Cheesy Reindeer Face Platter

Featured in: Family Comfort Plates

This festive platter showcases an inviting arrangement of mild cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda cheeses paired with crackers, pretzels, and fresh vegetables. The components are creatively placed to resemble a reindeer's face, using bell pepper rounds for the nose, olives for the eyes, and pretzel twists as antlers. It takes only 20 minutes to assemble without cooking, making it an easy and fun centerpiece for holiday parties. The platter invites customization and encourages participation, perfect for adding a playful touch to your celebration table.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 09:26:00 GMT
Cheesy Reindeer Face Platter: a festive spread of cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda arranged on a platter. Pin it
Cheesy Reindeer Face Platter: a festive spread of cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda arranged on a platter. | weeknightwhisk.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 brings smiles and gets everyone excited to dig in during our holiday celebrations.

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.
Vibrant Cheesy Reindeer Face Platter with olives and pepper, perfect for a joyful holiday snack. Pin it
Vibrant Cheesy Reindeer Face Platter with olives and pepper, perfect for a joyful holiday snack. | weeknightwhisk.com

Our family gathers around this platter every holiday season creating special memories and laughter.

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

Get ready for the Cheesy Reindeer Face Platter, a cute and savory cheese snack for kids. Pin it
Get ready for the Cheesy Reindeer Face Platter, a cute and savory cheese snack for kids. | weeknightwhisk.com

This platter is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and brings warmth to any holiday table.

Common Questions

What cheeses work best for this platter?

Mild cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda provide varied textures and colors, making them ideal for the reindeer face design.

Can I substitute the pretzels used for antlers?

Yes, breadstick halves can be a great alternative if pretzels are not available or preferred.

Is this platter suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, all components are vegetarian-friendly, featuring cheeses, vegetables, and crackers.

How should the platter be assembled for best results?

Arrange cheeses centrally in shapes to mimic facial features, then add crackers and veggies for eyes, nose, and antlers. Use cream cheese to secure small pieces.

Can this platter accommodate dietary restrictions?

Gluten-free crackers can replace regular ones to suit gluten-sensitive guests; always verify individual ingredients.

How long can the platter be kept before serving?

It's best served fresh within a few hours; keep refrigerated if preparing ahead to maintain freshness.

Cheesy Reindeer Face Platter

A festive cheese and snack display styled as a reindeer's face, perfect for family celebrations.

Prep Time
20 min
0
Time Needed
20 min
Created by Ella Thompson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 8 Portions

Dietary Info Meat-Free

What You'll Need

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 round whole wheat crackers
02 8 pretzel twists (for antlers)
03 6 breadsticks, halved

Vegetables & Garnishes

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

Other

01 2 tablespoons cream cheese

Step-by-Step

Step 01

Prepare platter base: Select a large, round serving platter to use as the base for assembling.

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Create chin: Scatter gouda cheese cubes along the bottom edge of the oval for the chin area.

Step 05

Construct antlers: Position two pretzel twists or breadstick halves at the top of the platter above the face to simulate antlers.

Step 06

Add ears: Place two round whole wheat crackers above the face to represent ears.

Step 07

Form eyes: Affix olive slices onto the face using small amounts of cream cheese as adhesive to create eyes.

Step 08

Attach nose: Add a red bell pepper round for the nose, securing it with cream cheese if needed.

Step 09

Decorate with vegetables: Arrange cucumber and carrot slices around the face or as a border to enhance decoration.

Step 10

Complete and serve: Fill any remaining spaces on the platter with additional vegetables or crackers and serve immediately.

Tools Required

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

Allergy Notice

Go through every ingredient to identify allergens and talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
  • Contains milk, wheat, gluten; may contain soy. Verify all packaged ingredient labels to ensure allergen safety.

Nutrition Information (per portion)

Nutrition details are for general reference and shouldn't replace advice from your doctor.
  • Caloric Content: 180
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Proteins: 8 g