position and will taste more flavorful than ice-cold cheese.
  • The order of assembly should happen just before serving or within 2 hours. Berries start to release juice as they sit, which can stain your white cheeses and make everything look less crisp. If you must assemble early, arrange the white cheeses first, then add red elements as close to serving time as possible.
  • Don't underestimate the visual power of the stripes—uneven rows won't harm the taste, but they will undermine the whole peppermint candy effect you're going for. Take five extra minutes to make each stripe intentional.
03 -
  • Buy your cheeses from a good cheese counter, not the pre-sliced packages. Ask the counter person to slice them thin but not paper-thin—they need enough structure to hold their shape on the platter.
  • The secret to keeping berries from weeping is to arrange them last and serve within 2 hours. Fresh raspberries especially will start releasing juice once they're touching other foods.
  • If your salami seems tough to roll into roses, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes first—it becomes more pliable and much easier to work with.
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