Pin It A festive and elegant appetizer featuring crisp crackers topped with creamy cheese cut into delicate snowflake shapes—perfect for holiday gatherings or as a whimsical party starter.
Inspired by holiday celebrations, this recipe always brings smiles and compliments from guests.
Ingredients
- Crackers: 24 round or square plain crackers (e.g., water crackers, butter crackers)
- Cheese: 200 g (7 oz) semi-firm cheese (e.g., cheddar, gouda, swiss) sliced 3–4 mm thick
- Garnish (optional): 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh herbs (e.g., chives, parsley, dill), 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper, 1 small red bell pepper diced finely, 2 tbsp cream cheese or soft spreadable cheese (for glue)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Using a small snowflake-shaped cookie cutter, cut snowflake shapes from the cheese slices.
- Step 2:
- Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on each cracker to help the cheese adhere (optional but recommended).
- Step 3:
- Place a cheese snowflake on each cracker, pressing gently to secure.
- Step 4:
- Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped herbs, a few diced red pepper pieces, or a dusting of black pepper for festive color and flavor.
- Step 5:
- Arrange on a serving platter and serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Pin It Add a thin slice of cucumber or radish beneath the cheese for extra crunch and freshness.
Required Tools
Small snowflake-shaped cookie cutter, sharp knife, cutting board, small offset spatula or butter knife
Allergen Information
Contains milk (cheese, cream cheese) and gluten (crackers, unless gluten-free used). Always check cracker and cheese packaging for potential allergens or cross-contamination if serving to guests with allergies.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 65, Total Fat: 4 g, Carbohydrates: 5 g, Protein: 3 g (per serving)
Pin It This appetizer is a delightful and visually striking start to any gathering.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of cheese works best for the snowflake shapes?
Semi-firm cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or swiss work well as they slice cleanly and hold the snowflake shape firmly.
- → Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
- → Are there alternatives to cream cheese for adhesion?
Soft spreads like ricotta or mascarpone can be used to help cheese pieces stick to crackers if desired.
- → How can I add more flavor or color to the bites?
Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs such as chives or parsley, add diced red pepper, or dust with freshly cracked black pepper for a festive touch.
- → Can gluten-free crackers be used in this preparation?
Absolutely, gluten-free crackers work well and accommodate dietary preferences without affecting the overall presentation.