Save 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 platter became an instant hit at my last party, sparking conversations and compliments on its unique presentation and flavors.
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 My family loves gathering around this platter and building their own skyscraper bites which makes for a fun and interactive experience.
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)
Nutritional Information
Calories 180 Total Fat 10 g Carbohydrates 18 g Protein 6 g per serving
Save This appetizer is quick to prepare and sure to impress your guests with its creative urban theme.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve the skyscraper effect in these appetizers?
Layering slices of cheddar and gouda cheeses on breads and crackers, using herbed cream cheese to adhere thin vegetable slices, and inserting breadsticks upright creates vertical height and visual interest resembling skyscrapers.
- → Can I prepare this platter in advance?
For best freshness, assemble shortly before serving. Prepare ingredients ahead but stack and garnish just before guests arrive to maintain crispness.
- → What are good beverage pairings for this platter?
Pairs well with crisp white wines or classic cocktails like gin & tonic to complement the savory layers and fresh vegetables.
- → How to adapt for gluten-free diets?
Swap rye bread, multigrain crackers, and breadsticks with gluten-free alternatives, preserving the same layering and presentation.
- → Can I add protein options to this platter?
Yes, incorporate thinly sliced smoked salmon, prosciutto, or turkey breast on selected stacks to add a savory protein boost.