Save to Pinterest 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 brings smiles at my autumn parties and encourages guests to mingle as they build their own dips and veggies.
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 to Pinterest Making this platter has become a cherished family tradition especially enjoying the creative presentation with my kids every fall.
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 breadcracker 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 to Pinterest This vibrant and fun platter is sure to be the centerpiece of any fall gathering bringing both flavor and charm.
Recipe FAQs
- → What vegetables work best for the hedgehog spines?
Crunchy vegetables like carrots, cucumber, bell peppers, and radishes hold upright well, providing both texture and color.
- → How can I make this platter gluten-free?
Use gluten-free bread for the base and substitute regular crackers or breadsticks with gluten-free versions.
- → Can the dips be varied?
Yes, variations like pumpkin hummus, tzatziki, or guacamole work wonderfully to add seasonal flavors.
- → How do I create the hedgehog’s face details?
Use black olives for eyes and a cherry tomato or grape for the nose, securing them gently with toothpicks if needed.
- → What is the best way to serve this platter?
Arrange all components on a large serving platter just before serving to keep vegetables fresh and dips chilled.