Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A Santa Cheese Platter is the perfect combination of whimsical presentation and delicious simplicity. Designed to look like Santa’s cheerful face, this platter turns everyday cheeses, fruits, and crackers into a centrepiece-worthy appetiser that delights guests of all ages. It is ideal for holiday gatherings because it requires no cooking and comes together quickly. I once softened the cream cheese with a splash of almond milk to make it easier to spread when shaping Santa’s beard, and it worked seamlessly. This platter is festive, creative, and endlessly customisable—making it a must-have for Christmas entertaining.
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Santa Cheese Platter: A Festive, Fun, and Foolproof Holiday Appetiser
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 1 platter
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A Santa Cheese Platter is a festive holiday appetizer arranged to look like Santa Claus using cheeses, meats, fruits, and crackers—perfect for Christmas parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese (for Santa’s face)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or white cheddar (for Santa’s beard)
- 8–10 slices of pepperoni or salami (for the hat)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced (for hat trim and nose)
- 2 olives or blueberries (for the eyes)
- Crackers for serving
- Fresh rosemary or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Place the cream cheese block or shaped mound in the center of a platter to form Santa’s face.
- Arrange shredded mozzarella or white cheddar around the lower half to form the beard.
- Lay pepperoni or salami slices across the top to create Santa’s hat.
- Use strips of red bell pepper to form the hat trim and a small round piece for the nose.
- Add two olives or blueberries as eyes.
- Garnish with herbs around the edges and place crackers around the platter for serving.
Notes
- Use sliced strawberries instead of bell pepper for a sweeter option.
- Serve with a variety of crackers, breadsticks, or sliced baguette.
- Can be made ahead and chilled for up to 4 hours.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cream cheese
Used to create Santa’s beard and hat trim. Its soft texture makes shaping easy while adding mild creaminess that pairs well with crackers and fruit.
White cheddar or mozzarella cubes
These firm cheeses help build structure in the beard area while keeping a clean white look.
Strawberries or cherry tomatoes
Arranged to form Santa’s bright red hat, bringing colour and fresh sweetness or savoury balance depending on which option you choose.
Sliced red bell peppers
Used to outline shapes or fill in Santa’s hat, adding crunch and vivid colour.
Black olives
Perfect for Santa’s eyes, offering contrast and a bite of savoury flavour.
Grapes or blueberries
Optional but great for additional decoration around the platter, adding colour and edible garnish.
Crackers
Serve as an edible border or accompaniment, providing texture and structure.
Fresh herbs
Sprigs of rosemary or thyme add festive aroma and help define the edges of the design.
Directions
Begin by selecting a large platter or wooden board. Start shaping Santa’s beard by spreading softened cream cheese into a fluffy, rounded beard shape at the bottom half of the board. Add mozzarella or white cheddar cubes along the edges or throughout the beard for dimension.
Next, create Santa’s face above the beard by leaving a small open space of the board or by using a thin layer of cheese slices in a neutral colour. Place two olives as eyes and a small strawberry tip or grape half for the nose.
Build Santa’s hat on the top portion of the board using strawberries or cherry tomatoes. Arrange them tightly to form the triangular hat, finishing with a cream cheese pom-pom and brim.
Fill any remaining empty spaces with crackers, fruit, or herbs to create a cohesive and colourful presentation. Adjust shapes as needed to keep Santa’s features clear and recognisable. Serve chilled.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This platter serves 6–10 people depending on accompanying dishes. Assembly takes about 15–20 minutes, requiring no cooking and minimal preparation.
Storage/reheating
Since this is a cold appetiser, store the platter in the refrigerator wrapped tightly to prevent drying. It keeps well for up to one day before serving. Do not reheat; simply bring to room temperature for 10 minutes before presenting.
Variations and Customizations
Sweet Santa Platter
Use strawberries, marshmallows, vanilla yogurt dip, and white chocolate for a dessert-style version.
Savory Santa Board
Swap fruit for meats like salami or pepperoni for the hat, and use cream cheese and mozzarella for the beard.
Vegetarian Veggie Santa
Use cauliflower for the beard and cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, and olives for the face and hat.
Herb-Infused Beard
Mix garlic, chives, or dill into the cream cheese for added flavour.
Mini Santa Bites
Create small individual Santa faces on crackers using cheese spreads and tiny toppings.
High-Contrast Santa
Use dark-coloured crackers or greens around the edges to make Santa stand out even more.
Santa Cheese Ball Centre
Replace the face section with a round cheese ball for guests to serve from.
Kid-Friendly Santa
Use mild cheeses, sweet fruit, and simple shapes children will enjoy assembling.
Gluten-Free Platter
Serve with gluten-free crackers or fruit slices instead of wheat-based options.
Charcuterie-Style Add-Ons
Add nuts, honey, cured meats, and spreads around Santa for a full grazing experience.
FAQs
Can I make this platter ahead of time?
What cheeses work best for Santa’s beard?
Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of strawberries for the hat?
How do I keep the cream cheese easy to spread?
What platter size should I use?
Can this be made dairy-free?
How do I prevent fruits from leaking juice on the board?
Can kids help assemble the platter?
Are there savoury alternatives for Santa’s face?
How long can the platter sit out?
Conclusion
A Santa Cheese Platter is a festive showstopper that adds joy and colour to any Christmas celebration. With simple ingredients and playful assembly, it is an appetiser that appeals to all ages while offering plenty of room for creativity. Whether you choose a sweet or savoury variation, this platter brings a sense of fun and seasonal charm to your holiday table. Easy, delicious, and undeniably eye-catching, it is sure to become a cherished annual tradition.
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