Save to Pins Adorable and tasty bite-sized snacks inspired by ladybugs, perfect for picnics, parties, or kids gatherings.
I love making these for family gatherings because they are fun and delightful to eat for all ages.
Ingredients
- Base: 12 round whole grain crackers, 6 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
- Topping: 12 cherry tomatoes (halved), 12 black olives (pitted, halved lengthwise), 24 small fresh basil leaves
- Decoration: 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or thick balsamic reduction, 12 small edible black sesame seeds (optional, for extra detail)
Instructions
- Spread cream cheese:
- Spread about ½ tablespoon of cream cheese onto each cracker as the base.
- Add basil leaf:
- Place a basil leaf on top of the cream cheese, letting the tip peek out beyond the cracker edge.
- Place tomato:
- Position a tomato half, cut side down, on each cracker as the ladybugs body.
- Attach olive:
- Add half a black olive at the end of each tomato to form the ladybugs head.
- Dot balsamic glaze:
- Using a toothpick or small piping bag, dot tiny spots of balsamic glaze on the tomato to mimic ladybug spots.
- Add sesame seed:
- Optionally, place a black sesame seed at the front of the olive to create a cute nose.
- Serve:
- Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.
Save to Pins These snacks always bring smiles at our family picnics and are a hit with kids and adults alike.
Notes
These are best assembled just before serving to keep crackers crisp. Pair with sparkling lemonade or a light rosé for a refreshing picnic.
Required Tools
Small spreading knife, sharp paring knife, toothpick or piping bag
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (crackers) and dairy (cream cheese). May contain sesame (if seeds are used). Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens and cross-contamination.
Save to Pins Enjoy these colorful, fun snacks that are as delightful to prepare as they are to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What ingredients create the ladybug look?
Cherry tomato halves form the body, black olive halves represent the head, and balsamic glaze dots imitate spots. Fresh basil leaves add a leafy touch underneath.
- → Can these snacks be made dairy-free?
Yes, replacing cream cheese with a plant-based alternative keeps the creamy base while accommodating dairy-free needs.
- → How do I keep crackers from getting soggy?
Assemble shortly before serving to maintain cracker crispness and prevent moisture from softening the base.
- → Are there gluten-free options available?
Yes, substituting crackers with cucumber slices or other gluten-free bases provides a suitable alternative.
- → What tools help with assembly?
Using a small spreading knife, sharp paring knife, and toothpick or piping bag makes applying ingredients and details easier.