Save 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.
I first served this at a New Year's party and it was an instant hit with guests enjoying the combination of textures and flavors.
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.
Save This appetizer always brings my family together especially during the holidays when everyone is eager to try its unique flavors and festive look.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this appetizer with a crisp sparkling wine or Champagne for an elegant touch at your celebration.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy from cream and goat cheese as well as tree nuts pistachios and pecans which may not be suitable for all guests.
Variations
For a dairy-free version use plant-based cream cheese and omit the goat cheese. You can also add edible glitter or sprinkles for added sparkle.
Save This appetizer is a showstopper that combines simplicity and sophistication in every bite.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of grapes work best?
Seedless green and red grapes are ideal; they should be washed and thoroughly dried to ensure the cheese coating adheres well.
- → Can I substitute the nuts in the coating?
Yes, walnuts or almonds can be used instead of pistachios and pecans based on preference or availability.
- → How can I add sparkle to the clusters?
Lightly roll some coated grapes in edible glitter or gold/silver sprinkles after coating with nuts for a shimmering effect.
- → Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Use plant-based cream cheese and omit goat cheese to suit dairy-free needs while retaining creamy texture.
- → How long should the clusters be chilled?
Chill the clusters for at least 15 minutes to firm the cheese coating before serving for easier handling.