Save I'll never forget the first time I created a peppermint stripe platter for my sister's holiday party. I was standing in my kitchen, surrounded by beautiful red and white ingredients, and suddenly it hit me—this wasn't just food, it was edible art. The idea came to me while I was admiring a vintage tin of peppermint candies, and I thought, why not bring that nostalgic striped pattern to the table? That platter became the centerpiece of the evening, and guests couldn't stop raving about how it looked almost too pretty to eat.
I remember my friend Sarah walking into my kitchen and gasping when she saw the finished platter. She said it looked like something from a fancy magazine, and I realized that this simple stripe pattern—red, white, red, white—tapped into something deeply satisfying about how we experience food. It became her go-to dish to bring to gatherings, and now whenever I see her, she tells me another story about someone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients
- Fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or bocconcini): These creamy, delicate orbs are the backbone of your white stripes. Their mild flavor won't compete with other elements, and they stay soft and fresh on the platter. I learned to pat them dry before arranging—it keeps them from looking wet and messy on the board.
- White cheddar cheese, sliced: Choose a good quality white cheddar that's firm enough to slice cleanly. I like to cut mine about quarter-inch thick so they're substantial enough to stand out visually without being too heavy.
- Havarti cheese, sliced: This semi-soft cheese has a buttery richness that feels luxurious. It slices beautifully and adds a sophisticated touch to the white rows.
- Sliced strawberries: These are my favorite red element because they bring natural sweetness and that gorgeous jewel tone. Slice them just before assembly so they stay bright and juicy-looking.
- Raspberries: Delicate and precious, raspberries add an elegant texture to the red stripes. Use them closer to serving time to keep them looking perfect.
- Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved: These add a savory element that balances the sweetness of the fruit. Halving them creates little cup shapes that catch the eye.
- Roasted red bell peppers, sliced: Jarred roasted peppers work beautifully here and save you time. Their silky texture and deep red color create visual drama on the platter.
- Thinly sliced salami: The cured, peppery notes add complexity to the red stripes. Rolling them into roses is not just pretty—it's the detail that makes people remember your platter.
- Prosciutto: Delicate and salty, prosciutto drapes beautifully between stripes and adds an air of sophistication to the spread.
- Water crackers and baguette slices: These provide textural contrast and a neutral canvas that lets the colors pop. Toast the baguette lightly if you like—it adds a subtle crunch and warmth.
- Fresh mint leaves: This is the finishing touch that ties everything to the peppermint theme. The green pops beautifully against the red and white, and the aroma reminds everyone of the inspiration behind this platter.
Instructions
- Choose your canvas:
- Select a large serving platter or wooden board—something that gives your design room to breathe. I prefer a rectangular board because it naturally guides the striping, but a circular platter works beautifully too. Make sure it's clean and, if you'd like, you can lightly rub it with a cloth beforehand.
- Start with your first white stripe:
- Begin at one edge of your platter and create your opening row with mozzarella balls or white cheddar slices. Arrange them close together but leave just enough space between them so you can see the board peeking through. This creates visual rhythm and keeps things from looking too crowded.
- Add the first red stripe:
- Right next to your white row, lay down your red elements. Use strawberries, raspberries, or halved cherry tomatoes. Let them nestle together naturally—this isn't about military precision, it's about creating beautiful bands of color that feel inviting.
- Build your rhythm:
- Continue alternating: white cheese, red fruit or pepper, white cheese, red again. As you work, step back occasionally and look at what you're creating. The magic happens when you can see the pattern emerging, red and white singing together like those classic peppermint candies.
- Layer in texture and protein:
- Insert crackers and baguette slices between some of the rows to add visual interest and give guests something to build on. If you're using salami, roll a few slices tightly and position them within the red stripes like little garnishes. The prosciutto can drape loosely, adding an elegant wisp of flavor.
- Finish with peppermint flair:
- Scatter fresh mint leaves across the platter, tucking them into the spaces between stripes. This is where your inspiration becomes complete—the green and the white and the red all come together, and suddenly your platter is unmistakably peppermint-inspired. Add microgreens or edible flowers if you have them, for that extra touch of refinement.
- Ready to serve:
- Step back and admire what you've created. Serve immediately while everything is fresh and vibrant, or cover gently with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two hours. The anticipation builds when people see it in the fridge, and there's nothing quite like the moment when you unveil it at the table.
Save There's a moment that happens every time I make this platter—usually about an hour into the party, someone will approach it slowly, studying the stripes, and then look at me with genuine delight. They'll point out the color, the patterns, the way everything comes together. That's when I realize this platter is more than sustenance; it's a conversation, a memory in the making, a shared moment of beauty at the table.
Making It Yours: Customizations That Work
One of my favorite things about this platter is how easily it adapts to what you have and what your guests need. I've made vegetarian versions by swapping the meats for marinated tofu, creamy hummus dotted with roasted peppers, or extra cheeses and nuts. I've used pomegranate seeds instead of raspberries in winter, when berries aren't at their peak, and they glow like rubies on the board. The framework is striped color contrast, and everything else is negotiable. That flexibility is what makes this recipe so perfect for real life, where you're working with what's in your kitchen and the preferences at your table.
Serving Suggestions That Elevate the Moment
I learned early on that what you serve alongside this platter matters. A crisp sparkling wine is perfect—the bubbles refresh your palate between bites of rich cheese and sweet fruit. A cranberry spritz adds festive color and flavor without overwhelming the delicate ingredients. I've also set out small bowls of good quality honey and fig jam nearby, because some guests love to spread those on crackers and create their own flavor combinations. The platter itself is the star, but these supporting players help tell the complete story of your gathering.
The Dessert Platter Twist
One night, I decided to transform this concept into dessert, replacing the cheeses and meats with white chocolate pieces, marshmallows, and red candies. My niece's face when she realized it was a sweet platter was priceless. You can use the exact same striped assembly method—white chocolate chunks alternating with red licorice, white and red gumdrops, raspberry macarons next to white chocolate truffles. It becomes a different celebration altogether, and guests love the playful twist on something they thought they already understood.
- For the dessert version, keep everything chilled so chocolate doesn't melt into the other elements
- Add crushed candy canes at the very end as a finishing touch—they reference the peppermint theme while being purely indulgent
- Remember this transforms the platter into dessert territory, so adjust your wine pairing to something sweet or serve with dessert coffee
Save This peppermint stripe platter taught me that the best entertaining happens when you create something beautiful, something that makes people feel seen and celebrated. Every time I make it, I'm not just arranging food—I'm creating a moment someone will remember.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What ingredients create the red and white stripes?
Alternating rows of fresh mozzarella, white cheddar, strawberries, raspberries, cherry tomatoes, and roasted red peppers form the signature stripes.
- → Can this platter be adapted for vegetarian guests?
Yes, simply omit the meats and add extra cheeses, marinated tofu, or red bell pepper hummus for flavorful alternatives.
- → How should the platter be served and stored?
Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours for freshness before serving.
- → What garnishes enhance the peppermint theme?
Fresh mint leaves provide a fragrant, festive garnish that evokes the peppermint feel.
- → Are there suggested drink pairings?
Light sparkling wines or cranberry spritz cocktails complement the platter’s flavors beautifully.