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 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

Toast bread, bagels, and sourdough evenly for breakfast, sandwiches, and quick meal prep.

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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 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.

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Keep spatulas, spoons, and cooking tools organized and within reach while preparing meals.

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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.