Peppermint Stripe Celebration (Printable)

A colorful holiday platter with alternating red and white ingredients, perfect for festive occasions.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 7 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or bocconcini)
02 - 7 oz white cheddar cheese, sliced
03 - 7 oz Havarti cheese, sliced

→ Red Accents

04 - 5 oz sliced strawberries
05 - 5 oz raspberries
06 - 3.5 oz cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
07 - 3.5 oz roasted red bell peppers, sliced

→ Savory Meats (optional)

08 - 5 oz thinly sliced salami
09 - 3.5 oz prosciutto

→ Crackers & Bread

10 - 5 oz water crackers
11 - 3.5 oz baguette slices

→ Garnishes

12 - Fresh mint leaves, for decoration
13 - Microgreens or edible flowers (optional)

# How to make it:

01 - Arrange a large rectangular or circular serving platter as your base.
02 - Lay down a row of white cheese using either mozzarella balls or cheddar slices along one edge.
03 - Place a row of red ingredients such as sliced strawberries or raspberries next to the cheese row.
04 - Continue alternating rows of white and red elements, including cheeses, tomatoes, roasted peppers, and optional meats, creating distinct stripes.
05 - Add rows of water crackers and baguette slices between some of the stripes for texture and variety.
06 - If using salami, roll the slices into rose shapes and nestle them within red-striped sections.
07 - Decorate the platter with fresh mint leaves to reflect the peppermint theme and add optional microgreens or edible flowers.
08 - Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to two hours before serving.

# Recipe Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that requires zero cooking—just beautiful assembly and your creative eye
  • The visual impact makes any gathering feel more special and thoughtfully planned
  • You can customize it endlessly based on what you have on hand or dietary preferences
  • It comes together in about 25 minutes, leaving you time to focus on other party details
02 -
  • Assemble your platter as close to serving time as possible. Cheese can dry out, and fruit can oxidize if left exposed for too long. If you must prepare ahead, cover with plastic wrap and keep it cool.
  • The secret that changed everything for me was learning that slightly chilled ingredients hold their structure better and look crisper on the board. Pull things from the fridge 10 minutes before assembly, not right when you start.
  • Not every row needs to be perfectly uniform—the beauty is in the natural variation. Some stripes will be thicker, some thinner, and that's what makes it look handmade and genuine rather than artificial.
03 -
  • The moment you start arranging, you're creating a visual story. Don't overthink it—trust your instincts about placement and color balance. Even if the rows aren't perfectly symmetrical, the overall effect will be stunning.
  • Keep a damp paper towel nearby while you work. Sticky fingers are a party hazard when you're handling cheese and delicate fruit, and a quick wipe keeps everything looking pristine until it reaches the table.
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