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 always been a hit at my social events the visually stunning presentation sparks great conversations
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 dish always brings my family together sharing laughs and building edible skyscrapers is a fun bonding experience
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 crafting your own skyscraper bites and impress your guests with this creative appetizer
Recipe FAQs
- → What breads work best for this platter?
Cocktail rye bread squares and multigrain crackers provide sturdy bases, while breadstick segments add vertical height and texture.
- → How can I add flavor without overpowering the layers?
Use herbed cream cheese as a mild yet flavorful adhesive between layers, and season lightly with olive oil, sesame seeds, salt, and pepper.
- → Are there vegetarian-friendly options included?
Yes, the platter uses cheeses and fresh vegetables, making it vegetarian-friendly. Meat options can be added separately if desired.
- → What is the ideal way to assemble the layers for stability?
Stack cheeses and vegetables carefully on the bread or crackers, using herbed cream cheese to hold them together. Inserting breadstick segments vertically helps maintain structure.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
It's best assembled right before serving to maintain crispness, but ingredients can be prepped ahead and stored separately.
- → What beverages pair well with this platter?
Crisp white wines or a classic gin & tonic complement the fresh and savory flavors beautifully.