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 been a fun hit at every gathering I've hosted, sparking conversation and delighting guests with its creative presentation.
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
- Step 1:
- Prepare a large platter or wooden board as your cityscape base.
- Step 2:
- Lay out the cocktail rye bread and multigrain crackers in clusters mimicking city blocks.
- Step 3:
- Stack slices of cheddar and gouda on some bread/crackers to form skyscraper layers.
- Step 4:
- Use herbed cream cheese as glue to adhere vegetable slices (cucumber, bell pepper, avocado) between layers or on top for color and height.
- Step 5:
- Place breadstick segments upright into some stacks for extra verticality and visual effect.
- Step 6:
- Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes, olives, and chive lengths to enhance the skyline look.
- Step 7:
- Drizzle lightly with olive oil, sprinkle with sesame seeds, salt, and pepper.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately allowing guests to choose and enjoy their favorite skyscraper bite.
Save This recipe always brings joyful moments as family and friends gather around building and sharing these unique bites.
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
Calories 180, Total Fat 10 g, Carbohydrates 18 g, Protein 6 g per serving
Save Enjoy this modern appetizer that's both tasty and visually impressive perfect for your next gathering.
Kitchen Help
- → How can I add protein to this platter?
You can incorporate thin slices of smoked salmon, prosciutto, or turkey breast between the layers to add a savory protein element.
- → Can I make this platter gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the rye bread and crackers with gluten-free alternatives to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- → What is the best way to keep the layers stable?
Using herbed cream cheese as a binder helps the vegetable layers adhere firmly, while breadstick segments add vertical support.
- → Which beverages pair well with these stacked bites?
Crisp white wine or a classic gin & tonic complement the fresh and savory flavors beautifully.
- → How should I prepare the vegetables for this platter?
Slice cucumbers into thin rectangles, cut bell peppers into strips, halve cherry tomatoes, and slice avocados for easy layering and vibrant presentation.
- → Are there any allergen concerns to consider?
This selection contains milk, gluten, and sesame. Always check ingredient labels and inform guests about potential allergens like tree nuts and soy.