Save to Pinterest 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 showstopper at every event I've hosted, sparking conversations and delighting guests with its unique presentation and 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 to Pinterest Sharing these appetizers has created memorable family moments, turning simple gatherings into lively celebrations full of laughter and joy.
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
Per serving: 180 Calories, 10 g Total Fat, 18 g Carbohydrates, 6 g Protein
Save to Pinterest This recipe is not only visually impressive but also customizable to suit various dietary preferences, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I assemble the skyscraper bites?
Arrange breads and crackers as a base, layer cheeses and vegetables alternately, and use breadstick segments upright to add height for a cityscape effect.
- → Can I make this platter ahead of time?
It's best served fresh to maintain crispness, but you can prep ingredients ahead and assemble just before serving.
- → What are good drink pairings with this platter?
Crisp white wines or classic cocktails like gin & tonic complement the layered savory flavors nicely.
- → Are there meat options to add?
Yes, thin slices of smoked salmon, prosciutto, or turkey breast can be added to select stacks for variety.
- → How can I adapt this for gluten-free guests?
Swap rye bread and crackers for gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary needs without compromising presentation.