Pin It 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 is always a hit at autumn parties I host I enjoy how it combines flavors and visual appeal
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 hedgehogs 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 hedgehogs 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 It This appetizer always brings smiles and conversation at our family gatherings every fall season.
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 It This hedgehog dip platter is as fun to make as it is to eat enjoy creating your own festive centerpiece.
Recipe FAQs
- → What dips can I use for the platter?
Classic hummus, herbed cream cheese, beetroot dip, and olive tapenade create a variety of flavors and colors.
- → How do I create the hedgehog shape?
Spread dips on a round loaf and insert vegetable sticks evenly to imitate spines, adding olives and tomatoes for the face.
- → Can this platter accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, substituting gluten-free breadsticks and crackers makes it suitable for gluten-free diets while keeping it vegetarian.
- → What vegetables work well for the spines?
Carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and radishes are sturdy and colorful options for the upright 'spines.'
- → How should I serve this platter?
Arrange dips and breads around the hedgehog centerpiece for easy access, garnished with fresh herbs for an autumnal touch.
- → Can I swap dips for variety?
Absolutely, consider pumpkin hummus, tzatziki, or guacamole to customize flavors and colors.