Save I'll never forget the holiday party where my neighbor brought a stunning red and white striped platter that instantly became the star of the table. Everyone gathered around it like it was edible art, and I realized that some of the most impressive dishes aren't complicated—they're just arranged with intention and joy. That platter inspired me to create my own version, and now it's become my signature move for every festive gathering. There's something magical about a peppermint-striped arrangement that makes people smile before they even taste it.
Last Christmas, I made this platter for my sister's open house, and watching people take photos before eating it was almost as satisfying as seeing them enjoy it. A guest with a five-year-old daughter asked if she could help arrange the next row, and suddenly we had the sweetest kitchen moment with tiny hands placing strawberries alongside mozzarella. That's when I understood—this platter isn't just food, it's an invitation to be part of something special.
Ingredients
- Fresh mozzarella balls (200 g): These delicate orbs are your blank canvas—their mild creaminess lets the other flavors shine and they photograph beautifully. Buy them as close to serving time as possible for the best texture.
- White cheddar cheese, sliced (200 g): Choose a sharp white cheddar for more personality; it adds visual interest and a little bite that keeps people reaching back for more.
- Havarti cheese, sliced (200 g): This semi-soft Danish cheese has a subtle butteriness that elevates the whole platter without being obvious about it.
- Sliced strawberries (150 g): Slice them just before arranging to keep them fresh and glistening; they're your brightest red and most forgiving ingredient.
- Raspberries (150 g): These jewel-like berries add texture and a gentle tartness that surprises your palate in the best way.
- Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (100 g): They add a savory note that reminds people this isn't just a dessert platter—it's a full experience.
- Roasted red bell peppers, sliced (100 g): Jar-roasted peppers save time and they have a sweet, silky character that brings warmth to the arrangement.
- Thinly sliced salami (150 g): Roll these into little roses for a touch of elegance, or lay them flat if you're short on time—both work beautifully.
- Prosciutto (100 g): This is optional but transforms the platter from light and fresh to something more indulgent and restaurant-quality.
- Water crackers (150 g): These neutral crackers don't steal attention but give the platter structure and crunch where needed.
- Baguette slices (100 g): Toast them lightly for crispness or serve them soft—either way, they bridge the gap between vegetable and indulgence.
- Fresh mint leaves: This is your secret weapon for the peppermint theme; their cool greenery against red and white is pure magic.
- Microgreens or edible flowers (optional): These are whisper-soft final touches that make your platter feel like it came from a boutique market.
Instructions
- Choose Your Canvas:
- Select a large rectangular platter or round board—the size should feel generous and give you room to breathe as you arrange. A marble board, slate, or even a large ceramic platter works beautifully. This is where your striped creation will take shape, so pick something that makes you happy to look at.
- Start with White:
- Take one edge of your platter and lay down your first stripe of white elements. Arrange mozzarella balls in a clean line, or overlap cheddar slices slightly. Don't worry about perfection—nature isn't perfect, and neither is great food. The slight variations are what make it feel authentic and alive.
- Add Your First Red:
- Right next to your white stripe, create a bold red line with sliced strawberries or raspberries. Press them gently into position so they nestle against the cheese. As you do this, notice how the colors start to sing against each other—that's the peppermint magic beginning.
- Build the Pattern:
- Continue alternating between white and red, thinking of this like edible quilting. One row might be white Havarti, the next roasted red peppers. Then mozzarella again, followed by raspberries. Vary your white ingredients so the platter doesn't feel monotonous—that's the secret to something that looks expensive and thoughtful.
- Layer in Texture:
- Every few stripes, tuck in a row of water crackers or fanned baguette slices. This breaks up the soft elements with gentle crunch and gives people actual vehicles for eating if they want them. It's a practical move that also adds visual dimension.
- Create Salami Roses (Optional but Worth It):
- If you're using salami, lay a slice on your cutting board and gently roll it from one corner, using your fingers to shape it into a rose as it curls. Tuck these little flourishes into your red stripes—they're show-stoppers that people remember.
- Garnish with Intent:
- Scatter fresh mint leaves across the platter, tucking some between the stripes and laying others across the top. If you have microgreens or edible flowers, use them as your final flourish in areas that feel a little bare. These last additions transform it from assembled to arranged.
- Chill or Serve:
- If you're serving within the hour, you can leave it at room temperature. For a party happening later, cover gently with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. The cheese will taste better when it comes out about 15 minutes before serving.
Save My favorite memory happened when my grandmother saw this platter for the first time and got tears in her eyes. She said it reminded her of the peppermint candies she'd received as a child during Depression-era holidays, and how rare and treasured they felt. Suddenly this arrangement became a bridge between generations, a way of saying I remember what mattered to you, and I wanted to celebrate that. Food really can be love made visible.
Making It Your Own
The beauty of a striped platter is that it's endlessly adaptable to what you have on hand and what your guests love. I've made this with goat cheese instead of mozzarella, with pomegranate seeds standing in for raspberries, even with roasted beets for a deeper red. The framework stays the same—alternating colors with intention—but the specifics are entirely yours. Trust your eye and your taste preferences. If you love something, it belongs on your platter.
Vegetarian and Dietary Variations
A vegetarian version is just as striking and actually becomes a beautiful statement without the meats. Double down on cheeses, add marinated tofu cubes for protein, or tuck in red pepper hummus in a small bowl nestled into the white stripes. I've also made a dessert version for holiday brunches, replacing the cheeses and meats with white chocolate chunks, marshmallows, and red candies—it's different but equally show-stopping. The peppermint theme works across all versions because it's really about color and contrast.
Serving Suggestions and Pairing
This platter is the life of any gathering, but it loves having companions. Serve it with a light sparkling wine or a cranberry spritz to echo the colors and add a festive toast moment. Set small napkins nearby and perhaps a few small plates so people can build their own bites without chaos. I've noticed that when you present food this beautifully, people eat more slowly and thoughtfully, savoring rather than rushing. It changes the whole energy of the gathering.
- Offer a small bowl of herbed cream cheese or whipped goat cheese nearby for anyone who wants to spread something on their crackers
- Keep some extra crackers warming in a low oven so you can refresh the platter halfway through your party
- Remember that this platter is naturally gluten-free if you use the cheese and fruit elements alone, so label it accordingly if your guests have dietary restrictions
Save Every time you create this platter, you're making something that nourishes people in more ways than just filling their stomachs. It's a small gesture that says I see you, I'm celebrating with you, and I cared enough to make something beautiful. That's the real recipe here.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → What cheeses work best for this platter?
Soft and semi-hard cheeses like fresh mozzarella, white cheddar, and Havarti provide creamy and mild flavors that complement the red accents beautifully.
- → Can this platter be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the meats and add extra cheeses, marinated tofu, or red bell pepper hummus for added variety and protein.
- → How should the platter be arranged for best impact?
Alternate rows of red and white ingredients such as cheeses, fruits, roasted peppers, and crackers to create vivid stripes that resemble peppermint candy visual appeal.
- → What garnishes enhance the presentation?
Fresh mint leaves add a bright, aromatic touch that accentuates the peppermint theme, while microgreens or edible flowers can add color and elegance.
- → Can the platter be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, it can be covered and refrigerated for up to 2 hours before serving to maintain freshness and flavor.