Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter

Featured in: Earthy Weekend Recipes

This autumn-inspired platter blends roasted acorns with toasted nuts, dried fruits, fresh grapes, and a selection of cheeses. The acorns are carefully leached and seasoned with olive oil, sea salt, and smoked paprika, then roasted to bring out a warm, earthy flavor. Combined with toasted hazelnuts, walnuts, dried cranberries, apricots, pumpkin seeds, apple slices, and garnished with rosemary, it creates a vibrant, rustic centerpiece. Ideal for fall gatherings, this platter offers a unique balance of textures and seasonal tastes.

Updated on Sat, 29 Nov 2025 08:42:00 GMT
Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter: a beautifully arranged appetizer, featuring roasted acorns, nuts, and cheeses for a fall feast. Save
Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter: a beautifully arranged appetizer, featuring roasted acorns, nuts, and cheeses for a fall feast. | hazelfork.com

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

Ingredients

  • Raw acorns: 1 cup shelled, leached, and dried (see Notes)
  • Olive oil: 1 tbsp
  • Sea salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Smoked paprika: 1/4 tsp
  • Toasted hazelnuts: 1/2 cup
  • Toasted walnuts: 1/2 cup
  • Dried cranberries: 1/2 cup
  • Dried apricots: 1/2 cup halved
  • Seedless red grapes: 1/2 cup
  • Pumpkin seeds: 1/4 cup
  • Aged cheddar: 100 g cubed
  • Brie or camembert: 100 g sliced
  • Apple: 1 small cored and sliced
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs: 1 tbsp 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.
The Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter, full of golden roasted acorns, nuts, and fresh fruit, ready to enjoy. Save
The Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter, full of golden roasted acorns, nuts, and fresh fruit, ready to enjoy. | hazelfork.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

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

See the delicious Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter with roasted acorns and brie—perfect for a cozy autumn snack. Save
See the delicious Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter with roasted acorns and brie—perfect for a cozy autumn snack. | hazelfork.com

Recipe Questions & Answers

How are the acorns prepared safely?

Acorns must be leached to remove bitterness and toxins before roasting. This involves soaking and rinsing repeatedly. See trusted guides to ensure safe preparation.

Can I substitute acorns with another ingredient?

Yes, roasted chestnuts are a great alternative that offers a similar nutty sweetness and texture.

What cheeses complement this platter?

Aged cheddar, brie, or camembert work well. Vegan cheese alternatives can be used for a plant-based option.

What wine pairings suit this autumn platter?

Crisp Riesling, cider, or sparkling water enhance the forest-foraged flavors without overpowering them.

How should the nuts and fruits be arranged?

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

Squirrels Acorn Hoard Platter

Whimsical autumn platter combining roasted acorns, nuts, dried fruits, and cheeses for seasonal snacking.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
20 minutes
Time Required
40 minutes
Created by Lydia Carver

Recipe Group Earthy Weekend Recipes

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type Modern European

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences Meat-Free

Needed Ingredients

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)

Preparation Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Assemble Platter: Arrange roasted acorns, toasted hazelnuts and walnuts, dried cranberries, dried apricots, seedless grapes, pumpkin seeds, cheeses, and apple slices artistically on a large serving platter.

Step 05

Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish and serve immediately.

Essential Tools

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

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and speak to your doctor with any concerns.
  • Contains tree nuts and dairy; may contain gluten traces if served with crackers or breads.

Nutritional Info (each portion)

Nutrition details are for reference and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 340
  • Fats: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 9 g