Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter

Featured in: Seasonal Treats

This autumn-inspired platter combines roasted acorns with toasted hazelnuts, walnuts, dried cranberries, apricots, and seedless grapes. Cubes of aged cheddar and slices of brie add creamy richness, while fresh apple slices and rosemary sprigs brighten and balance flavors. The acorns are carefully leached and roasted with olive oil, sea salt, and smoked paprika for a warm, nutty depth. Ideal for fall gatherings, this colorful arrangement offers a mix of textures and forest-foraged flavors in just 40 minutes.

Updated on Sat, 29 Nov 2025 14:05:00 GMT
A beautifully arranged Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter with golden roasted acorns, nuts, and cheeses. Pin
A beautifully arranged Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter with golden roasted acorns, nuts, and cheeses. | crumbkiss.com

A whimsical, autumn-inspired appetizer platter featuring roasted acorns, nuts, dried fruits, and forest-foraged flavors—a perfect centerpiece for fall gatherings.

This platter has quickly become my go-to for seasonal parties because of its unique flavors and easy assembly.

Ingredients

  • Roasted Acorns: 1 cup raw acorns (shelled, leached, and dried see Notes), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • Platter: 1/2 cup toasted hazelnuts, 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup dried apricots halved, 1/2 cup seedless red grapes, 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, 100 g aged cheddar cubed, 100 g brie or camembert sliced, 1 small apple cored and sliced, 1 tbsp fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare Acorns:
In a bowl, toss leached dried acorns with olive oil sea salt and smoked paprika Spread on a baking sheet.
Roast Acorns:
Roast acorns for 15 20 minutes stirring halfway through until golden and fragrant Cool completely.
Assemble Platter:
Arrange roasted acorns toasted nuts dried fruits grapes seeds cheeses and apple slices attractively on a large platter.
Garnish:
Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs Serve immediately.
Fall flavors abound on this Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter, featuring dried fruits and fresh rosemary sprigs. Pin
Fall flavors abound on this Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter, featuring dried fruits and fresh rosemary sprigs. | crumbkiss.com

This platter brings back fond memories of family fall gatherings where everyone gathered around sharing stories and food.

Required Tools

Baking sheet Mixing bowl Sharp knife Large serving platter

Allergen Information

Contains tree nuts (acorns hazelnuts walnuts) dairy (cheese) May contain traces of gluten if served with crackers or breads Always check product labels for cross contamination if allergies are a concern.

Nutritional Information

Calories 340 Total Fat 21 g Carbohydrates 28 g Protein 9 g per serving

Perfect for autumn gatherings, the Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter presents a festive appetizer bursting with flavors. Pin
Perfect for autumn gatherings, the Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter presents a festive appetizer bursting with flavors. | crumbkiss.com

Serve this platter fresh for the best flavor and texture to impress your guests.

Recipe FAQ

How are the acorns prepared for this platter?

Acorns are carefully leached to remove bitterness and toxins, then tossed with olive oil, sea salt, and smoked paprika before roasting until golden and fragrant.

Can the platter be made plant-based?

Yes, cheeses can be swapped for vegan alternatives to create a fully plant-based version without sacrificing flavor or texture.

What are good beverage pairings for this platter?

It pairs well with crisp Riesling, cider, or sparkling water to complement the nutty and fruity flavors.

What is the best way to arrange the platter?

Arrange roasted acorns, toasted nuts, dried fruits, fresh grapes, seeds, cheeses, and apple slices attractively on a large serving platter. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs.

Are there any allergen concerns?

Contains tree nuts and dairy. Cross-contamination with gluten is possible if served alongside breads or crackers.

Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter

An autumn-inspired platter with roasted acorns, nuts, dried fruits, cheeses, and fresh rosemary sprigs.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
40 min


Complexity Medium

Heritage Modern European

Output 4 Portions

Dietary guidelines Vegetarian

Components

Roasted Acorns

01 1 cup raw shelled, leached, and dried acorns
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
04 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Platter Components

01 1/2 cup toasted hazelnuts
02 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
03 1/2 cup dried cranberries
04 1/2 cup dried apricots, halved
05 1/2 cup seedless red grapes
06 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
07 3.5 ounces aged cheddar, cubed
08 3.5 ounces brie or camembert, sliced
09 1 small apple, cored and sliced
10 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish

Method

Phase 01

Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for roasting the acorns.

Phase 02

Prepare Acorns: In a bowl, combine the shelled, leached, and dried acorns with olive oil, sea salt, and smoked paprika. Toss to evenly coat.

Phase 03

Roast Acorns: Spread the seasoned acorns evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and aromatic. Allow to cool completely.

Phase 04

Assemble Platter: On a large serving platter, arrange the roasted acorns, toasted hazelnuts, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, dried apricots, seedless red grapes, pumpkin seeds, cubed cheddar, sliced brie or camembert, and apple slices in an appealing manner.

Phase 05

Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing the platter with fresh rosemary sprigs and serve immediately.

Necessary tools

  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Sharp knife
  • Large serving platter

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult healthcare providers if you're uncertain.
  • Contains tree nuts and dairy; may contain gluten traces if served with accompaniments.

Nutritional breakdown (per portion)

These values are approximate guides only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 340
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Protein: 9 g