Pin 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 platter has become a go-to for entertaining friends because of its creativity and ease of assembly.
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.
Pin It This recipe always brings my family together around the table laughing and trying new combinations of flavors.
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
Per serving: Calories 180, Total Fat 10 g, Carbohydrates 18 g, Protein 6 g
Pin It These appetizers are quick to prepare and sure to impress your guests every time.
Questions About This Recipe
- → What types of breads are used in this platter?
The arrangement uses cocktail rye bread squares, multigrain crackers, and breadstick segments to create sturdy bases and vertical accents.
- → How are the cheeses incorporated?
Slices of aged cheddar and gouda are layered on the breads and crackers, while herbed cream cheese acts as a binding layer with the vegetable slices.
- → Which vegetables enhance the presentation?
Thin slices of cucumber, red bell pepper strips, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced avocados, and chives add color and freshness to the stacks.
- → Can this platter accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, it is vegetarian-friendly by default, with optional smoked salmon or meats available. Gluten-free breads or crackers can be substituted as needed.
- → What is the recommended way to serve this platter?
Serve immediately on a large platter or board, allowing guests to select their preferred stacked bites for cocktail or casual gatherings.
- → How can the texture and appearance be enhanced?
Vertical breadstick segments add height and visual interest, while a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of black sesame seeds provide an elegant finish.