Pin A playful and elegant fall-themed appetizer platter featuring a variety of dips and fresh vegetables, artfully arranged to resemble a charming hedgehog — perfect for festive gatherings.
This appetizer never fails to impress guests at autumn parties with its unique hedgehog design and delicious components.
Ingredients
- Dips: 150 g hummus (classic or roasted red pepper), 150 g herbed cream cheese, 150 g beetroot dip, 100 g olive tapenade
- Vegetables for Spines: 2 medium carrots peeled and cut into sticks, 1 cucumber cut into sticks, 1 red bell pepper cut into strips, 1 yellow bell pepper cut into strips, 100 g radishes halved
- For the Hedgehog Face & Details: 1 small round loaf of whole wheat bread for the base, 2 black olives for eyes, 1 cherry tomato or grape for nose, fresh chives or parsley for garnish
- Dippers & Accompaniments: 100 g breadsticks or gluten-free breadsticks, 100 g multigrain crackers or gluten-free crackers
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Place the round loaf of bread on a large serving platter to form the hedgehog's body.
- Step 2:
- Spread a generous layer of hummus or herbed cream cheese over the top half of the loaf to help adhere the spines.
- Step 3:
- Arrange the vegetable sticks and radish halves upright in the spread on the bread to create the hedgehog's spines, fanning them out evenly.
- Step 4:
- Use black olives to make eyes and a cherry tomato or grape for the nose, attaching them with toothpicks if necessary.
- Step 5:
- Spoon the remaining dips into small bowls and place around the platter.
- Step 6:
- Add breadsticks and crackers around the hedgehog for dipping.
- Step 7:
- Garnish with fresh chives or parsley for an autumnal touch.
Pin This platter brings families together each autumn as everyone enjoys building their own hedgehog bites and sharing stories.
Required Tools
Large serving platter sharp knife cutting board small bowls for dips toothpicks
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat bread crackers Milk herbed cream cheese Double-check dip ingredients and bread cracker labels for gluten dairy or nut content if serving guests with allergies
Nutritional Information
Calories 220 Total Fat 8 g Carbohydrates 30 g Protein 6 g per serving
Pin This appetizer is both a visual delight and a tasty treat sure to be the highlight of any fall gathering.
Recipe Questions
- → What vegetables are best for creating the hedgehog spines?
Carrot sticks, cucumber strips, bell pepper strips, and halved radishes work well due to their firm texture and vibrant colors.
- → Can I substitute the dips used in this platter?
Yes, you can switch dips like hummus for pumpkin hummus, tzatziki, or guacamole to match your taste and seasonal flavors.
- → How can I make this platter suitable for gluten-free diets?
Use gluten-free breadsticks and gluten-free crackers to accompany the platter, and double-check all dip ingredients for gluten content.
- → What is the best way to secure the face details on the loaf?
Use toothpicks to attach small items like olives for eyes and cherry tomatoes for the nose, ensuring they stay firmly in place.
- → How should I garnish the platter for an autumn touch?
Fresh chives or parsley add a bright green garnish that complements the fall colors and enhances visual appeal.