Save to Pinterest 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 favorite in my family as it's as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
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
- Mix Cheese:
- In a medium bowl, blend the cream cheese, goat cheese, honey, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Coat Grapes:
- Using a small spoon or your fingers, coat each grape lightly with the cheese mixture.
- Roll in Nuts:
- 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.
- Arrange Grapes:
- Arrange the grapes on a serving platter in the shape of a grape cluster, alternating green and red for a festive look.
- Garnish:
- Decorate with mint leaves to mimic grape leaves.
- Chill:
- Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to firm up the cheese coating.
Save to Pinterest This dish always brings smiles when served with friends and family during holiday gatherings.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl Spoon or small spatula Baking sheet (for toasting nuts) Sharp knife (for chopping nuts) Serving platter
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese) and tree nuts (pistachios pecans) Not suitable for those with nut or dairy allergies Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories: 170 Total Fat: 10 g Carbohydrates: 16 g Protein: 4 g
Save to Pinterest This appetizer is perfect for festive parties and can be prepared ahead to save time on the day.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use different nuts for the coating?
Yes, walnuts or almonds can be substituted for pistachios and pecans based on preference or availability.
- → How do I ensure the cheese coating sticks to the grapes?
Pat grapes dry thoroughly before coating and press the cheese mixture evenly. Rolling in chopped nuts helps the coating adhere better.
- → Is it possible to make a dairy-free version?
Use plant-based cream cheese and omit the goat cheese to create a dairy-free variant with similar texture and flavor.
- → What is the best way to serve these grape clusters?
Arrange them on a platter shaped like a grape cluster with alternating colors. Serve chilled with toothpicks for easy picking.
- → Can I prepare this appetizer in advance?
Yes, prepare and coat the grapes ahead of time, then chill until ready to serve to allow the coating to firm up nicely.