Save A festive and colorful appetizer featuring juicy strawberries, creamy cheese, and sweet grapes arranged to resemble Santa hats perfect for holiday gatherings.
I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the pot I use for cozy one-pot meals and small-batch recipes, so I wanted to quickly share it here.
This is the Martha Stewart heart-shaped enameled cast iron Dutch oven (2-quart). It’s one of those pieces I reach for constantly when testing soups, stews, baked casseroles, and smaller comfort-food recipes.
- Heats evenly with no hot spots (huge for slow cooking)
- Non-reactive enamel interior — no seasoning required
- Perfect size for small households or side dishes
- Sturdy handles, easy to move from oven to table
It’s also a favorite with home cooks — 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 1,900 reviews — and Amazon often has a coupon available, depending on color and size.
👉 Check current price, colors, and coupon on Amazon
(Affiliate link — if you choose to buy, it helps support this recipe blog at no extra cost to you ❤️)
This platter has become a holiday tradition in my family because it combines fun visuals with delicious flavors.
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)
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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 brings smiles and laughter to all family gatherings during the holidays.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with sparkling wine or a festive punch for a complete holiday experience.
Dietary Modifications
For vegan guests use plant-based cheese and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
Safety Tips
Ensure grapes are seedless to avoid choking hazards.
Save This platter is a festive, flavorful final touch to any holiday table.
Recipe FAQ
- → What cheeses work best for this platter?
Soft cheeses like mozzarella offer creamy texture, while sharp cheddar provides a tangy alternative. Plant-based cheeses suit vegan diets.
- → How do I assemble the fruit and cheese components?
Thread a cheese cube on a skewer, add a strawberry with a flat base, then top with a grape, finishing with a cream cheese dot for the pom-pom effect.
- → Can I prepare this platter ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and cover the platter, then refrigerate until serving to maintain freshness and shape.
- → Are there ways to vary the garnishes?
Fresh mint leaves add color and aroma; blueberries can replace grapes for a different appearance; piping cream cheese adds visual flair.
- → Is this platter suitable for guests with dietary restrictions?
It’s naturally vegetarian and gluten-free; swapping dairy cheeses with vegan alternatives makes it friendly for plant-based diets.
