Grinch Fruit Kabobs

Whether you’re cozying up for a holiday movie night, packing a festive lunch box or planning holiday party appetizers, these Grinch fruit kabobs bring plenty of cheer to the table. With just a few simple ingredients—strawberries, bananas, green grapes and mini marshmallows—you can assemble playful skewers that look like the Grinch in his Santa hat. They’re colorful, kid-friendly and a healthier alternative to sugary holiday treats—what’s not to love?

Ingredients for Grinch Fruit Kabobs

• Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows are just the right size to form the fluffy pom-pom on top of the Grinch’s Santa hat. Not a fan of marshmallows? Swap them out for mozzarella pearls, pieces of string cheese or yogurt-covered raisins.
• Strawberries: Whole fresh strawberries represent the Grinch’s red Santa hat. Choose firm berries that are similar in size for the best presentation. Wash and hull strawberries before threading them onto skewers.
• Banana: Slice one large banana or two smaller ones into thick coins to create the white trim at the bottom of the Santa hat. Bananas brown quickly, but you can slow the process down by brushing them with lemon or orange juice.
• Grapes: Use green grapes to make up the Grinch’s face. Look for grapes that are similar in size to the strawberries for a balanced look.
• Skewers or toothpicks: Wooden skewers are perfect for stacking two or three Grinch heads and Santa hats on one stick, while extra-long toothpicks work well for mini kabobs.

Directions

Step 1: Skewer the ingredients

Thread a mini marshmallow onto a wooden skewer or toothpick. Then, thread a strawberry with the pointed end facing the marshmallow. Add a banana slice and a green grape to complete the Grinch in his Santa hat.

Editor’s Tip: Make shorter skewers with just one Grinch head each for bite-sized party snacks. For longer skewers—like the ones shown in the photos—repeat this pattern two or three times to fit multiple Grinches on a wooden skewer.

Step 2: Repeat and serve

Repeat with the remaining skewers and ingredients. Serve the Grinch kabobs immediately for the freshest flavor and best appearance.

Editor’s Tip: To keep the banana slices from browning, lightly brush them with orange or lemon juice before threading them onto the skewers.

Grinch Kabob Variations

• Swap the fruit: Not a fan of green grapes? Substitute them with peeled kiwi rounds or honeydew melon balls to represent the Grinch. You can also swap in raspberries for the strawberries and yogurt-covered raisins for the marshmallows.
• Add cheese: Layer cheddar cubes, mozzarella pearls or sliced string cheese above or below the fruit layers for a sweet-and-savory snack.
• Make them sweeter: Drizzle the finished kabobs with melted white chocolate for an extra-sweet treat. You could also dip the marshmallows or banana slices in white chocolate; a chocolatey coating will keep the bananas from browning. Pop the kabobs into the fridge for about 15 minutes to let the chocolate set.
• Serve with a dip: Turn Grinch kabobs into a party platter by pairing them with a bowl of salted caramel sauce or a creamy fruit dip for drizzling and dunking.

How to Store Grinch Fruit Kabobs

Grinch kabobs are best enjoyed right after they’re assembled, since the banana slices can brown and the strawberries may soften. Store leftover fruit kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy them within one day for the freshest flavor and texture.

Can you make Grinch fruit kabobs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the fruit and assemble the kabobs a few hours in advance, but don’t make them too far ahead, otherwise the presentation and texture will suffer. To prevent the banana slices from browning, lightly brush them with an acidic juice such as lemon, orange or pineapple juice. Arrange the kabobs on a platter and cover them with storage wrap, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until it’s time to serve them.

Grinch Fruit Kabob Tips

What else can you use besides grapes?

Green grapes form the Grinch’s head, but you can swap in any firm, green fruit that holds its shape on a skewer. Honeydew melon balls or thick kiwi slices are tasty alternatives that will capture the Grinch’s signature color.

How do you keep bananas from turning brown on fruit kabobs?

To prevent banana slices from browning, lightly brush or dip each slice in lemon juice before threading it onto a skewer. Pineapple or orange juice works, too. The acid in the juice slows oxidation and will help keep your kabobs looking fresh.

Can you make Grinch fruit kabobs without bananas?

If you’d like to skip the bananas—or avoid the browning issue—there are a few fun alternatives. The easiest option is to slice large marshmallows into thirds and use them for the white trim of the Santa hat. You can also use any firm white cheese or pieces of pound cake. Use a small cookie cutter to make rounds, or trim them by hand so they match the size of the strawberries.