Peppermint Stripe Celebration (Printable)

Festive platter featuring red and white layers of cheese, fruit, and savory accents, ideal for holiday occasions.

# Ingredient list:

→ 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)

# Cooking steps:

01 - Place a large rectangular or circular platter as the foundation.
02 - Arrange a row of white cheese, such as mozzarella balls or cheddar slices, along one edge.
03 - Follow with a row of red accents like sliced strawberries or raspberries.
04 - Continue layering alternating rows of white and red elements including cheeses, tomatoes, roasted peppers, and optional meats to form distinct stripes.
05 - Add rows of water crackers and baguette slices between some stripes for texture contrast.
06 - If using meats, roll salami slices into rose shapes and nestle them within red rows.
07 - Decorate with fresh mint leaves to enhance the peppermint theme.
08 - Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before presentation.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but honestly, it comes together in about 25 minutes—perfect for when you need to impress without the stress
  • Every row tells a story: creamy cheeses, fresh berries, savory meats, and crispy crackers mean there's something for everyone at your table
  • The alternating red and white stripes create that instant holiday magic that makes people reach for their phones to photograph it before they even eat
02 -
  • Pat dry your berries and tomatoes before assembling—moisture is the enemy of a beautiful platter. One weeping strawberry can ruin the visual flow if you're not careful.
  • Cheese temperature matters more than you'd think. Taking everything out of the refrigerator 15 minutes before assembling makes it easier to arrange and means it tastes better when guests eat it—cold cheese doesn't show its true flavor.
  • The key to professional-looking salami roses is confidence. Roll with intention, don't overthink, and if one looks wonky, it adds character. I've learned that perfection in cooking is overrated; personality wins every time.
03 -
  • The secret to a platter that stays beautiful throughout the party is strategic placement—put the most delicate ingredients in the center where they're less likely to be jostled, and sturdier items on the edges where hands will naturally reach
  • If you're making this ahead, assemble everything except the berries and mint, then add those finishing touches 30 minutes before guests arrive for maximum freshness and vibrancy
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