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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
