Save 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.
This appetizer has become my go-to for holiday parties because it looks stunning yet requires minimal effort.
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.
Save This recipe always brings my family together, sparking compliments and requests for more at every gathering.
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
Per serving: Calories 65, Total Fat 4 g, Carbohydrates 5 g, Protein 3 g
Save This appetizer never fails to impress with its charming design and delightful taste.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of cheese works best for snowflake shapes?
Semi-firm cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or swiss hold their shape well when cut and provide good texture and flavor.
- → Can I prepare these bites in advance?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving to keep crackers crisp and flavors fresh.
- → How do I ensure the cheese snowflakes stick to the crackers?
Spread a thin layer of cream cheese or soft cheese on the cracker to act as an adhesive for the snowflake shapes.
- → Are there gluten-free cracker options for this dish?
Gluten-free crackers can be substituted easily for dietary preferences without affecting presentation.
- → What garnishes complement these cheese bites?
Finely chopped fresh herbs, diced red bell pepper, and a light sprinkle of cracked black pepper add color and flavor.