Cheesy Reindeer Face Platter

Featured in: Quick Comfort Snacks

This festive platter features an inviting arrangement of mild cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda cheeses combined with crackers, pretzels, and fresh vegetables. The components are artfully placed to resemble a reindeer's face, making it an engaging and colorful centerpiece for holiday gatherings. Cream cheese is used as an edible adhesive, enhancing the presentation while adding creaminess. Ready in 20 minutes with no cooking required, it’s perfect for easy, playful entertaining.

With varied textures and flavors—from the crunch of pretzels and crackers to the softness of cheeses and freshness of veggies—this platter delivers both visual appeal and delicious taste. It’s ideal for sharing with family and friends during festive occasions, encouraging interactive and creative serving ideas, especially for children.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:50:00 GMT
Cheesy Reindeer Face Platter: Colorful cheeses and crackers arranged as a smiling holiday snack for sharing. Save
Cheesy Reindeer Face Platter: Colorful cheeses and crackers arranged as a smiling holiday snack for sharing. | tazzsip.com

A whimsical holiday platter featuring a variety of cheeses and snacks arranged to resemble a reindeers face—a fun, festive treat perfect for kids parties or family gatherings.

This platter always delights my family during the holidays and gets everyone involved in the fun of assembling it together.

Ingredients

  • Cheeses: 200 g mild cheddar cheese sliced, 150 g mozzarella cheese sliced, 100 g gouda cheese cubed
  • Crackers & Bread: 20 round whole wheat crackers, 8 pretzel twists (for antlers), 6 breadsticks halved
  • Vegetables & Garnishes: 1 small red bell pepper cut into rounds (for nose and cheeks), 8 black olives sliced (for eyes), 1 small cucumber sliced, 1 carrot sliced into rounds and sticks
  • Other: 2 tablespoons cream cheese (for gluing features)

Instructions

Step 1:
Select a large round platter as your base.
Step 2:
Arrange the cheddar cheese slices in an oval shape at the center to form the reindeers face.
Step 3:
Place mozzarella slices on each side of the face for cheeks.
Step 4:
Use gouda cubes around the bottom edge for the chin.
Step 5:
Position two pretzel twists or breadstick halves at the top of the head to create antlers.
Step 6:
Place two round crackers above the face as ears.
Step 7:
Adhere olive slices with a little cream cheese to form eyes.
Step 8:
Add a red bell pepper round for the nose, securing with cream cheese if needed.
Step 9:
Use cucumber and carrot slices for added decoration around the face or as a border.
Step 10:
Add any additional veggies or crackers to fill out the platter and serve immediately.
Festive Cheesy Reindeer Face Platter with olives and pepper rounds creating an adorable party appetizer. Save
Festive Cheesy Reindeer Face Platter with olives and pepper rounds creating an adorable party appetizer. | tazzsip.com

This recipe brings the family together as we enjoy assembling and eating this playful platter during the holidays.

Notes

Use different cheeses for color variation. Substitute gluten-free crackers if needed. Serve with hummus or ranch dip on the side. Get kids involved in arranging the platter for extra fun.

Required Tools

Large serving platter Small knife Spreading knife or small spoon

Nutritional Information

Calories 180 Total Fat 10 g Carbohydrates 14 g Protein 8 g

Homemade, vibrant Cheesy Reindeer Face Platter; a fun, vegetarian snack with crackers and cheerful faces. Save
Homemade, vibrant Cheesy Reindeer Face Platter; a fun, vegetarian snack with crackers and cheerful faces. | tazzsip.com

A delightful and easy-to-make platter that brings joy and color to any holiday gathering.

Recipe Guide

What cheeses work best for this platter?

Mild cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda offer different textures and colors that complement each other and enhance the visual appeal.

How do I keep the components from sliding?

Use cream cheese as an edible adhesive to gently secure olives, pepper rounds, and other small items in place.

Can I customize the veggies used?

Absolutely, use fresh vegetables like cucumber, carrot, and bell pepper slices or other colorful produce to decorate and add freshness.

What are good substitutes for pretzels as antlers?

Breadsticks or similarly shaped crunchy snacks make excellent replacements while maintaining the festive look.

How long can I prepare this platter in advance?

It’s best served immediately or within a couple of hours when refrigerated; fresh veggies may lose crunch if left too long.

Cheesy Reindeer Face Platter

Festive platter featuring cheeses, crackers, and veggies shaped like a reindeer's face for holiday fun.

Setup duration
20 min
0
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Daniel Brooks

Classification Quick Comfort Snacks

Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Nutrition specifications Meat-free

Components

Cheeses

01 7 oz mild cheddar cheese, sliced
02 5.3 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced
03 3.5 oz gouda cheese, cubed

Crackers & Bread

01 20 whole wheat round crackers
02 8 pretzel twists
03 6 breadsticks, halved

Vegetables & Garnishes

01 1 small red bell pepper, sliced into rounds
02 8 black olives, sliced
03 1 small cucumber, sliced
04 1 medium carrot, sliced into rounds and sticks

Other

01 2 tablespoons cream cheese

Method

Phase 01

Prepare the base: Select a large, round serving platter to arrange the components.

Phase 02

Form the face: Arrange the cheddar cheese slices in an oval shape at the center to create the reindeer's face.

Phase 03

Add the cheeks: Place mozzarella slices on each side of the oval to represent cheeks.

Phase 04

Shape the chin: Scatter gouda cheese cubes along the bottom edge of the cheddar oval to form the chin.

Phase 05

Create antlers: Position two pretzel twists or halved breadsticks at the top of the platter to mimic antlers.

Phase 06

Place ears: Set two round crackers above the face for ears.

Phase 07

Form eyes: Attach black olive slices onto the face using small amounts of cream cheese to secure them as eyes.

Phase 08

Add nose: Place a red bell pepper round at the center of the face as the nose, adhering it with cream cheese if necessary.

Phase 09

Decorate with vegetables: Arrange cucumber and carrot slices around the face or along the platter edge for additional decoration.

Phase 10

Complete the platter: Fill remaining spaces with crackers or extra vegetables and serve immediately.

Necessary tools

  • Large serving platter
  • Small knife
  • Spreading knife or small spoon

Allergy details

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance when uncertain.
  • Contains milk, wheat, and gluten.
  • May contain soy depending on brand of crackers.

Dietary information (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 180
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Proteins: 8 g