Save 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.
Save 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.
Save 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.