Save A playful and elegant fall-themed appetizer platter featuring a variety of dips and fresh vegetables artfully arranged to resemble a charming hedgehog — perfect for festive gatherings.
I first served this at a family gathering and everyone loved how creative and delicious it was
Ingredients
- Dips: 150 g hummus (classic or roasted red pepper), 150 g herbed cream cheese, 150 g beetroot dip, 100 g olive tapenade
- Vegetables for Spines: 2 medium carrots peeled and cut into sticks, 1 cucumber cut into sticks, 1 red bell pepper cut into strips, 1 yellow bell pepper cut into strips, 100 g radishes halved
- For the Hedgehog Face & Details: 1 small round loaf of whole wheat bread (for the base), 2 black olives (for eyes), 1 cherry tomato or grape (for nose), fresh chives or parsley (for garnish)
- Dippers & Accompaniments: 100 g breadsticks or gluten-free breadsticks, 100 g multigrain crackers or gluten-free crackers
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Place the round loaf of bread on a large serving platter to form the hedgehogs body.
- Step 2:
- Spread a generous layer of hummus or herbed cream cheese over the top half of the loaf to help adhere the spines.
- Step 3:
- Arrange the vegetable sticks and radish halves upright in the spread on the bread to create the hedgehogs spines fanning them out evenly.
- Step 4:
- Use black olives to make eyes and a cherry tomato or grape for the nose attaching them with toothpicks if necessary.
- Step 5:
- Spoon the remaining dips into small bowls and place around the platter.
- Step 6:
- Add breadsticks and crackers around the hedgehog for dipping.
- Step 7:
- Garnish with fresh chives or parsley for an autumnal touch.
Save My family always gathers around this platter sharing stories and laughter while enjoying the colorful presentation
Required Tools
Large serving platter Sharp knife Cutting board Small bowls for dips Toothpicks
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (bread crackers) Milk (herbed cream cheese) Double-check dip ingredients and bread/cracker labels for gluten dairy or nut content if serving guests with allergies
Nutritional Information
Calories 220 Total Fat 8 g Carbohydrates 30 g Protein 6 g per serving
Save Enjoy this festive and easy-to-make appetizer that brings everyone together with its charming presentation and fresh flavors
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What dips work best for this platter?
Classic hummus, beetroot dip, herbed cream cheese, and olive tapenade offer vibrant flavors and colors that complement each other well.
- → Can I make this suitable for gluten-free guests?
Yes, opt for gluten-free breadsticks, crackers, and ensure the loaf base is gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.
- → How do I create the hedgehog shape effectively?
Use a small round loaf as the base, spread dips on top, and insert vegetable sticks upright to mimic spines, finishing with olives and a cherry tomato for face details.
- → What fresh vegetables are ideal for the spines?
Carrot sticks, cucumber strips, red and yellow bell pepper strips, and halved radishes provide color, crunch, and visual interest.
- → Are there tips for enhancing flavors or presentation?
Try swapping dips like pumpkin hummus or tzatziki, garnish with fresh chives or parsley, and pair with crisp white wine or sparkling cider for added festivity.