Save to Pinterest 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.
I enjoy serving these colorful bites at family gatherings because they bring smiles and are super easy to prepare.
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 to Pinterest I love how my kids get excited to help assemble these bites during afternoon snacks.
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)
Nutritional Information
Calories 95, Total Fat 6 g, Carbohydrates 8 g, Protein 2 g per serving (2 bites)
Save to Pinterest This recipe makes a delightful and easy snack perfect for any occasion.
Ask About This Recipe
- → Can I use a different cheese in these bites?
Yes, substitute cream cheese with goat cheese, herbed soft cheese, or a plant-based alternative for a different flavor and dietary preference.
- → What crackers work best for these snacks?
Round crackers with a firm texture work well; gluten-free options or whole-grain varieties add extra texture and suit various diets.
- → How do I create the ladybug spots on the tomato halves?
Use a toothpick to dot balsamic glaze or press black sesame seeds onto the tomato halves to mimic the spots naturally.
- → Can these bites be prepared ahead of time?
It's best to assemble shortly before serving to maintain freshness and prevent crackers from becoming soggy.
- → Are these snacks suitable for vegetarian or gluten-free diets?
Yes, using gluten-free crackers makes them gluten-free; the ingredients are naturally vegetarian-friendly.