Pineapple and cheese hedgehog recipe - this retro starter is making a comeback!

Name: Pineapple and cheese hedgehog recipe - this retro starter is making a comeback!
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 12 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1/2 small grapefruit; 150 g pineapple, cut into 12 equal cubes; 150 g Cheddar, cut into 12 equal cubes; 12 mini mozzarella balls, we used Galbani; 12 sundried tomatoes; 12 olives, pitted; 12 basil leaves, large ones folded in half; 75 g blue cheese, cut into 12 equal cubes; 3 figs, quartered; 3 slices of Parma ham, torn into 12 pieces; 36 cocktail sticks

We’ve given this retro classic a modern makeover. The perfect thing to serve at a cocktail party or as a starter at a dinner party.

By Grace EvansUpdated: 20 May 2025

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preview for Pineapple and Cheese Hedgehog

Yes you've read that right, this retro 'hedgehog' starter or party canapé for some, is making a comeback and this version has something for everyone on it! Pineapple, cheese, ham, sun-dried tomatoes, and fig, you really can't go wrong.

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Yields:

12 serving(s)

Prep Time:

25 mins

Total Time:

25 mins

Cal/Serv:

126

Ingredients

1/2
small grapefruit
150 g
pineapple, cut into 12 equal cubes
150 g
Cheddar, cut into 12 equal cubes
12
mini mozzarella balls, we used Galbani
12
sundried tomatoes
12
olives, pitted
12
basil leaves, large ones folded in half
75 g
blue cheese, cut into 12 equal cubes
3
figs, quartered
3
slices of Parma ham, torn into 12 pieces

You will also need

36
cocktail sticks

Directions

1. Step 1Put the grapefruit on a serving board or plate, cut side down.
2. Step 2Top a cube of pineapple with a cube of Cheddar and secure with a cocktail stick. Repeat with remaining pineapple and Cheddar. Stick these randomly all over the grapefruit.
3. Step 3Thread a mozzarella ball, sundried tomato, olive and basil leaf onto a cocktail stick. Repeat with the remainder of these ingredients. Stick these randomly all over the grapefruit.
4. Step 4Thread a cube of blue cheese, fig piece and Parma ham piece onto a cocktail stick. Repeat with the remainder of these ingredients. Stick these into the gaps left on the grapefruit. Serve.

GH TIPS:

The great thing about this recipe is how adaptable it is. If you feel like Comte with a gherkin, or maybe some mature Cheddar with a pickled onion, switch it up to whatever you like!

We also have a garlic bread hedgehog recipe that is brilliant too and makes such a great conversation starter.