Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter

Featured in: Garden-Inspired Meals

This autumn-inspired platter combines roasted acorns tossed in olive oil, sea salt, and smoked paprika with toasted hazelnuts and walnuts. Dried cranberries, apricots, seedless red grapes, and pumpkin seeds add a vibrant medley of flavors. Complemented by aged cheddar, creamy brie or camembert, and fresh apple slices, the platter is garnished with fragrant rosemary sprigs for an inviting fall centerpiece.

Preparation involves leaching and roasting the acorns to remove bitterness before assembling the nuts, fruits, cheeses, and garnishes attractively on a large serving platter. Perfect for autumn gatherings, this snack platter captures forest-foraged flavors in a visually appealing presentation.

Updated on Sat, 29 Nov 2025 15:35:00 GMT
Golden roasted acorns and nuts adorn this Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter, perfect for sharing at autumn gatherings. Pin
Golden roasted acorns and nuts adorn this Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter, perfect for sharing at autumn gatherings. | toastybasil.com

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

I first served this at a cozy autumn get-together and it was an instant hit among friends and family

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 Roasted Acorns:
In a bowl, toss leached dryed 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
Arrange Platter:
Arrange roasted acorns toasted nuts dried fruits grapes seeds cheeses and apple slices attractively on a large platter
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs Serve immediately
Pin
| toastybasil.com

This platter always brings the family together especially during crisp autumn evenings filled with laughter and stories

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

A visually appealing Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter, packed with textures of cheese, fruits, and fragrant rosemary sprigs. Pin
A visually appealing Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter, packed with textures of cheese, fruits, and fragrant rosemary sprigs. | toastybasil.com

This platter combines seasonal ingredients with vibrant flavors for a delightful appetizer

Recipe Q&A

How are acorns prepared for this platter?

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

Can I substitute acorns if unavailable?

Yes, roasted chestnuts make a great substitute offering a similar roasted nut flavor and texture.

What cheeses complement the platter?

Aged cheddar and creamy brie or camembert pair well, but feel free to swap with your favorite or vegan cheese alternatives.

Are there recommended beverage pairings?

This platter pairs wonderfully with crisp Riesling, cider, or sparkling water to balance the rich, nutty flavors.

What tools are needed to prepare this platter?

A baking sheet for roasting, a mixing bowl to toss ingredients, a sharp knife for slicing, and a large serving platter for arrangement.

Is this platter suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, it features vegetarian ingredients including nuts, fruits, cheeses, and herbs.

Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter

Whimsical autumn platter with roasted acorns, nuts, dried fruits, and forest-foraged flavors.

Prep duration
20 min
Cooking duration
20 min
Complete duration
40 min


Skill level Medium

Origin Modern European

Yield 4 Portions

Dietary specifications Vegetarian, Gluten-free

Components

Roasted Acorns

01 1 cup raw acorns, shelled, leached, and dried
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

Directions

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).

Step 02

Prepare Acorns: Combine leached and dried acorns with olive oil, sea salt, and smoked paprika in a mixing bowl. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 03

Roast Acorns: Spread the seasoned acorns on a baking sheet and roast for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until they turn golden and emit a fragrant aroma. Allow to cool completely.

Step 04

Assemble Platter: Arrange the roasted acorns, toasted hazelnuts, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, dried apricots, seedless grapes, pumpkin seeds, cubed cheddar, sliced brie or camembert, and apple slices artistically on a large serving platter.

Step 05

Garnish and Serve: Decorate the display with fresh rosemary sprigs and present immediately.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy information

Review each component for possible allergens and if uncertain, we recommend consulting with a healthcare professional.
  • Contains tree nuts (acorns, hazelnuts, walnuts) and dairy (cheeses).
  • May contain gluten traces if served with crackers or breads.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as a general guide and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 340
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Carbs: 28 g
  • Protein: 9 g