Pin this Adorable and tasty bite-sized snacks inspired by ladybugs, perfect for picnics, parties, or kids gatherings.
This recipe is a fun way to get children excited about snacking and perfect for casual outdoor events.
Ingredients
- Base: 12 round whole grain crackers 6 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
- Topping: 12 cherry tomatoes (halved) 12 black olives (pitted halved lengthwise) 24 small fresh basil leaves
- Decoration: 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or thick balsamic reduction 12 small edible black sesame seeds (optional for extra detail)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Spread about ½ tablespoon of cream cheese onto each cracker as the base.
- Step 2:
- Place a basil leaf on top of the cream cheese letting the tip peek out beyond the cracker edge.
- Step 3:
- Position a tomato half cut side down on each cracker as the ladybugs body.
- Step 4:
- Add half a black olive at the end of each tomato to form the ladybugs head.
- Step 5:
- Using a toothpick or small piping bag dot tiny spots of balsamic glaze on the tomato to mimic ladybug spots.
- Step 6:
- Optionally place a black sesame seed at the front of the olive to create a cute nose.
- Step 7:
- Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.
Pin this These snacks are best assembled just before serving to keep crackers crisp and are great paired with sparkling lemonade or a light rosé for a refreshing picnic.
Required Tools
Small spreading knife Sharp paring knife Toothpick or piping bag
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (crackers) and dairy (cream cheese) May contain sesame (if seeds are used) Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens and cross-contamination
Nutritional Information
Calories: 48 Total Fat: 2.8 g Carbohydrates: 4.5 g Protein: 1.2 g
Pin this These ladybug themed finger foods will brighten any gathering with their charm and simple deliciousness.
Recipe Questions
- → What is the base for these snacks?
Round whole grain crackers provide a crisp and sturdy base for the toppings.
- → How are the ladybug spots created?
Small dots of balsamic glaze are carefully applied on cherry tomato halves to imitate ladybug spots.
- → Can these snacks be made dairy-free?
Yes, by substituting cream cheese with a plant-based alternative, this snack can be dairy-free.
- → Are there gluten-free options available?
Using cucumber slices instead of crackers provides a gluten-free base while maintaining freshness and structure.
- → What tools are recommended for assembling these snacks?
Small spreading knife, sharp paring knife, and a toothpick or small piping bag are helpful for precise assembly and decoration.
- → How should these snacks be served to maintain crispness?
Assemble just before serving to keep crackers crisp and toppings fresh.