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.
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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
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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.
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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)
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This recipe makes a delightful and easy snack perfect for any occasion.
Ask About This Recipe
- โ 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.
- โ 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.
- โ 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.
- โ 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.
- โ 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.