Save to Pinterest A whimsical holiday platter featuring a variety of cheeses and snacks arranged to resemble a reindeers face—a fun, festive treat perfect for kids parties or family gatherings.
This platter always brings smiles and joy when I serve it during the holidays.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 200 g mild cheddar cheese, sliced 150 g mozzarella cheese, sliced 100 g gouda cheese, cubed
- Crackers & Bread: 20 round whole wheat crackers 8 pretzel twists (for antlers) 6 breadsticks, halved
- Vegetables & Garnishes: 1 small red bell pepper, cut into rounds (for nose and cheeks) 8 black olives, sliced (for eyes) 1 small cucumber, sliced 1 carrot, sliced into rounds and sticks
- Other: 2 tablespoons cream cheese (for gluing features)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Select a large, round platter as your base.
- Step 2:
- Arrange the cheddar cheese slices in an oval shape at the center to form the reindeers face.
- Step 3:
- Place mozzarella slices on each side of the face for cheeks.
- Step 4:
- Use gouda cubes around the bottom edge for the chin.
- Step 5:
- Position two pretzel twists or breadstick halves at the top of the head to create antlers.
- Step 6:
- Place two round crackers above the face as ears.
- Step 7:
- Adhere olive slices with a little cream cheese to form eyes.
- Step 8:
- Add a red bell pepper round for the nose, securing with cream cheese if needed.
- Step 9:
- Use cucumber and carrot slices for added decoration around the face or as a border.
- Step 10:
- Add any additional veggies or crackers to fill out the platter and serve immediately.
Save to Pinterest This is a favorite at family gatherings, always bringing everyone together to enjoy and create memories.
Notes
Serve with hummus or ranch dip on the side. Get kids involved in arranging the platter for extra fun.
Required Tools
Large serving platter Small knife Spreading knife or small spoon
Allergen Information
Contains: Milk (cheese), Wheat (crackers, breadsticks), Gluten (pretzels, breadsticks, crackers). May contain: Soy (depending on cracker brand). Double-check all packaged ingredient labels for allergens.
Save to Pinterest This platter makes holiday parties cheerful and easy to prepare.
Answers to Recipe Questions
- → What cheeses work best for this platter?
Mild cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda provide both color and texture contrast, enhancing the visual appeal and taste.
- → Can this platter be prepared in advance?
It's best assembled shortly before serving to keep crackers crisp and vegetables fresh.
- → Are there suitable alternatives for pretzels as antlers?
Breadsticks or thin crispy bread can be used as creative antler substitutes if desired.
- → How can I make the platter more kid-friendly?
Encourage children to help arrange ingredients and choose colorful veggies to make it more engaging.
- → What dips pair well alongside this platter?
Hummus, ranch dressing, or other creamy dips complement the flavor and add moisture.