Santa Cheese Platter is a fun, festive, and creative Christmas appetizer that transforms a classic cheese board into a cheerful holiday centerpiece. Designed to look like Santa Claus using simple ingredients like cheese, crackers, fruits, and olives, this platter is perfect for Christmas parties, family gatherings, and holiday entertaining.
What makes this recipe special is that it requires no cooking at all. It’s quick to assemble, visually impressive, and loved by both kids and adults. Whether you’re hosting a large holiday party or a cozy family dinner, a Santa Cheese Platter adds charm, color, and fun to your Christmas table.
Why You’ll Love This Santa Cheese Platter
- No cooking required
- Fun and festive Christmas presentation
- Easy to assemble
- Perfect for parties and gatherings
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
- Customizable with your favorite cheeses
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you’re looking for a stress-free holiday appetizer that still makes a big impression, this recipe is perfect. It saves time, looks beautiful on the table, and offers a variety of flavors in one platter. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter and ideal for holiday entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- White cheese slices or cubes (mozzarella, provolone, or Monterey Jack)
- Cheddar cheese slices or cubes
- Cherry tomatoes
- Black olives
- Crackers (round and rectangular work best)
- Cream cheese (for Santa’s beard or hat trim)
- Fresh rosemary or parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Santa Cheese Platter
Step 1 — Prepare the Base
Choose a large round or oval serving board or platter. This will be the base for your Santa face.
Step 2 — Create Santa’s Hat
Arrange red items such as cherry tomatoes or red crackers in a triangle shape at the top of the board to form Santa’s hat. Use cream cheese or white cheese slices to outline the bottom of the hat.
Step 3 — Make the Face and Beard
Use white cheese cubes or slices to create Santa’s beard and face. Arrange them generously to fill the lower part of the platter.
Step 4 — Add Facial Features
Place black olives for the eyes and a cherry tomato for the nose. Adjust spacing until Santa’s face looks balanced and clear.
Step 5 — Fill in with Crackers
Surround the Santa face with crackers for easy serving and a complete cheese platter look.
Step 6 — Garnish
Add fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley around the edges for a festive finish.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 10g
Values may vary depending on cheeses and crackers used.
Tips for the Best Santa Cheese Platter
- Use pre-sliced cheese for faster assembly
- Choose contrasting colors for clear details
- Assemble close to serving time for freshness
- Keep chilled until ready to serve
- Use a large board to avoid overcrowding
Variations & Substitutions
- Use babybel or cheese balls for decoration
- Swap crackers with breadsticks
- Add grapes or strawberries for extra color
- Make it vegetarian-friendly (as written)
- Add nuts for extra texture
What to Serve with Santa Cheese Platter
- Sparkling drinks or mocktails
- Hot chocolate or cider
- Other Christmas appetizers
- Charcuterie meats on a separate board
- Fresh fruit platters
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the platter
- Using only one color of cheese
- Assembling too early
- Skipping garnish
- Making facial features too small
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours
- Avoid freezing
- Add crackers just before serving
Conclusion
Santa Cheese Platter is a fun, festive, and easy Christmas appetizer that brings joy to any holiday gathering. With simple ingredients and no cooking required, it’s the perfect way to add holiday spirit to your table while keeping preparation stress-free.
General Information
- Course: Appetizer
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 8–10
- Difficulty: Easy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make Santa Cheese Platter ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it a few hours in advance and refrigerate until serving.
What cheese works best?
Mild white cheeses and cheddar work best for color contrast.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, kids love the fun Santa design.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free crackers.
Can I customize the design?
Absolutely, feel free to get creative with ingredients and layout.