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 at a family gathering and everyone loved the creative presentation and delicious flavors.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: 200 g softened
- Greek yogurt: 2 tbsp plain
- Cucumber slices: 12 small rounds about ½ cm thick
- Black olive slices: 12 small for noses
- Mini capers: 24 for eyes
- Radish slices: 12 small for ears
- Rice crackers: 12 round or water crackers about 5 cm diameter
- Lemon juice: ½ tsp
- 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 This recipe always brings smiles to parties, especially when kids try to find the little polar bears on their plates.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled as a fun appetizer alongside fresh vegetable sticks or a light salad.
Storage Tips
Keep the stacks covered in the refrigerator and consume within one day for best freshness.
Variations
Try adding fresh dill or chives for an herby twist or substitute crackers with gluten-free options.
Save The polar bear cracker stacks are a quick, creative appetizer bringing both charm and flavor to any gathering.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of crackers work best for these stacks?
Round rice crackers or water crackers around 5 cm diameter provide a sturdy base and subtle flavor that complements the creamy topping.
- → Can I prepare these stacks in advance?
Yes, chilling them for at least 10 minutes helps the cream cheese set and preserves the shape and texture before serving.
- → How do the vegetables contribute to the presentation?
Cucumber slices mimic floating icebergs while olives, capers, and radish slices create distinct facial features, enhancing the playful polar bear design.
- → Are there suggested variations for dietary preferences?
For vegans, substitute with plant-based cream cheese and yogurt. Gluten-free crackers can replace regular ones to suit dietary needs.
- → What flavor profile does the cream cheese mixture have?
The blend of softened cream cheese, tangy Greek yogurt, and lemon juice yields a smooth, slightly tart, and savory base that balances well with fresh vegetables.