Pin A playful and elegant fall-themed appetizer platter featuring a variety of dips and fresh vegetables, artfully arranged to resemble a charming hedgehog — perfect for festive gatherings.
This dish has become a highlight at our autumn get-togethers, delighting guests both young and old.
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
- Step 1:
- Place the round loaf of bread on a large serving platter to form the hedgehog's body.
- Step 2:
- Spread a generous layer of hummus or herbed cream cheese over the top half of the loaf to help adhere the spines.
- Step 3:
- Arrange the vegetable sticks and radish halves upright in the spread on the bread to create the hedgehog's spines, fanning them out evenly.
- Step 4:
- Use black olives to make eyes and a cherry tomato or grape for the nose, attaching them with toothpicks if necessary.
- Step 5:
- Spoon the remaining dips into small bowls and place around the platter.
- Step 6:
- Add breadsticks and crackers around the hedgehog for dipping.
- Step 7:
- Garnish with fresh chives or parsley for an autumnal touch.
Pin This appetizer always brings our family together, sparking joy and conversation around the table.
Required Tools
Large serving platter, Sharp knife, Cutting board, Small bowls for dips, Toothpicks
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (bread, crackers) and Milk (herbed cream cheese). Double-check dip ingredients and bread/cracker labels for gluten, dairy, or nut content if serving guests with allergies.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 220, Total Fat 8 g, Carbohydrates 30 g, Protein 6 g
Pin This hedgehog dip platter is a wonderful centerpiece that delights guests and brightens any gathering.
Recipe Q&A
- → What vegetables are used to create the spines?
Carrots, cucumber sticks, red and yellow bell peppers, and halved radishes make up the spines of the hedgehog display.
- → Can I use gluten-free bread and crackers?
Yes, gluten-free breadsticks and crackers are suggested options to accommodate dietary needs without compromising the platter’s appeal.
- → How is the hedgehog face detailed?
Black olives are used for eyes, and a cherry tomato or grape serves as the nose, both attached carefully to the bread base.
- → What dips complement this autumn platter?
Classic or roasted red pepper hummus, herbed cream cheese, beetroot dip, and olive tapenade add a mix of creamy and savory flavors.
- → Are there suggestions for variation?
Try pumpkin hummus, tzatziki, or guacamole to vary flavors, and add roasted beet or sweet potato wedges for extra color.
- → What kind of serving tools are needed?
A large serving platter to hold the arrangement, a sharp knife, cutting board, small bowls for dips, and toothpicks for attaching details are recommended.