Pin It 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 is always a hit at our New Year parties and is surprisingly easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- Grapes: 3 cups seedless green grapes washed and thoroughly dried, 3 cups seedless red grapes washed and thoroughly dried
- Cheese Coating: 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese softened, 2 oz (55 g) goat cheese softened, 1 tbsp honey, 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- Nut & Garnish Coating: 1 cup pistachios finely chopped and lightly toasted, 1/2 cup pecans finely chopped and lightly toasted, 1/4 cup edible gold or silver sprinkles or edible glitter (optional for sparkle), 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.
Pin It Watching my family enjoy these sparkling grape clusters makes every holiday gathering special.
Notes
Pair with a crisp sparkling wine or Champagne for the ultimate celebration and 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.
Pin It This appetizer combines elegance and ease for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What types of grapes work best?
Seedless green and red grapes are ideal as they provide a firm texture and vibrant color contrast.
- → Can the nut coating be customized?
Yes, walnuts or almonds can replace pistachios and pecans for different flavor profiles.
- → How do I achieve a firmer coating?
Chill the coated grapes for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the cheese mixture set.
- → Are there alternative cheese options?
Plant-based cream cheese can substitute dairy versions for a dairy-free variation.
- → What garnish enhances the presentation?
Fresh mint leaves add a natural touch, mimicking grape leaves and enhancing overall appearance.
- → Is toasting the nuts necessary?
Lightly toasting nuts intensifies their flavor and adds crunch, improving texture.