Save to Pinterest 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 love serving these at family gatherings because everyone enjoys the playful look and fresh 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)
- Crackers: 12 round rice or water crackers about 5 cm diameter
- Lemon juice: ½ tsp
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese:
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Spread mixture:
- Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on each cracker.
- Create iceberg:
- Place a cucumber slice slightly off-center on each cracker to create the iceberg.
- Add polar bear head:
- Using a small spoon or piping bag, drop a rounded mound of cream cheese mixture onto the cucumber slice as the polar bears head.
- Decorate head:
- Place two capers as eyes. Add one black olive slice as the nose. Push two small radish slices into the sides as ears.
- Chill:
- Chill for at least 10 minutes before serving for best texture.
Save to Pinterest My kids love to help assemble these, making it a fun family activity.
Notes
For extra flavor, add fresh dill or chives to the cream cheese mixture. Substitute crackers with gluten-free options if desired. Refrigerate leftovers promptly.
Allergen Information
Contains milk and wheat (depending on crackers). May contain sulfites from olives and capers. Use dairy-free and gluten-free alternatives as needed.
Nutritional Information
Per stack: 75 calories, 4.5 g total fat, 6 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein.
Save to Pinterest This appetizer is both charming and delicious bringing a touch of whimsy to any event.
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients create the 'iceberg' effect in these stacks?
Thin cucumber slices form the base layer, resembling floating icebergs beneath the creamy bear heads.
- → How can I make a dairy-free alternative?
Substitute cream cheese and Greek yogurt with plant-based versions to maintain the creamy texture without dairy.
- → What makes the polar bear features on the stacks?
Capers are used for eyes, black olive slices form noses, and radish slices create tiny ears for a playful look.
- → Can these be prepared in advance?
Yes, assemble the stacks and chill them for at least 10 minutes to let flavors meld and maintain texture.
- → Are gluten-free crackers a suitable substitute?
Absolutely, rice or water crackers can be swapped for gluten-free options without affecting the overall taste.
- → What seasoning enhances the cream cheese mixture?
Lemon juice with salt and pepper adds brightness and balance to the creamy topping.