Save A festive, elegant appetizer featuring juicy grapes enrobed in creamy cheese and toasted nuts, arranged to resemble a sparkling grape cluster—perfect for ringing in the New Year.
This appetizer was the star of our New Year's Eve celebration, impressing guests with its look and flavor.
Ingredients
- Grapes: 3 cups seedless green grapes, washed and thoroughly dried and 3 cups seedless red grapes, washed and thoroughly dried
- Cheese Coating: 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened and 2 oz (55 g) goat cheese, softened and 1 tbsp honey and 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- Nut & Garnish Coating: 1 cup pistachios, finely chopped and lightly toasted and 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped and lightly toasted and 1/4 cup edible gold or silver sprinkles or edible glitter (optional, for sparkle) and 12-14 small mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, blend the cream cheese, goat cheese, honey, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2:
- Using a small spoon or your fingers, coat each grape lightly with the cheese mixture.
- Step 3:
- Roll the coated grapes in the chopped nuts, pressing gently to adhere. For extra sparkle, lightly roll some grapes in edible glitter or sprinkles after the nuts.
- Step 4:
- Arrange the grapes on a serving platter in the shape of a grape cluster, alternating green and red for a festive look.
- Step 5:
- Decorate with mint leaves to mimic grape leaves.
- Step 6:
- Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to firm up the cheese coating.
Save My family always looks forward to this appetizer every New Year's Eve, creating a special tradition of celebration.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cream cheese and omit goat cheese. Substitute walnuts or almonds for pistachios or pecans if preferred. Pair with a crisp sparkling wine or Champagne for the ultimate celebration. Serve with toothpicks for easy picking.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, spoon or small spatula, baking sheet (for toasting nuts), sharp knife (for chopping nuts), serving platter
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese) and tree nuts (pistachios, pecans). Not suitable for those with nut or dairy allergies. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Save This appetizer is quick to assemble and offers a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and fresh flavors for any celebration.
Recipe FAQ
- → What cheeses are used for the coating?
A smooth mix of cream cheese and goat cheese blended with honey and a touch of sea salt provides a creamy coating.
- → How do you achieve the sparkling effect?
Grapes coated with cheese and nuts are lightly rolled in edible glitter or sprinkles to add a festive sparkle.
- → Can the nuts be substituted?
Yes, pistachios and pecans can be replaced with walnuts or almonds according to preference.
- → What is the purpose of chilling the cluster?
Chilling firms up the cheese coating, helping the cluster hold its shape for serving.
- → Is there a dairy-free option?
Use plant-based cream cheese and omit goat cheese to make a dairy-free version.