Rustic Vegetable Flower Appetizer Stand
Make a colorful vegetable flower appetizer stand with cucumber, tomato, cheese, fresh herbs, and pesto. Perfect for parties and gatherings!
Categories: SNACKS
Ingredients
- 18–24 small firm tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, in red, yellow, orange, and purple
- 18–24 slices of cucumber, about ½–¾ inch thick
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Small fresh green leaves, such as basil or spinach
- ½ cup prepared basil pesto, for serving
- Wooden cocktail picks or appetizer skewers
Cooking Instructions
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01
Prepare the cheese filling: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with basil, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
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02
Make the tomato flowers: Using a small sharp knife, carefully cut each tomato from the top downward in several V-shaped cuts, stopping before cutting all the way through the bottom.
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03
Open the petals: Gently spread the cuts apart to create a tulip-like flower shape.
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04
Add the center: Place a small amount of the seasoned cream cheese inside each tomato flower.
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05
Build the bases: Arrange one cucumber slice for each flower. Pat them dry with paper towels so the skewers stay secure.
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06
Assemble: Insert a wooden pick through the center of each tomato flower and secure it into a cucumber slice.
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07
Decorate: Arrange the cucumber-and-tomato flowers on each wooden tier, filling the spaces with fresh green leaves, rosemary, and thyme.
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08
Add the pesto: Place a small bowl of basil pesto in the center of the bottom tier and add a small wooden spoon for dipping.
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09
Serve: Keep refrigerated until serving, then place the finished stand on the table as a colorful edible centerpiece.
Chef notes
- Use firm cucumber slices so each flower stays upright. - Cut the cucumbers about ½–¾ inch thick for a stable base. - Pat the cucumber slices dry before assembling to prevent slipping. - Choose firm, small tomatoes that hold their tulip shape when cut. - Insert the toothpick straight through the flower and into the cucumber for extra stability. - Assemble shortly before serving and keep refrigerated to maintain freshness.
