Save Festive, refreshing cucumber slices topped with a zesty cream cheese spread and colorful garnishes, perfect for holiday gatherings.
I first served these at a family holiday party and they were a big hit with guests of all ages
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.
Pin it My family loves preparing these together during holidays; it always brings joy and laughter to the kitchen
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.
Pin it These cucumber bites make the perfect fresh addition to any holiday spread and are sure to impress your guests
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I create the star shapes on the cucumber?
Use a small star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out stars from the center of cucumber slices. This adds a festive touch and can be used as garnish.
- → Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bites and refrigerate them until ready to serve to keep them fresh and cool.
- → What can I substitute for cream cheese in a vegan version?
Use plant-based cream cheese and vegan sour cream to make the spread suitable for vegan diets.
- → Are there any suggested flavor enhancements?
Adding smoked paprika or chopped chives to the creamy spread can give extra depth and aroma to the bites.
- → What garnishes work well with these cucumber bites?
Beyond diced bell peppers and dill, pomegranate seeds or extra cucumber stars make attractive and tasty garnishes.