Grinch Fruit Kabobs with Juicy Grapes, Sweet Strawberries and Fluffy Marshmallow Hats
These Grinch fruit kabobs are one of those holiday treats that look playful on the platter but take almost no effort to put together. Juicy green grapes, creamy banana, sweet strawberries and soft mini marshmallows stack into little Santa hats that always disappear fast.Grab a bunch of fresh fruit, a handful of toothpicks and use this post to walk you through a quick, stress free Grinch fruit kabob tray for your next Christmas gathering.
Servings: 12 skewers
Calories: 35kcal
Ingredients
- 12 large green grapes rinsed and dried
- 12 fresh strawberries hulled, stems removed and patted dry
- 1 medium banana sliced into 12 even rounds, about ½ inch thick (about 1.25 cm)
- 12 mini marshmallows
- 12 wooden toothpicks or small skewers about 4 to 6 inches long (10 to 15 cm)
- Optional for make ahead:
- 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice 15 to 30 ml to lightly toss the banana slices and slow browning
Instructions
Prep the fruit
- Rinse the grapes and strawberries in cool water. Pat them completely dry so they do not slide around on the skewers.
- Hull the strawberries and remove the stems, making a flat base so they sit neatly on the banana slices.
- Peel the banana and slice it into 12 even rounds, about ½ inch thick (about 1.25 cm). Thinner slices break more easily.
- If you want to make these a little ahead of time, very lightly toss the banana slices in lemon juice, then pat them dry again. This helps prevent browning without making them wet or sour.
Build the kabobs
- Use sturdy wooden toothpicks or small appetizer skewers about 4 to 6 inches long (10 to 15 cm).
- Start with the grape - Thread a green grape onto the bottom of each toothpick. Leave a little room at the end of the toothpick so there is a place to hold it.
- Add the banana slice - Hold a banana slice flat in your hand and carefully push the toothpick straight through the center. This keeps the banana from tearing and helps it sit flat on the grape.
- Add the strawberry hat - Thread a strawberry onto the skewer through the wider end first, so the pointed tip stays on top and looks like a Santa hat. Gently press it down so it touches the banana slice, but do not crush the fruit.
- Top with the marshmallow pom pom - Finish each kabob with a mini marshmallow on the very tip of the toothpick. Push it straight down, twisting slightly if needed so it does not split.
- Repeat with the remaining ingredients until you have 12 Grinch fruit kabobs.
Notes
Make ahead and storage
- For the freshest look, assemble the kabobs within 2 to 3 hours of serving.
- If you need more time, you can prep the grapes and strawberries earlier in the day and keep them covered in the fridge. Slice the banana and assemble the kabobs closer to serving time.
- Arrange the finished kabobs in a single layer on a platter so they do not squash each other.
- Cover the platter and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
Fun variations
- You can keep the basic shape the same and still play with a few details.
- Add candy eyes to the grapes just before serving for extra character.
- Swap the banana slice for a small round of peeled apple or pear if someone in your group prefers those fruits.
- Use vegetarian or vegan mini marshmallows if needed for your crowd.
- Make them extra small by using seedless green grapes, tiny strawberries and cutting the banana into slightly thinner slices.