Peppermint Stripe Celebration Platter (Print Version)

A festive holiday platter with red and white striped layers of cheeses, fruits, and savory accents.

# Components:

→ 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)

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Place a large rectangular or circular platter on your workspace as the base.
02 - Arrange a row of white cheeses such as mozzarella balls or cheddar slices along one edge of the platter.
03 - Next to the white cheese row, lay an even row of red ingredients, including strawberries or raspberries.
04 - Continue layering alternating rows of white and red elements, incorporating cheeses, tomatoes, roasted peppers, and optional meats to form distinct stripes.
05 - Insert rows of water crackers and baguette slices between some stripes to add texture and balance.
06 - If using meats, roll salami slices into rose shapes and nestle them within red stripes for a decorative effect.
07 - Garnish the entire arrangement with fresh mint leaves to emphasize the peppermint theme.
08 - Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to two hours before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen when you actually spent maybe 25 minutes—that's the kind of magic that builds confidence
  • Everyone finds something they love on here, whether they're a cheese devotee, fruit person, or meat-and-cracker enthusiast
  • Zero cooking required means you can prep this while still looking fresh and unhurried when guests arrive
  • It genuinely tastes like the holidays look, with that nostalgic peppermint-inspired color story that photographs beautifully
02 -
  • Temperature matters more than you'd think—remove cheeses from the fridge about 15 minutes before serving so they're soft and luxurious rather than rigid and cold. This single step transforms the entire eating experience.
  • Cut and arrange everything right before serving (or as close to serving as possible). Strawberries weep, mozzarella can dry out, and crackers can soften if they sit uncovered. Speed of assembly is your secret weapon here.
  • Don't skimp on the mint—it's not just decoration, it's the key that unlocks the peppermint flavor memory in your guests' minds. Bruise a leaf gently in your hand as you arrange it; the released oils amplify the effect.
03 -
  • Chill your serving platter in the freezer for 10 minutes before arranging—cool surfaces keep cheeses firm and strawberries bright for longer
  • If you're prepping ahead, arrange everything except the most delicate items (raspberries, mint, microgreens) up to 4 hours early, then add those finishing touches 30 minutes before guests arrive
  • Buy slightly more of your red elements than you think you need—strawberries and raspberries compress and shift, and you'll want to refresh the rows for that 'just arranged' look
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