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 is always a hit at our autumn parties, sparking compliments and conversations thanks to its whimsical design and delicious flavors.
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 My family loves gathering around this platter while sharing stories and laughter during chilly fall evenings.
Required Tools
Large serving platter, sharp knife, cutting board, small bowls for dips, and toothpicks.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (bread, crackers) and milk (herbed cream cheese). Always double-check dip ingredients and bread or cracker labels for gluten, dairy, or nut content if serving guests with allergies.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 220, Total Fat 8 g, Carbohydrates 30 g, Protein 6 g.
Save This charming hedgehog dip platter is a delightful centerpiece sure to impress your guests at any fall gathering.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I assemble the hedgehog platter?
Start with a round loaf as the base, spread a layer of creamy dip on top, then arrange vegetable sticks and radish halves upright to form the hedgehog's spines. Add olives for eyes and a cherry tomato for the nose.
- → What dips work best for this platter?
Classic hummus, herbed cream cheese, beetroot dip, and olive tapenade create a range of flavors and colors, but feel free to swap in pumpkin hummus or tzatziki for variety.
- → Can this platter accommodate gluten-free diets?
Yes, you can use gluten-free bread and crackers as dippers to keep the platter suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
- → What vegetables are used for the spines?
Carrot sticks, cucumber sticks, red and yellow bell pepper strips, and halved radishes are arranged upright to mimic hedgehog spines.
- → How long does preparation usually take?
Preparing and arranging the platter takes about 25 minutes, with no cooking involved.
- → What beverages pair well with this autumn platter?
A crisp white wine or lightly sparkling cider complements the fresh, vibrant flavors of the dips and vegetables beautifully.