Pin it Festive, refreshing cucumber slices topped with a zesty cream cheese spread and colorful garnishes, perfect for holiday gatherings.
This recipe quickly became a holiday favorite at our family gatherings, bringing color and flavor to the table.
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 This dish always brings our family together with smiles and compliments during the holidays.
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 are a light and tasty snack that adds a festive touch to any party.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I create the star shapes in the cucumbers?
Use a small star-shaped cookie cutter to press into the center of cucumber rounds, creating festive star cutouts ideal for garnish or topping.
- → Can I prepare the cucumber bites in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the bites and refrigerate them for a few hours before serving to keep them fresh and flavorful.
- → What alternatives can I use for cream cheese?
Plant-based cream cheese and sour cream alternatives can be used for a vegan-friendly variation without sacrificing creaminess.
- → What adds the bright colors on top of the bites?
Diced red and yellow bell peppers along with fresh dill provide vibrant color and a fresh herbal note to the bites.
- → Are there suggested garnishes to enhance flavor?
Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chopped chives to the cream cheese mix, or sprinkling pomegranate seeds on top, enhances flavor and festivity.