Save to Pinterest A festive and colorful appetizer featuring juicy strawberries, creamy cheese, and sweet grapes arranged to resemble Santa hats perfect for holiday gatherings.
This recipe quickly became a holiday favorite in my family because it is simple yet impressive on the table.
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.
Save to Pinterest This appetizer always brings smiles to our holiday gatherings and inspires creativity with the toppings.
Notes
For vegan guests use plant-based cheese and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative
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 to Pinterest These Santa hat platters add festive charm and are quick to assemble for any holiday event.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I assemble the fruit and cheese topper?
Place a mozzarella cube on a toothpick, add a strawberry flat side down, then top with a grape for the pom-pom effect.
- → Can I substitute the mozzarella with other cheeses?
Sharp white cheddar cubes make a tangy alternative, and plant-based cheese options work for vegan preferences.
- → Is there a way to decorate the grape pom-poms?
Yes, piping a small dot of cream cheese atop each grape adds a festive, fluffy look reminiscent of Santa hats.
- → How should I store the assembled platter before serving?
Cover and refrigerate the arranged hats to keep fruit fresh, removing them shortly before serving.
- → What garnishes complement this festive platter?
Fresh mint leaves offer a bright herbal note and an attractive garnish that enhances the presentation.