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.
I first served this...
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 The kids love helping me assemble these polar bear stacks at family gatherings, making it a fun and memorable experience.
Notes
For a vegan version, use plant-based cream cheese and yogurt.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, Small offset spatula or butter knife, Small spoon or piping bag, Serving platter
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (cream cheese, yogurt), wheat (if using standard crackers). May contain Sulfites in olives and capers. For allergies, use dairy-free and gluten-free alternatives as needed. Double-check all labels.
Save This easy, fun appetizer is sure to be a hit at your next party!
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of crackers work best for these stacks?
Round rice or water crackers around 5 cm in diameter provide a sturdy and crisp base for layering the cream cheese and vegetables.
- → Can I prepare the stacks ahead of time?
Yes, chilling them for at least 10 minutes enhances texture and flavor, making them ideal for advance preparation before serving.
- → How do I shape the polar bear features?
The cream cheese mixed with yogurt forms the bear's head atop cucumber slices, with capers as eyes, black olive slices as noses, and radish pieces as ears.
- → Are there any suggested flavor enhancements?
Fresh dill or chives can be incorporated into the cream cheese mix for added herbaceous notes without overpowering the base flavors.
- → Is there a way to adapt this for dietary restrictions?
Substitute gluten-free crackers and plant-based cream cheese and yogurt for gluten-free and vegan-friendly versions.