Save to Pinterest Festive, refreshing cucumber slices topped with a zesty cream cheese spread and colorful garnishes, perfect for holiday gatherings.
This recipe immediately became a holiday staple in our home, loved by kids and adults alike for its bright flavors and fun presentation.
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 to Pinterest These bites always bring smiles at our holiday parties, creating joyful moments around the table.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chopped chives to the cream cheese mixture. Garnish with pomegranate seeds for a festive touch. For a vegan version, use plant-based cream cheese and sour cream.
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 to Pinterest Enjoy these refreshing bites at your next holiday gathering for an easy crowd-pleaser.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make the cucumber slices star-shaped?
Use a small star-shaped cookie cutter to cut the center out of half the cucumber rounds, reserving the stars for garnish.
- → Can I prepare the bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them and refrigerate for a short time before serving to keep the flavors fresh.
- → What alternatives can I use for cream cheese?
To make a vegan version, substitute dairy cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives.
- → What adds the festive color to these bites?
Diced red and yellow bell peppers along with fresh dill provide bright, festive colors and fresh flavor.
- → Can I add extra flavors to the cream cheese spread?
Yes, adding smoked paprika or chopped chives enhances the creamy mixture with extra zest.