Pin Recipe A whimsical, kid-friendly snack tower featuring layers of crackers, cheese, and fruit, inspired by the tall elegance of a giraffe. Perfect for parties or playful lunches.
This snack has become a favorite in our home for entertaining kids and encouraging healthy eating with bright vegetables and tasty cheeses.
Ingredients
- Crackers: 20 rectangular whole-grain crackers
- Cheese: 8 slices cheddar cheese, 8 slices Swiss cheese
- Fruit & Vegetables: 1 large cucumber, 1 large carrot, 1 yellow bell pepper, 16 black olives (pitted)
- Extras: 2 tablespoons cream cheese (for assembling), 8 fresh chive stems (for decoration)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Wash and peel the cucumber and carrot. Cut the cucumber into thin, long strips. Cut the carrot into thin matchsticks. Slice the yellow bell pepper into thin strips.
- Step 2:
- Lay out a cracker as the base. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on top.
- Step 3:
- Add a slice of cheddar cheese, a few cucumber strips, and a couple of carrot matchsticks.
- Step 4:
- Top with another cracker, spread a little more cream cheese, and add a slice of Swiss cheese, a few bell pepper strips, and two olive slices.
- Step 5:
- Repeat the layering process until you have a stack of 5 crackers, alternating cheese and vegetables for color and flavor.
- Step 6:
- To mimic the giraffes neck, insert a chive stem along the side of the stack. Use an olive slice at the top as the head and two small carrot pieces as horns (ossicones).
- Step 7:
- Secure the stack with a toothpick if needed. Repeat to make 4 stacks.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately for best texture.
Pin Recipe Kids love helping with assembly and enjoy eating their colorful creations, making family snack time a joyful experience.
Notes
Serve with a side of hummus or dip for extra flavor. Kids can help assemble for a fun activity.
Required Tools
Sharp knife, Vegetable peeler, Small spreading knife, Toothpicks (optional)
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (cheese, cream cheese), Wheat (crackers). May contain Gluten (crackers) depending on brand. Double-check all ingredient labels if you have allergies.
Pin Recipe This colorful snack tower is perfect for quick preparation and delightful presentation every time.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cheeses are best for layering?
Cheddar and Swiss cheeses work well, offering a balance of sharpness and creaminess that complements fresh vegetables.
- → How can I make the stack more secure?
Use toothpicks to hold the layers together, especially if stacking higher than three crackers.
- → Can other vegetables be used in the layers?
Yes, feel free to substitute or add veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrots for varied texture and flavor.
- → Is there a gluten-free option for the crackers?
Gluten-free crackers can replace traditional ones to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
- → How to serve these stacks for best texture?
Serve immediately after assembling to maintain crispness of crackers and freshness of vegetables.