Save 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 always impresses my guests and adds a charming seasonal touch to the table.
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.
Save This recipe brings my family together every fall, making holiday moments even more special.
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)
Save This festive hedgehog dip platter is sure to be the centerpiece of your autumn celebrations.
Recipe Guide
- → What dips are included in the autumn platter?
It features hummus, herbed cream cheese, beetroot dip, and olive tapenade for diverse flavors.
- → Can I prepare this platter gluten-free?
Yes, by selecting gluten-free breadsticks and crackers, this platter suits gluten-intolerant guests.
- → How are the vegetable spines arranged?
Carrot, cucumber, bell pepper sticks, and radishes are placed upright in the spread on the bread to mimic hedgehog spines.
- → What creates the hedgehog’s face on the platter?
Black olives form the eyes and a cherry tomato or grape serves as the nose, attached delicately to the loaf.
- → Are there suggested substitutions for dips?
You can swap dips for pumpkin hummus, tzatziki, or guacamole to vary taste and color.
- → How long does it take to assemble the platter?
Preparation is quick, taking around 25 minutes with no cooking required.