Pin A festive and colorful snack tray arranged in the shape of a Christmas stocking, perfect for holiday gatherings and sharing.
This snack tray has become a holiday staple in my family, bringing joy and festive spirit to every party we host.
Ingredients
- Fresh Vegetables: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 cup baby carrots, 1 cup cucumber slices, 1/2 cup red bell pepper strips, 1/2 cup celery sticks
- Cheeses: 1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini), 1/2 cup cheddar cheese cubes, 1/2 cup Swiss cheese cubes
- Dips: 1/2 cup hummus, 1/2 cup ranch dip
- Crackers and Breads: 1 cup assorted crackers (gluten-free if needed), 1 cup breadsticks
- Fruits: 1 cup green grapes, 1 cup strawberries
- Garnishes: Fresh rosemary sprigs (for decoration)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- On a large serving board or tray, sketch or visualize the outline of a Christmas stocking.
- Step 2:
- Arrange the cherry tomatoes and red bell pepper strips to form the red body of the stocking.
- Step 3:
- Use the mozzarella balls and Swiss cheese cubes to create the white cuff, heel, and toe of the stocking.
- Step 4:
- Fill in the stocking shape with cucumber slices, celery sticks, baby carrots, and grapes for added color and texture.
- Step 5:
- Place the dips in small bowls and position them strategically around or within the stocking shape.
- Step 6:
- Add cheddar cubes, crackers, breadsticks, and strawberries to fill in any gaps or to enhance the design.
- Step 7:
- Garnish the tray with fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive touch.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately and encourage guests to pick and enjoy!
Pin This tray always creates memorable family moments as everyone gathers around to enjoy the festive flavors and colors together.
Notes
For a meat option, add rolled slices of salami or prosciutto. For extra holiday flair, use small cookie cutters to shape cheese or vegetables into stars or trees.
Required Tools
Large serving board or tray, small bowls for dips, paring knife, small cookie cutters (optional).
Allergen Information
Contains Dairy (cheese), Gluten (crackers unless gluten-free), Soy (possible in dips). Always verify dip and cracker ingredients for allergens.
Pin With simple prep and vibrant ingredients, this snack tray is sure to brighten any holiday celebration.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I create the stocking shape?
Sketch the outline of a stocking on your serving board, then arrange red vegetables like cherry tomatoes and bell pepper strips for the main body, using cheeses to form the cuff and heel.
- → Can I include gluten-free options?
Yes, use gluten-free crackers to accommodate dietary restrictions without changing the tray’s appearance.
- → What dips work best for this tray?
Hummus and ranch dip complement the fresh vegetables and cheeses, but you can swap them for your favorites.
- → How to keep the tray fresh before serving?
Prepare shortly before guests arrive and cover loosely with plastic wrap in the fridge to maintain freshness.
- → Can I add meat options to the tray?
Yes, adding rolled slices of salami or prosciutto pairs well and adds variety for non-vegetarian guests.