Cucumber Tree Appetizers with Herbed Cream Cheese
These Cucumber Tree Appetizers are a festive, bite-sized snack that looks as beautiful as it tastes. Made with golden star-shaped toast, creamy herb cheese, crisp cucumber layers, and a cheesy star topping, they are perfect for holiday parties, Christmas gatherings, and elegant appetizer platters.
Categories: SNACKS
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Ingredients
- 6 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
- 2 large fresh cucumbers, cut into thin round slices
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup finely shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 slice cheddar cheese, for the decorative stars
Cooking Instructions
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01
Remove the crusts from the sandwich bread. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut one star from each slice. Arrange the bread stars on a baking sheet.
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02
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Bake the bread stars for approximately 4 to 5 minutes, turning once if necessary, until lightly golden and slightly crisp. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely.
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03
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Add the chopped dill, parsley, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth, creamy, and evenly combined.
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04
Wash and dry the cucumbers thoroughly. Cut them into even, round slices approximately 1/4 inch thick. Pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
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05
Place the cooled bread stars on a serving platter. Spread a small amount of herbed cream cheese over the center of each star. Arrange a cucumber slice on top.
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06
Continue layering cucumber slices and small amounts of herbed cream cheese, making each layer slightly smaller than the one underneath. Gradually create a Christmas tree shape with a wider base and a narrow top.
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07
Sprinkle a little finely shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each cucumber tree to create a snowy appearance.
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08
Cut small stars from the cheddar cheese slice using a mini star-shaped cutter. Carefully place one cheddar star on top of each cucumber tree.
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09
Arrange the finished cucumber Christmas trees neatly on a serving platter. Serve immediately while the bread bases are crisp and the cucumber slices are fresh.
Chef notes
Use firm, fresh cucumbers for the best appearance and crunch. Pat the cucumber slices dry before assembling to prevent excess moisture from softening the bread. Allow the toasted bread stars to cool completely before adding the cream cheese. For the smoothest filling, make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature. Fresh dill gives the cream cheese a delicious flavor, but dried dill can also be used in smaller quantities. You can prepare the herb cream cheese a day ahead and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. For the best texture, assemble the appetizers shortly before serving rather than storing them fully assembled.
