Pin It 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 been a hit at all our holiday gatherings, always impressing guests with its combination of flavors and festive 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.
Pin It This recipe always brings my family together during celebrations, sparking joy as everyone enjoys the sweet and savory flavors.
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
Per serving: Calories 170, Total Fat 10 g, Carbohydrates 16 g, Protein 4 g
Pin It This sparkling grape cluster appetizer is the perfect final touch to your festive meals, combining elegance with delicious flavor.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, chilling the coated grapes for at least 15 minutes helps the cheese coating firm up and enhances the flavor melding.
- → What nuts work best for coating?
Finely chopped pistachios and pecans are recommended for their texture and flavor, but walnuts or almonds are great substitutes.
- → How do I ensure the grapes are fully coated?
Use a small spoon or your fingers to gently coat each grape evenly with the cheese blend before rolling in the nuts.
- → Is there a dairy-free alternative?
Yes, replace cream and goat cheese with plant-based cream cheese to suit dairy-free preferences.
- → What is the best way to serve this dish?
Arrange the grapes in a cluster on a serving platter, garnish with fresh mint leaves, and offer toothpicks for easy picking.
- → Can I add sparkle to the dish?
Edible gold or silver sprinkles or edible glitter can be gently rolled onto some grapes for an extra festive touch.