Save A playful and elegant fall-themed appetizer platter featuring a variety of dips and fresh vegetables artfully arranged to resemble a charming hedgehog &mdash perfect for festive gatherings.
This fun platter always impresses guests especially during autumn get-togethers where presentation matters as much as taste.
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 hedgehog platter always brings smiles and starts conversations making family occasions 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 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 This appetizer is as delightful to look at as it is to eat making autumn entertaining effortless and fun.
Recipe Q&A Section
- → What vegetables are used for the hedgehog's spines?
Carrots, cucumber, red and yellow bell peppers, and radishes are cut into sticks and arranged upright to form the spines.
- → Can I use gluten-free options for this platter?
Absolutely. Substitute gluten-free breadsticks, crackers, and bread to keep the dish gluten-free.
- → How do I assemble the hedgehog platter?
Start by spreading hummus or herbed cheese on a round loaf, then stick vegetable pieces upright to create spines. Use olives and a cherry tomato to form eyes and nose.
- → What dips complement this autumn dip platter?
Classic hummus, beetroot dip, herbed cream cheese, and olive tapenade are ideal, but you can also try pumpkin hummus or tzatziki for variety.
- → How long does preparation take?
The entire assembly takes about 25 minutes, with no cooking required, making it a quick and easy centerpiece.