Peppermint Stripe Celebration (Printer View)

A visually striking holiday platter with alternating red and white layers of cheeses, fruits, and savory bites.

# What you'll need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 7 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or bocconcini)
02 - 7 oz white cheddar cheese, sliced
03 - 7 oz Havarti cheese, sliced

→ Red Accents

04 - 5 oz sliced strawberries
05 - 5 oz raspberries
06 - 3.5 oz cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
07 - 3.5 oz roasted red bell peppers, sliced

→ Savory Meats (optional)

08 - 5 oz thinly sliced salami
09 - 3.5 oz prosciutto

→ Crackers & Bread

10 - 5 oz water crackers
11 - 3.5 oz baguette slices

→ Garnishes

12 - Fresh mint leaves for decoration
13 - Microgreens or edible flowers (optional)

# Method:

01 - Select a large rectangular or circular platter to arrange ingredients.
02 - Place a row of white cheese using mozzarella balls or cheddar slices along one edge.
03 - Add a row of red elements such as sliced strawberries or raspberries next to the cheese.
04 - Continue layering alternating rows of white and red components—cheeses, tomatoes, roasted peppers, and optional meats to form distinct stripes.
05 - Insert rows of water crackers and baguette slices intermittently between the stripes for texture contrast.
06 - If using, roll salami slices into rose shapes and nestle them within red-striped layers.
07 - Decorate the platter with fresh mint leaves to evoke the peppermint theme and add microgreens or edible flowers if desired.
08 - Present immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours prior to serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that takes just 25 minutes to put together—no cooking required, just beautiful assembly that feels like arranging edible art.
  • The visual pattern is so striking that guests actually pause and take photos before diving in, making your gathering feel instantly more festive.
  • You can build it entirely to your taste and dietary needs; swap meats for extra cheese, swap fruits for vegetables, and the stripe concept stays magical.
  • It works as an elegant appetizer platter, a casual grazing board, or even the star of a lightweight lunch spread.
02 -
  • Slice your strawberries and halve your tomatoes just before you assemble—they weep and lose their freshness if cut too early, and that's what separates a stunning platter from a sad one.
  • Buy your cheeses from places that sell them fresh and turn them over quickly. Room-temperature cheese tastes so much better than cold cheese, so let everything sit out for 15 minutes before serving, and your guests will taste the difference immediately.
  • The secret to the platter staying beautiful is keeping your rows tight and intentional. Loose, scattered arrangements look accidental; tight, organized rows look like you know exactly what you're doing.
03 -
  • Buy your ingredients from quality sources—the cheese counter at a good market, the produce section where things are turned over quickly, the butcher who cares about their craft. Quality ingredients make this look and taste effortless.
  • Arrange everything in a cool kitchen or even assemble it straight from the fridge so your hands stay cool and nothing gets warm or sweaty-looking.
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