Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter

Featured in: Fresh Feasts

This autumn platter blends roasted acorns seasoned with olive oil and smoked paprika alongside toasted hazelnuts, walnuts, dried cranberries, apricots, grapes, seeds, and aged cheeses. The balanced assortment of sweet, nutty, and savory elements creates a vibrant centerpiece ideal for fall gatherings. Garnished with fresh rosemary, it offers seasonal forest-foraged flavors and a mix of textures perfect for sharing. Preparation involves roasting acorns to a golden crisp and arranging all components artfully on a large serving tray.

Updated on Sat, 29 Nov 2025 11:50:00 GMT
Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter: a vibrant autumn appetizer platter with roasted acorns, nuts, and ripe fruits. Save
Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter: a vibrant autumn appetizer platter with roasted acorns, nuts, and ripe fruits. | oventhyme.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 was my go-to for cozy fall parties, and it never disappointed guests with its unique, earthy taste.

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.
A beautifully arranged Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter, featuring toasted hazelnuts and creamy brie, ready to serve. Save
A beautifully arranged Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter, featuring toasted hazelnuts and creamy brie, ready to serve. | oventhyme.com

This platter always brings my family together around the table to share stories and laughter in the crisp fall air.

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

Get ready for the delicious Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter, piled high with roasted acorns and fresh, red grapes. Save
Get ready for the delicious Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter, piled high with roasted acorns and fresh, red grapes. | oventhyme.com

Enjoy this delightful autumn appetizer as a fresh take on communal snacking perfect for seasonal celebrations.

Kitchen Guide

How do I prepare acorns for this platter?

Acorns must be leached to remove bitterness and toxins before use. After leaching and drying, toss them with olive oil, sea salt, and smoked paprika, then roast until golden and fragrant.

Can I substitute acorns with another nut?

Yes, roasted chestnuts make a suitable substitute, offering a similar nutty flavor and texture.

What cheeses pair well on this platter?

Aged cheddar, brie, or camembert complement the nutty and fruity elements nicely. Vegan alternatives can also be used to suit dietary preferences.

How should I serve this autumn platter?

Arrange all ingredients attractively on a large platter and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp textures and balanced flavors.

What beverages complement this platter?

Pair it with a crisp Riesling, cider, or sparkling water to enhance the seasonal flavors and refresh the palate.

Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter

Autumn-inspired platter with roasted acorns, nuts, dried fruits, cheeses, and fresh herbs.

Prep duration
20 min
Kitchen time
20 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Grace Mitchell


Skill level Medium

Heritage Modern European

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements Meat-free, No gluten

What you'll need

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

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Roast Acorns: Spread seasoned acorns evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring once halfway to ensure even browning; allow to cool completely before assembling.

Phase 04

Assemble Platter: Artfully arrange roasted acorns, toasted nuts, dried fruits, grapes, pumpkin seeds, cheeses, and apple slices on a large serving platter.

Phase 05

Add Garnish and Serve: Top the arrangement with fresh rosemary sprigs and present immediately.

Kitchen tools needed

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

Allergy notes

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice when uncertain.
  • Contains tree nuts and dairy.
  • May contain gluten traces if served with bread or crackers.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 340
  • Fats: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 9 g