Save It A playful, visually striking appetizer platter inspired by urban skyscrapers, featuring a variety of stacked savory bites perfect for cocktail parties or modern gatherings.
This appetizer has become my go-to for entertaining guests as it sparks conversation and looks impressive with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Breads & Crackers: 16 cocktail rye bread squares, 16 multigrain cracker rectangles, 16 breadstick segments (about 2 inches long each)
- Cheeses: 120 g (4 oz) aged cheddar sliced, 120 g (4 oz) herbed cream cheese, 120 g (4 oz) gouda sliced
- Vegetables & Garnishes: 1 cucumber sliced into thin rectangles, 1 red bell pepper cut into thin strips, 8 cherry tomatoes halved, 2 avocados sliced, 1 small bunch chives cut into 2-inch lengths
- Extras: 16 pitted green olives, 1 tbsp black sesame seeds, 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Prepare a large platter or wooden board as your cityscape base.
- Step 2:
- Lay out the cocktail rye bread and multigrain crackers in clusters mimicking city blocks.
- Step 3:
- Stack slices of cheddar and gouda on some bread/crackers to form skyscraper layers.
- Step 4:
- Use herbed cream cheese as glue to adhere vegetable slices (cucumber, bell pepper, avocado) between layers or on top for color and height.
- Step 5:
- Place breadstick segments upright into some stacks for extra verticality and visual effect.
- Step 6:
- Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes, olives, and chive lengths to enhance the skyline look.
- Step 7:
- Drizzle lightly with olive oil, sprinkle with sesame seeds, salt, and pepper.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately allowing guests to choose and enjoy their favorite skyscraper bite.
Save It My family loves gathering around this appetizer platter as we share stories and enjoy the playful cityscape style together.
Required Tools
Large serving platter or board, Small paring knife, Cheese slicer or sharp knife, Spatula or butter knife
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (cheese cream cheese), Gluten (bread crackers breadsticks), Sesame (seeds). May contain Tree nuts (check cheese cream cheese labels), Soy (check bread crackers). Always check ingredient packaging for allergens if serving guests with sensitivities.
Nutritional Information
Calories 180, Total Fat 10 g, Carbohydrates 18 g, Protein 6 g per serving
Save It These appetizers are sure to impress with their visual appeal and delicious layers make them a perfect start to any gathering.
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I add proteins to the platter?
Incorporate thin slices of smoked salmon, prosciutto, or turkey breast between layers for non-vegetarian variations.
- → What breads work best for stacking?
Use sturdy breads like cocktail rye, multigrain crackers, and short breadsticks for solid layers and visual appeal.
- → How do I keep the stacks stable?
Spread herbed cream cheese between layers to act as a binder, and insert breadsticks vertically for extra support.
- → Are there gluten-free options available?
Swap regular breads and crackers with gluten-free alternatives to suit dietary needs without compromising structure.
- → What garnishes enhance the platter's look?
Use halved cherry tomatoes, pitted green olives, sesame seeds, and fresh chives to add color and texture to the display.