Mini Santa Cheese Platter

Santa Cheese Platte

If you want a holiday appetizer that makes everyone smile the moment it hits the table, this little Santa cheese platter is perfect. It’s cute, simple, and wonderfully snackable the kind of festive mini treat that feels joyful without any fuss.

Santa Cheese Platte

Ingredients

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 4 oz white cheddar, cubed
  • 1 cup mozzarella pearls
  • 6–8 grape tomatoes
  • 4–5 large strawberries (for Santa hats)
  • 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips
  • 1 tbsp honey or fig jam (optional, for sweetness)
  • Crackers or pretzel thins of your choice
  • Fresh basil or mint leaves for color
  • Optional swap: Use soft goat cheese instead of cream cheese for a tangier bite.
Ingredient Santa Platte

Steps

  1. Shape a small cheese “face.”
    Spread the softened cream cheese into a tiny oval on your platter this becomes Santa’s little face.
  2. Build the beard.
    Arrange mozzarella pearls around the cream cheese, letting them gently cascade down. Don’t worry about being too perfect a fluffy beard always looks charming.
  3. Add the hat.
    Slice the tops off your strawberries and place each one above the “face.” Add a mozzarella pearl on top for Santa’s pom-pom.
  4. Create the eyes and nose.
    Press two mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese for eyes. Add a small piece of grape tomato for the nose.
  5. Fill the platter.
    Surround Santa with white cheddar cubes, more tomatoes, crackers, and a few basil or mint leaves for that festive pop.
  6. Add a tiny shine.
    Drizzle a touch of honey or fig jam over the cheese cubes if you’d like a sweet note just a little goes a long way.

Chef’s Tips

  • Keep the cream cheese slightly cold so Santa’s “face” holds its shape.
  • If the mozzarella pearls roll around, pat them dry first they’ll grip better.
  • Assemble right before serving for the freshest look, or chill uncovered for up to 30 minutes.

Variations

  • Mini Rudolph Platter: Use pretzels and a cherry tomato nose to make a tiny reindeer.
  • Spicy Holiday Platter: Add pepper jack cubes and a light sprinkle of chili flakes.
  • Kid-Friendly Version: Swap cheddar for mild Colby Jack and add a few holiday-shaped crackers.