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 has always been a hit at our gatherings, bringing a fresh and fun vibe to the table.
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
- Prepare the base:
- Prepare a large platter or wooden board as your cityscape base.
- Arrange breads and crackers:
- Lay out the cocktail rye bread and multigrain crackers in clusters, mimicking city blocks.
- Stack cheeses:
- Stack slices of cheddar and gouda on some bread/crackers to form skyscraper layers.
- Apply cream cheese:
- Use herbed cream cheese as glue to adhere vegetable slices (cucumber, bell pepper, avocado) between layers or on top for color and height.
- Add breadsticks:
- Place breadstick segments upright into some stacks for extra verticality and visual effect.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes, olives, and chive lengths to enhance the skyline look.
- Season:
- Drizzle lightly with olive oil, sprinkle with sesame seeds, salt, and pepper.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, allowing guests to choose and enjoy their favorite skyscraper bite.
Save Our family loves gathering around this platter, sharing stories while enjoying the vibrant flavors and cityscape presentation.
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
Save This appetizer is as fun to make as it is to eat, adding a chic urban vibe to any occasion.
Recipe FAQ
- → How can I add a non-vegetarian option?
Incorporate thin slices of smoked salmon, prosciutto, or turkey breast into select stacks for added variety without altering the overall presentation.
- → What breads work best for stacking?
Cocktail rye bread squares, multigrain crackers, and short breadstick segments provide sturdy bases with contrasting textures and heights.
- → How do I achieve the skyscraper look?
Layer sliced cheeses and vegetables vertically on breads and crackers, using herbed cream cheese as a binder and breadsticks for added height.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Swapping the breads and crackers for gluten-free alternatives maintains the effect without compromising texture or flavor.
- → What garnishes enhance visual appeal?
Halved cherry tomatoes, green olives, chives, black sesame seeds, and a light drizzle of olive oil add pops of color and contrast resembling city lights.
- → Is this platter suitable for quick preparation?
Yes, assembling these no-cook, layered bites takes about 30 minutes, making it easy for impromptu gatherings or cocktail parties.