Cucumber Bites with Herbs Cream Cheese and Cherry Tomato

Cucumber Bites with Herbs Cream Cheese and Cherry Tomato

Cool, crisp, and bursting with flavor, these Cucumber Bites with Herbs Cream Cheese and Cherry Tomato are the perfect appetizer for any occasion. They're easy to prepare, visually appealing, and ideal for hot summer days.

A Refreshing Combination:

• Cool Cucumber Canvas: Sliced cucumbers provide a cool and refreshing base for the creamy herb cheese and juicy tomato topping. Scoring the sides with a fork creates an appealing textural contrast.

• Herbed Cream Cheese Dream: A blend of softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and fresh dill or thyme creates a deliciously creamy and flavorful filling that complements the cucumber perfectly.

• Juicy Tomato Burst: Halved cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and vibrant color to each bite.

• Customizable with Spices: Feel free to sprinkle a touch of salt and your favorite spice mix, like paprika or cajun spice, for an extra pop of flavor and visual interest.

Ingredients for Your Refreshing Bites:

• The Creamy Herb Center:

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: The base for the decadent and flavorful filling.
  • ¼ cup ranch dressing: Adds a touch of tanginess and creaminess to the cheese mixture.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill or thyme: Chopped fresh herbs infuse the cream cheese with their distinctive flavor.

• The Cucumber Canvas:

  • 3-4 long cucumbers: Sliced into 1-inch rounds for the base of the bites.
  • Melon baller (optional): Used to create a hollowed-out center in the cucumber slices for more filling.

• The Juicy Topping:

  • 15 cherry tomatoes, halved: Introduce a burst of sweetness and vibrant color.

• The Finishing Touches:

  • Salt, to taste: Enhances the natural flavors of all the ingredients.
  • Paprika or cajun spice mix (optional): For a touch of smokiness or a spicy kick (depending on your choice).

Step-by-Step Guide to Refreshing Bites:

1. The Herb Cream Cheese: In a mixer, whip together the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and chopped fresh dill or thyme until well combined and creamy. Spoon the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star tip (or a resealable plastic bag with the corner snipped off).

2. Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers and remove the peel. Slice them into 1-inch rounds. If desired, use a melon baller to create a small hollow in the center of one side of each cucumber round.

3. Pipe and Fill: Pipe a generous dollop of the herbed cream cheese mixture into the center of each cucumber slice, filling any hollowed-out areas and allowing it to mound slightly on top.

4. Top with Tomato: Gently press a halved cherry tomato onto the cream cheese in each bite.

5. Season and Serve: Sprinkle a touch of salt and your chosen spice mix (paprika or cajun spice) over the bites for an additional flavor and color boost. Serve these refreshing Cucumber Bites with Herbs Cream Cheese and Cherry Tomato chilled for maximum enjoyment.