Pin this 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.
This appetizer has been a hit at all our themed parties and is always the first to disappear from the platter.
Ingredients
- Dairy & Cheese: 200 g cream cheese softened, 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
- Vegetables: 12 small cucumber slices (about ½ cm thick, cut into rounds), 12 small black olive slices (for noses), 24 mini capers (for eyes), 12 small radish slices (for ears)
- Crackers: 12 round rice crackers or water crackers (about 5 cm diameter)
- Spices & Seasonings: ½ tsp lemon juice, Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients:
- 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 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:
- 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.
Pin this Family gatherings have become more joyful with everyone eagerly anticipating these delightful stacks.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled as a refreshing party appetizer or light snack alongside a crisp white wine or iced tea.
Storage Tips
Keep prepared stacks covered in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
Variations
Add fresh dill or chives to the cream cheese mixture for extra flavor or substitute crackers with gluten-free options.
Pin this These polar bear cracker stacks make any occasion instantly festive and delicious.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What type of crackers work best for these stacks?
Round rice or water crackers provide a sturdy yet light base that complements the creamy and fresh toppings.
- → Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, by substituting cream cheese and yogurt with plant-based alternatives, you can create a vegan-friendly version without compromising flavor.
- → How should I prepare the cream cheese mixture?
Mix softened cream cheese with plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy for the best texture.
- → Are there any suggested additions for extra flavor?
Fresh dill or chives can be stirred into the cream cheese blend to add a subtle herbal note.
- → How long should the stacks be chilled before serving?
Chill the assembled stacks for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and texture to firm up.