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 is always a hit at our gatherings because of its fun presentation and variety of flavors.
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 the family together as we enjoy assembling and sharing the whimsical 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 the stunning visual and delicious flavors of this appetizer for your next occasion.
Kitchen Questions
- → What breads work best for this platter?
Cocktail rye, multigrain crackers, and short breadstick segments create varying textures and heights ideal for layering.
- → Can I make this platter gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular breads and crackers with certified gluten-free alternatives to maintain the texture and appearance.
- → How do I enhance the vertical presentation?
Placing breadstick segments upright into stacks adds height and mimics urban skyscrapers effectively.
- → Are there protein-rich options for non-vegetarians?
Adding thin slices of smoked salmon, prosciutto, or turkey breast to select stacks provides extra flavor and protein.
- → What garnishes complement the platter’s flavors?
Halved cherry tomatoes, pitted green olives, fresh chives, and a drizzle of olive oil with black sesame seeds enhance taste and visual appeal.
- → How should the platter be served?
Serve immediately on a large board or platter, allowing guests to pick their preferred stacked bites at gatherings.