Save to Pinterest A playful and elegant fall-themed appetizer platter featuring a variety of dips and fresh vegetables, artfully arranged to resemble a charming hedgehog — perfect for festive gatherings.
This appetizer was a hit at my last autumn party adding both taste and visual appeal to the table.
Ingredients
- Dips: 150 g hummus (classic or roasted red pepper), 150 g herbed cream cheese, 150 g beetroot dip, 100 g olive tapenade
- Vegetables for Spines: 2 medium carrots peeled and cut into sticks, 1 cucumber cut into sticks, 1 red bell pepper cut into strips, 1 yellow bell pepper cut into strips, 100 g radishes halved
- For the Hedgehog Face & Details: 1 small round loaf of whole wheat bread (for the base), 2 black olives (for eyes), 1 cherry tomato or grape (for nose), Fresh chives or parsley (for garnish)
- Dippers & Accompaniments: 100 g breadsticks or gluten-free breadsticks, 100 g multigrain crackers or gluten-free crackers
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Place the round loaf of bread on a large serving platter to form the hedgehogs body.
- Step 2:
- Spread a generous layer of hummus or herbed cream cheese over the top half of the loaf to help adhere the spines.
- Step 3:
- Arrange the vegetable sticks and radish halves upright in the spread on the bread to create the hedgehogs spines fanning them out evenly.
- Step 4:
- Use black olives to make eyes and a cherry tomato or grape for the nose attaching them with toothpicks if necessary.
- Step 5:
- Spoon the remaining dips into small bowls and place around the platter.
- Step 6:
- Add breadsticks and crackers around the hedgehog for dipping.
- Step 7:
- Garnish with fresh chives or parsley for an autumnal touch.
Save to Pinterest This dish always brings my family together enjoying the creative presentation and delicious flavors during holidays.
Required Tools
Large serving platter Sharp knife Cutting board Small bowls for dips Toothpicks
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (bread crackers) Milk (herbed cream cheese) Double-check dip ingredients and bread/cracker labels for gluten dairy or nut content if serving guests with allergies.
Nutritional Information
Calories 220 Total Fat 8 g Carbohydrates 30 g Protein 6 g per serving
Save to Pinterest This hedgehog dip platter makes entertaining effortless and delightful every time.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What vegetables work best for the hedgehog spines?
- → Can I substitute the dips with other flavors?
Yes, feel free to try pumpkin hummus, tzatziki, or guacamole to add variety and seasonal flair.
- → How do I secure the facial features on the bread?
Use toothpicks to attach olives for eyes and cherry tomato or grape for the nose, ensuring they stay in place.
- → Are gluten-free dippers compatible with this platter?
Gluten-free breadsticks and crackers work well to accommodate dietary needs without compromising the platter's look or taste.
- → What is the best base bread for this arrangement?
A small round whole wheat loaf provides a sturdy foundation with a pleasant texture and shape for the hedgehog design.
- → Can this platter be prepared ahead of time?
It’s best assembled shortly before serving to maintain fresh vegetable crunch and prevent bread from becoming soggy.