Save A whimsical, savory appetizer featuring cool cream cheese, crisp veggies, and crackers stacked to resemble polar bears on floating icebergs—perfect for parties or themed gatherings.
This recipe quickly became a party favorite among my friends who love unique appetizers.
Ingredients
- Dairy & Cheese: 200 g cream cheese, softened, 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
- Vegetables: 12 small cucumber slices (about ½ cm thick, cut into rounds), 12 small black olive slices (for noses), 24 mini capers (for eyes), 12 small radish slices (for ears)
- Crackers: 12 round rice crackers or water crackers (about 5 cm diameter)
- Spices & Seasonings: ½ tsp lemon juice, Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2:
- Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on each cracker.
- Step 3:
- Place a cucumber slice slightly off-center on each cracker to create the iceberg.
- Step 4:
- Using a small spoon or piping bag, drop a rounded mound of cream cheese mixture onto the cucumber slice as the polar bears head.
- Step 5:
- Decorate each head:
- Place two capers as eyes.
- Add one black olive slice as the nose.
- Push two small radish slices into the sides as ears.
- Step 6:
- Chill for at least 10 minutes before serving for best texture.
Save Making these cracker stacks always brings a smile at family gatherings, especially with the kids excited about the polar bear theme.
Variations
Try adding fresh dill or chives to the cream cheese mixture for an herbal twist. You can also substitute crackers with gluten-free options or use plant-based cream cheese for a vegan version.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled on a decorative platter with extra cucumber slices and olives on the side for guests to customize their stacks.
Storage
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to keep the crackers crisp and creamy.
Save These delightful stacks are sure to impress with minimal effort and maximum charm.
Your Questions Answered
- → What type of crackers work best for these stacks?
Round rice or water crackers about 5 cm in diameter provide a sturdy base and mild flavor that complements the creamy and fresh toppings well.
- → Can the cream cheese mixture be customized?
Yes, adding fresh dill or chives enhances flavor, and for dietary needs, plant-based cream cheese and yogurt can be used as alternatives.
- → How should the stacks be served for best texture?
Chilling the assembled stacks for at least 10 minutes firms the cream cheese and allows flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
- → Are there allergen considerations to keep in mind?
They contain dairy and may include wheat if standard crackers are used. Gluten-free and dairy-free substitutes can be chosen to accommodate restrictions.
- → What is the role of cucumbers in the stacks?
Cucumber slices act as 'icebergs,' providing a fresh, crisp contrast to the creamy layer and adding a visual and textural element to the stacks.