Save Adorable and vibrant, these whimsical snacks combine juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy cheese, and briny olives for a fun and healthy appetizer that delights both kids and adults.
This recipe is a joyful way to bring color and fun to snack time with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Base: 8 round crackers (gluten-free if needed), 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese or herbed soft cheese
- Ladybug Bodies: 16 cherry tomatoes
- Ladybug Heads & Spots: 8 black olives (pitted, large) halved, 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds or balsamic glaze (for spots)
- Garnish: 16 small fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Spread a generous layer of cream cheese onto each cracker.
- Step 2:
- Place a basil leaf onto the cheese on each cracker.
- Step 3:
- Slice each cherry tomato in half lengthwise.
- Step 4:
- Place one tomato half, cut side down, onto each cracker to form the ladybug body.
- Step 5:
- Attach a black olive half to one end of the tomato to create the ladybugs head.
- Step 6:
- Using a toothpick, dot small spots on the tomato backs with balsamic glaze or carefully press on a few black sesame seeds to resemble ladybug spots.
- Step 7:
- Arrange the bites on a serving platter and serve immediately.
Save This recipe always brings smiles when shared during family gatherings and parties.
Required Tools
Small knife, spreader or butter knife, toothpick
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (from cheese), Gluten (from crackers unless gluten-free), Sesame (if using sesame seeds). Check all packaging for potential traces of allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (2 bites): Calories 95, Total Fat 6 g, Carbohydrates 8 g, Protein 2 g
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This delightful recipe makes snack time special and encourages healthy eating habits with a creative twist.
Cooking Questions
- → What ingredients create the ladybug appearance?
Halved cherry tomatoes form the bodies, black olive halves serve as heads, and black sesame seeds or balsamic glaze add spots.
- → Can I use different cheeses for the creamy layer?
Yes, goat cheese or plant-based soft cheese can be used for varied flavors and dietary preferences.
- → Are gluten-free crackers suitable for this dish?
Absolutely, gluten-free crackers work well and maintain the bite-sized format.
- → How should I assemble the bites for best presentation?
Spread cheese on crackers, top with a basil leaf, place the tomato half cut-side down, add the olive head, then dot spots carefully.
- → What drinks pair nicely with these snacks?
Chilled white wine or sparkling lemonade complement the fresh, tangy flavors beautifully.