Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter

Featured in: Cozy Fall Recipes

This autumn-inspired platter combines roasted acorns with toasted hazelnuts and walnuts, dried cranberries and apricots, seedless grapes, pumpkin seeds, and cubes of aged cheddar and brie. The mix is arranged attractively with fresh rosemary for a fragrant garnish. It offers a balance of earthy, sweet, and savory flavors, making it an ideal centerpiece for fall gatherings. Preparation includes roasting acorns after careful leaching to remove bitterness. This vegetarian-friendly spread pairs wonderfully with crisp Riesling or cider, perfect for sharing in a cozy setting.

Updated on Sat, 29 Nov 2025 15:57:00 GMT
A beautiful Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter, featuring golden roasted acorns, fresh fruits, and savory cheeses. Save
A beautiful Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter, featuring golden roasted acorns, fresh fruits, and savory cheeses. | pumpkinhearth.com

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

Ingredients

  • For the 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
  • For the 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

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2:
For the roasted acorns: In a bowl, toss leached, dried acorns with olive oil, sea salt, and smoked paprika. Spread on a baking sheet.
Step 3:
Roast acorns for 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and fragrant. Cool completely.
Step 4:
Arrange roasted acorns, toasted nuts, dried fruits, grapes, seeds, cheeses, and apple slices attractively on a large platter.
Step 5:
Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs. Serve immediately.
This appetizing Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter shows a variety of textures including crunchy nuts and soft brie cheese. Save
This appetizing Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter shows a variety of textures including crunchy nuts and soft brie cheese. | pumpkinhearth.com

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 (per serving)

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

Enjoy a festive Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter: a delicious spread with roasted acorns and autumn flavors for sharing. Save
Enjoy a festive Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter: a delicious spread with roasted acorns and autumn flavors for sharing. | pumpkinhearth.com

Recipe Q&A

How do you prepare acorns for roasting?

Acorns require leaching to remove bitterness and toxins before roasting. This involves soaking them in water for several days, changing the water regularly until it runs clear.

Can I substitute acorns in this platter?

Yes, roasted chestnuts make a great alternative if acorns are unavailable or difficult to prepare safely.

What cheeses pair well on this autumn platter?

Aged cheddar, brie, or camembert enhance the mix with creamy, savory notes. Vegan cheese alternatives can also be used.

How should the platter be served?

Arrange the roasted acorns, nuts, dried fruits, grapes, seeds, cheeses, and apple slices attractively on a large serving tray, garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs.

What beverages complement this platter?

Crisp Riesling, apple cider, or sparkling water pair well, enhancing the forest-foraged flavors and balancing richness.

Are there any allergen considerations?

This platter contains tree nuts and dairy, and may include gluten traces if served with breads or crackers. Always check labels for cross-contamination risks.

Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter

Whimsical fall platter with roasted acorns, toasted nuts, dried fruits, cheeses, and fresh rosemary garnish.

Prep duration
20 min
Time to cook
20 min
Time required
40 min
Created by Sarah Coleman


Skill required Medium

Cuisine origin Modern European

Portions 4 Serves

Dietary info Meat-free, Free from gluten

What you'll need

Roasted Acorns

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

Platter

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 oz aged cheddar, cubed
08 3.5 oz Brie or Camembert, sliced
09 1 small apple, cored and sliced
10 1 tbsp fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish

Directions

Step 01

Prepare Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 02

Season Acorns: In a mixing bowl, toss leached and dried acorns with olive oil, sea salt, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Assemble Platter: Arrange roasted acorns, toasted hazelnuts, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, dried apricots, seedless red grapes, pumpkin seeds, cubed aged cheddar, sliced Brie or Camembert, and apple slices attractively on a large serving platter.

Step 05

Garnish and Serve: Decorate the platter with fresh rosemary sprigs and serve immediately.

Gear Needed

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

Allergy warning

Read over each ingredient for allergies and check with your doctor when uncertain.
  • Contains tree nuts (acorns, hazelnuts, walnuts) and dairy (cheese).
  • May contain traces of gluten if accompanied by crackers or breads.

Nutrition details per portion

This is for reference only. Contact your healthcare provider about any concerns.
  • Calorie count: 340
  • Fat content: 21 g
  • Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Proteins: 9 g