Save Adorable and tasty bite-sized snacks inspired by ladybugs, perfect for picnics, parties, or kids gatherings.
This recipe has always been a hit at our family picnics, bringing smiles to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- Base: 12 round whole grain crackers, 6 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
- Topping: 12 cherry tomatoes (halved), 12 black olives (pitted, halved lengthwise), 24 small fresh basil leaves
- Decoration: 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or thick balsamic reduction, 12 small edible black sesame seeds (optional, for extra detail)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Spread about ½ tablespoon of cream cheese onto each cracker as the base.
- Step 2:
- Place a basil leaf on top of the cream cheese, letting the tip peek out beyond the cracker edge.
- Step 3:
- Position a tomato half, cut side down, on each cracker as the ladybugs body.
- Step 4:
- Add half a black olive at the end of each tomato to form the ladybugs head.
- Step 5:
- Using a toothpick or small piping bag, dot tiny spots of balsamic glaze on the tomato to mimic ladybug spots.
- Step 6:
- Optionally, place a black sesame seed at the front of the olive to create a cute nose.
- Step 7:
- Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.
Save We love assembling these together as a family, sharing laughs and stories during our picnics.
Notes
These are best assembled just before serving to keep crackers crisp. Pair with sparkling lemonade or a light rosé for a refreshing picnic.
Required Tools
Small spreading knife, sharp paring knife, toothpick or piping bag
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (crackers) and dairy (cream cheese). May contain sesame (if seeds are used). Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens and cross-contamination.
Save This quick and charming recipe is sure to brighten your next outdoor meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I assemble the ladybug snacks?
Spread cream cheese on crackers, place a basil leaf, add a halved cherry tomato for the body, and a black olive half for the head. Finish with balsamic glaze dots to mimic spots.
- → Can I make these snacks dairy-free?
Yes, substitute cream cheese with plant-based cream cheese alternatives to keep them dairy-free while maintaining texture.
- → What can I use instead of crackers for a gluten-free option?
Cucumber slices make a fresh and crunchy base for these snacks, ideal for gluten-free diets.
- → How do I keep the crackers crisp before serving?
Assemble the snacks just before serving to prevent crackers from becoming soggy and maintain their crunch.
- → Are there any allergen concerns with these snacks?
They contain gluten (crackers) and dairy (cream cheese), and optional sesame seeds may pose allergens; check labels carefully.