Save I'll never forget the first time I arranged a peppermint stripe platter for my sister's holiday party. I was nervous about making something that looked as elegant as those fancy catered boards I'd seen on Instagram, but when I started laying down rows of creamy white cheese and jewel-toned red berries, something magical happened. The geometric stripes came together so naturally, and suddenly I had created something that didn't just taste wonderful—it looked like edible art. That day, I realized that sometimes the most impressive dishes are the ones that let quality ingredients speak for themselves.
I made this for a surprise holiday gathering last year, and I still remember my mom's face when she walked into the kitchen and saw those perfect red and white rows. She said it reminded her of the old-fashioned peppermint candies we'd hunt for in her mother's candy dishes during winter visits. Within minutes, everyone was crowding around, and the platter became the centerpiece of conversation before it became a meal. That's when I knew this wasn't just a recipe—it was a memory maker.
Ingredients
- Fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or bocconcini): These creamy, delicate spheres are the heart of your white stripes. Buy them the day of if possible—they're best when they still have that tender bite. They'll catch the light beautifully on the platter.
- White cheddar cheese, sliced: This gives you a firmer white option that holds its shape. I like how it adds a subtle sharpness that plays against the sweetness of the berries.
- Havarti cheese, sliced: Buttery and smooth, Havarti brings an unexpected elegance. It's the kind of cheese that makes people pause and ask what it is.
- Sliced strawberries: Fresh, bright, and instantly recognizable as festive. Cut them just before assembling so they don't weep and make your whites look wet.
- Raspberries: These are fragile treasures. Handle them gently and place them last, or they'll bruise and lose their jewel-like appearance.
- Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved: This is your savory red secret. The umami punch balances all the sweet fruit and rich cheese in ways that make people's taste buds sing.
- Roasted red bell peppers, sliced: Buy them jarred if you're short on time. Their silky texture and concentrated sweetness add another layer of visual interest to the red rows.
- Thinly sliced salami: Look for quality salami with good marbling. Roll them into roses and tuck them in—they become an edible garnish that adds sophistication.
- Prosciutto: This is optional but transforms the platter from appetizer to proper charcuterie. Its delicate, salty nature reminds everyone this isn't just fruit and cheese.
- Water crackers and baguette slices: Toast the baguette lightly if you have time—it keeps them crisp longer and adds warmth to the presentation. Crackers provide the canvas for guests to build their perfect bite.
- Fresh mint leaves and edible flowers: These aren't just garnish. They're what tie the whole peppermint theme together and add that final touch that makes someone say, 'This is special.'
Instructions
- Choose your canvas:
- Lay out your large platter or board. I prefer a wooden or marble surface because it makes the reds and whites pop. Give yourself plenty of room—your ingredients need space to shine, not crowd.
- Make your first white stripe:
- Starting at one edge, arrange your first row of white. I use mozzarella balls here because their roundness draws the eye. Stand them up close together so you create a clear, defined line. This first stripe is your guide—it sets the rhythm for everything that follows.
- Add your first red stripe:
- Right beside your white, place your red elements. Sliced strawberries work beautifully here, or start with raspberries for drama. The color contrast should be unmistakable—this is what makes the platter sing. Overlap them slightly so there's no gap between rows.
- Build the pattern:
- Keep alternating white and red, but vary what you use within each color family. After mozzarella, try white cheddar slices. After strawberries, switch to tomato halves. This keeps the eye moving and makes people discover something new with each look. The variation within the colors is what keeps it from feeling one-note.
- Introduce texture with crackers:
- Every few stripes, slip in a row of water crackers or toasted baguette slices. These break up the rhythm and give your guests something to build on. They're the practical layer that makes this work as an actual food, not just decoration.
- Create your salami roses:
- If you're using salami, roll each slice loosely into a rose shape. It takes just a second per slice, but it transforms thin slices into something sculptural. Tuck these into your red stripes where they'll catch light and create depth.
- Finish with peppermint theme:
- Scatter fresh mint leaves across the whole platter, especially between stripes and in any spaces that feel bare. The green adds the final festive note and echoes that peppermint candy feeling. If you have edible flowers, tuck a few in now—they're your jewelry.
- Serve with intention:
- Bring this straight to your gathering and watch people's faces. If it's going to sit for a bit before serving, cover it loosely with plastic wrap and keep it cool. When you uncover it, the presentation is still your opening act before the taste even matters.
Save The best moment came when my six-year-old nephew pointed at the platter and said, 'Aunt, it looks like candy but it's real food.' That's exactly what this is meant to be—a moment where people pause before they eat, where the presentation becomes part of the memory. This platter has a way of making ordinary ingredients feel like a celebration.
Making It Your Own
The peppermint stripe pattern is just your starting framework. Once you understand the rhythm of alternating colors and textures, you can play. I've made vegetarian versions by doubling down on cheeses and adding marinated artichoke hearts for that savory element. Some seasons I lean into what's fresh—swapping raspberries for pomegranate seeds in December, or adding fresh apricots for a summer party. The structure stays the same, but your story gets woven in through ingredient choices. That's what makes it feel less like following instructions and more like creating something personal.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
This platter sits at that interesting intersection between appetizer and light main course. I've served it alongside a crisp sparkling wine or a cranberry spritz, and the acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, a pomegranate juice spritzer keeps the festive feeling alive. Think of it as the glamorous opening to a meal, or the centerpiece of a casual gathering where people graze all afternoon. It also travels beautifully if you're bringing it somewhere—just assemble it fresh on arrival, and you'll arrive as the person who brought the impressive thing.
Beyond the Savory Celebration
Once you've mastered the technique here, you have permission to reimagine it completely. Swap the savory for sweet with a dessert version—white chocolate pieces, red candies, marshmallows, and white chocolate-dipped berries all follow the same stripe logic. I've done this for kids' parties and New Year's celebrations, and it feels fresh every time because the architecture is so adaptable. The magic isn't in the specific ingredients—it's in the bold, intentional pattern you're creating. Whatever version you build, take a moment before people gather to appreciate what your hands made. That moment of quiet pride before the chaos of celebration is what cooking is really about.
- If making this ahead, assemble everything in stripes but wait to add fresh herbs and edible flowers until just before serving—they wilt faster than you'd expect.
- Set out small plates and napkins nearby. This is meant to be enjoyed while mingling, and sticky fingers happen.
- The flavor of this dish lives in the quality of ingredients, not in technique. Shop for the best cheese counter offerings and freshest berries you can find—they'll make all the difference.
Save There's something deeply satisfying about a platter that's beautiful enough to photograph but meant to be shared and enjoyed. This one has been my secret weapon for making ordinary gatherings feel special, and I hope it becomes yours too.
Recipe FAQ
- → What cheeses work best for the peppermint stripe platter?
Fresh mozzarella, white cheddar, and Havarti cheeses provide creamy textures and mild flavors that complement the red ingredients well.
- → Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes, omit meats and add extra cheeses, marinated tofu, or red bell pepper hummus for variety and flavor.
- → How should I arrange the platter for best visual effect?
Alternate rows of white cheeses and red fruits or vegetables in clear stripes, adding crackers and bread rows for texture contrast.
- → What garnishes enhance this platter's theme?
Fresh mint leaves add a refreshing aroma and reinforce the peppermint stripe look, while microgreens or edible flowers add elegance.
- → How long can the platter be prepared in advance?
Assemble and cover the platter, then refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving to maintain freshness.