Save to Pinterest A festive elegant appetizer featuring juicy grapes enrobed in creamy cheese and toasted nuts arranged to resemble a sparkling grape cluster—perfect for ringing in the New Year.
This appetizer has become a New Year favorite at our home thanks to its ease and impressive look.
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 to Pinterest Sharing this delightful appetizer with family always brings smiles and compliments during celebrations.
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 per serving.
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This appetizer is both beautiful and delicious making it ideal for any festive occasion.
Your Questions Answered
- → What types of grapes work best?
Seedless red and green grapes provide a nice color contrast and sweet flavor. They should be washed and dried thoroughly to ensure the cheese coating adheres well.
- → Can I use different nuts?
Yes, walnuts or almonds can substitute pistachios and pecans. Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and crunch.
- → How do I make the cheese coating smooth?
Soften the cream cheese and goat cheese before mixing. Blend with honey and salt until creamy and well combined.
- → What is the purpose of chilling the cluster?
Chilling helps the cheese coating to firm up, making the grapes easier to handle and serving the appetizer at an optimal texture.
- → Are there any garnish ideas?
Fresh mint leaves provide a leaf-like appearance and a refreshing aroma to complement the cluster display.