Save Festive, refreshing cucumber slices topped with a zesty cream cheese spread and colorful garnishes, perfect for holiday gatherings.
This is one of my favorite holiday snacks because it combines crisp freshness with creamy flavors in a fun festive shape.
Ingredients
- Produce: 2 large cucumbers, 1 small red bell pepper, 1 small yellow bell pepper, 2 tablespoons fresh dill (finely chopped)
- Dairy: 200 g (7 oz) cream cheese softened, 2 tablespoons sour cream
- Pantry: 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Wash and slice the cucumbers into 1 cm (1/3-inch) thick rounds. Using a small star-shaped cookie cutter, cut a star shape out of the center of half the rounds. Set aside the star-shaped cutouts for garnish or other use.
- Step 2:
- In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3:
- Finely dice the red and yellow bell peppers.
- Step 4:
- Pipe or spoon a dollop of the cream cheese mixture onto each whole cucumber round.
- Step 5:
- Sprinkle each bite with diced red and yellow bell peppers and fresh dill for festive color.
- Step 6:
- Top each with a cucumber star (optional) or additional garnish as desired.
- Step 7:
- Arrange on a platter and serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Save My family always enjoys these at our holiday gatherings; they disappear quickly and add a festive touch to the table.
Notes
For extra flavor add a pinch of smoked paprika or chopped chives to the cream cheese mixture.
Required Tools
Sharp knife Cutting board Small star-shaped cookie cutter Mixing bowl Spoon or piping bag
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese sour cream) Check all ingredient labels for possible allergens if using commercial products.
Save These bites are a festive crowd-pleaser that come together quickly and beautifully.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I create the star shapes from the cucumbers?
Use a small star-shaped cookie cutter to cut the centers out of cucumber rounds, creating festive star-shaped garnishes.
- → Can I prepare these bites in advance?
Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate them shortly before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
- → What are good alternatives for the cream cheese mixture?
For a vegan version, substitute with plant-based cream cheese and sour cream while keeping the seasoning the same.
- → Which garnishes enhance the flavor and appearance?
Diced red and yellow bell peppers add color and crunch, while fresh dill brings an aromatic finish. Pomegranate seeds or smoked paprika can be added for extra festive flair.
- → How thick should the cucumber slices be?
Slice cucumbers into rounds about 1 cm (1/3 inch) thick to hold the topping without wilting.
- → Is this suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this dish contains only vegetarian ingredients and can be eaten as part of a vegetarian meal.