Save It A festive, elegant appetizer featuring juicy grapes enrobed in creamy cheese and toasted nuts, arranged to resemble a sparkling grape cluster&mdashperfect for ringing in the New Year.
This appetizer quickly became a holiday favourite at our gatherings thanks to its delightful flavors and eye-catching appearance.
Ingredients
- Grapes: 3 cups seedless green grapes, washed and thoroughly dried, 3 cups seedless red grapes, washed and thoroughly dried
- Cheese Coating: 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened, 2 oz (55 g) goat cheese, softened, 1 tbsp honey, 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- Nut & Garnish Coating: 1 cup pistachios, finely chopped and lightly toasted, 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped and lightly toasted, 1/4 cup edible gold or silver sprinkles or edible glitter (optional, for sparkle), 12-14 small mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, blend the cream cheese, goat cheese, honey, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2:
- Using a small spoon or your fingers, coat each grape lightly with the cheese mixture.
- Step 3:
- Roll the coated grapes in the chopped nuts, pressing gently to adhere. For extra sparkle, lightly roll some grapes in edible glitter or sprinkles after the nuts.
- Step 4:
- Arrange the grapes on a serving platter in the shape of a grape cluster, alternating green and red for a festive look.
- Step 5:
- Decorate with mint leaves to mimic grape leaves.
- Step 6:
- Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to firm up the cheese coating.
Save It Sharing this appetizer has become a treasured tradition during our family celebrations, bringing smiles and compliments all around.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp sparkling wine or Champagne for the ultimate celebration experience.
Storage
Keep chilled and consume within 24 hours for best freshness and texture.
Tips for Preparation
Ensure grapes are thoroughly dried to help the cheese coating adhere better and prevent sogginess.
Save It This sparkly appetizer adds a touch of elegance and fun to any festive gathering.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you prepare the cheese coating for the grapes?
Blend softened cream cheese, goat cheese, honey, and a pinch of sea salt until smooth and creamy to create a flavorful coating for the grapes.
- → What nuts work best for the coating?
Finely chopped and lightly toasted pistachios and pecans provide a crunchy texture and complement the creamy cheese coating wonderfully.
- → Can the sparkling effect be enhanced?
Yes, lightly rolling some grapes in edible gold or silver sprinkles or glitter after coating adds an elegant shimmer to the presentation.
- → How should the grape cluster be arranged?
Alternate green and red grapes on a serving platter in the shape of a grape cluster and add small mint leaves to mimic grape leaves for a festive appearance.
- → What alternatives exist for dietary preferences?
Dairy-free versions can use plant-based cream cheese and omit goat cheese; walnuts or almonds can replace pistachios and pecans as desired.