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 &mdash perfect for festive gatherings.
This appetizer has quickly become a favorite at all my fall parties, receiving compliments on both presentation and taste every time.
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
- Place Base:
- Place the round loaf of bread on a large serving platter to form the hedgehog's body
- Spread Layer:
- Spread a generous layer of hummus or herbed cream cheese over the top half of the loaf to help adhere the spines
- Arrange Vegetables:
- Arrange the vegetable sticks and radish halves upright in the spread on the bread to create the hedgehog's spines fanning them out evenly
- Add Face Details:
- Use black olives to make eyes and a cherry tomato or grape for the nose attaching them with toothpicks if necessary
- Prepare Bowls:
- Spoon the remaining dips into small bowls and place around the platter
- Add Dippers:
- Add breadsticks and crackers around the hedgehog for dipping
- Garnish:
- Garnish with fresh chives or parsley for an autumnal touch
Save to Pinterest This dish always brings smiles and conversation at our family gatherings, with kids and adults alike enjoying the playful presentation.
Required Tools
Large serving platter, sharp knife, cutting board, small bowls for dips, toothpicks
Allergen Information
Contains wheat from bread and crackers, milk in herbed cream cheese. Check labels carefully for allergies.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 220 calories, 8 g total fat, 30 g carbohydrates, 6 g protein
Save to Pinterest This autumn hedgehog dip platter is a delightful touch that will impress guests and make your holiday gathering memorable.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What vegetables work best for creating the hedgehog spines?
Carrot sticks, cucumber strips, bell pepper slices, and halved radishes are ideal for upright placement mimicking spines.
- → Can I use gluten-free bread for the base?
Yes, gluten-free bread or breadsticks can be used to accommodate dietary needs without compromising the shape.
- → How do I assemble the hedgehog face details?
Use black olives for eyes and a cherry tomato or grape for the nose, attaching them gently with toothpicks on the bread base.
- → What dips complement this autumn platter?
Classic hummus, beetroot dip, herbed cream cheese, and olive tapenade offer vibrant colors and rich flavors.
- → Are there suggestions for variations?
Try swapping dips for pumpkin hummus, tzatziki, or guacamole, and add roasted beet or sweet potato wedges for extra color.
- → How long does the preparation take?
This festive dip platter can be prepared in about 25 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute entertaining.