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 was always a hit at our family holiday parties and is so simple to assemble.

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.

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This recipe always brings smiles when I see the kids excited to pick their own Santa hats from the platter.

Notes

For vegan guests use plant-based cheese and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Pair with sparkling wine or a festive punch for the perfect celebration.

Required Tools

Small skewers or toothpicks, paring knife, piping bag or zip-top bag for cream cheese.

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (mozzarella cream cheese). Check cheese labels for possible allergens and ensure grapes are seedless to avoid choking hazards.

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These festive Santa Hat platters add joy to any holiday table and are sure to impress guests without much effort.

Recipe Questions

→ What cheese works best for this platter?

Moist, mild cheeses like mozzarella hold well and complement the fruit's sweetness, but cheddar can add a tangy contrast.

→ Can I substitute the fruit ingredients?

Yes, blueberries can replace grapes, and other berries complement the strawberry’s flavor while keeping the festive look.

→ How should the pieces be assembled?

Thread a cube of cheese onto a skewer, add a strawberry (flat side down), then top with a grape for the hat’s pom-pom.

→ Is refrigeration necessary before serving?

It’s best served fresh but can be refrigerated covered for a short time without losing texture.

→ Any allergy considerations to note?

This dish contains dairy and should be noted for guests with lactose intolerance or milk allergies.

→ What garnish adds the final touch?

Fresh mint leaves provide a refreshing accent and enhance the platter’s presentation.