Save 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 holiday favorite in my family because it looks stunning and tastes amazing with minimal effort.
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
- Blend Cheese Mixture:
- 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.
- Decorate:
- Decorate with mint leaves to mimic grape leaves.
- Chill:
- Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to firm up the cheese coating.
Save Making this dish always brings the family together to enjoy holiday 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
Save Enjoy this sparkling grape cluster as a delightful and elegant appetizer that is sure to impress your guests.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the coated grapes and chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to set the cheese coating. It can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- → What can I use instead of pistachios and pecans?
Walnuts or almonds are great alternatives, providing a similar crunch and flavor. Just toast them lightly before coating.
- → How do I make a dairy-free version?
Substitute plant-based cream cheese for the cream cheese and omit the goat cheese to maintain a similar texture and taste without dairy.
- → What is the best way to arrange the grapes?
Alternate green and red grapes on a serving platter shaped like a cluster. Garnish with small mint leaves to resemble grape leaves for a festive look.
- → How long does it take to toast the nuts?
Lightly toast chopped nuts in a preheated oven or on a skillet for about 3-5 minutes until fragrant, taking care to avoid burning.