Save A whimsical, savory appetizer featuring cool cream cheese, crisp veggies, and crackers stacked to resemble polar bears on floating icebergs—perfect for parties or themed gatherings.
I love making these Polar Bear Iceberg Cracker Stacks for family gatherings as they always bring smiles and start great conversations!
Ingredients
- Dairy & Cheese: 200 g cream cheese, softened; 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
- Vegetables: 12 small cucumber slices (about ½ cm thick, cut into rounds); 12 small black olive slices (for noses); 24 mini capers (for eyes); 12 small radish slices (for ears)
- Crackers: 12 round rice crackers or water crackers (about 5 cm diameter)
- Spices & Seasonings: ½ tsp lemon juice; Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2:
- Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on each cracker.
- Step 3:
- Place a cucumber slice slightly off-center on each cracker to create the iceberg.
- Step 4:
- Using a small spoon or piping bag, drop a rounded mound of cream cheese mixture onto the cucumber slice as the polar bears head.
- Step 5:
- Decorate each head:
- Place two capers as eyes.
- Add one black olive slice as the nose.
- Push two small radish slices into the sides as ears.
- Step 6:
- Chill for at least 10 minutes before serving for best texture.
Save My kids always enjoy helping me assemble these stacks, making it a fun family activity.
Notes
For extra flavor, add fresh dill or chives to the cream cheese mixture. Substitute crackers with gluten-free options if desired. For a vegan version, use plant-based cream cheese and yogurt.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, small offset spatula or butter knife, small spoon or piping bag, serving platter.
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (cream cheese, yogurt), wheat (if using standard crackers). May contain Sulfites (in olives, capers). For allergies, use dairy-free and gluten-free alternatives as needed. Double-check all labels.
Save Enjoy crafting these adorable stacks that combine taste and creativity for any occasion.
Common Questions
- → How do I keep the stacks from getting soggy?
Chilling the assembled stacks for at least 10 minutes helps firm the cream cheese mixture and prevents sogginess. Using crisp cucumbers and sturdy crackers also maintains crunch.
- → Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the cream cheese and Greek yogurt with plant-based alternatives to create a vegan-friendly version without sacrificing creaminess.
- → What crackers work best for stability?
Round rice crackers or water crackers with a firm texture hold the cream cheese and toppings well, providing a reliable base for stacking.
- → Are there flavor variations recommended?
Add fresh dill or chopped chives to the cream cheese mixture for a bright herbal note that complements the savory ingredients perfectly.
- → How to assemble the polar bear decorations?
Place two capers as eyes, a black olive slice for the nose, and small radish slices as ears on a rounded mound of cream cheese atop cucumber slices arranged on crackers.
- → Can these be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can assemble them a few hours ahead and store covered in the refrigerator, but best texture is achieved if chilled just before serving.