Gluten-Free Gourmet Tower (Printer View)

A colorful tower with gluten-free crispbread, creamy layers, and fresh veggies, perfect for entertaining guests.

# Components:

→ Base and Structure

01 - 12 gluten-free crispbread crackers (seed, multigrain, or plain)
02 - 8 slices gluten-free bread, lightly toasted, cut into rounds or rectangles

→ Spreads and Layers

03 - 5.3 oz whipped cream cheese
04 - 3.5 oz hummus
05 - 3.5 oz guacamole

→ Fresh Toppings

06 - 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
07 - 1 medium ripe tomato, thinly sliced
08 - 1 small avocado, sliced
09 - 0.5 cup microgreens or baby arugula
10 - 0.25 cup thinly sliced radish
11 - 0.25 cup roasted red peppers, sliced

→ Garnish

12 - 2 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds
13 - 2 tbsp finely chopped chives
14 - Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
15 - Sea salt, to taste

# Method:

01 - Prepare all spreads and toppings in advance. Lightly toast gluten-free bread and cut into rounds or rectangles sized to match crackers.
02 - Arrange all ingredients mise en place for seamless assembly.
03 - Place one cracker as the base and spread a thin layer of cream cheese or hummus evenly over it.
04 - Place a toasted gluten-free bread piece atop the cracker, add guacamole and a few slices of cucumber and tomato.
05 - Alternate crackers, bread, and spreads, layering avocado, radish, roasted red pepper, and microgreens between each to build vibrant contrast.
06 - Build 3 to 4 layers, pressing gently for stability. Top with a cracker or bread slice crowned with cream cheese, microgreens, pumpkin seeds, chopped chives, and black pepper.
07 - Using a wide spatula, carefully transfer tower(s) to serving plates. Serve immediately for optimal texture and presentation.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a conversation starter—your guests will be amazed that something this impressive is entirely gluten-free, and you get to enjoy their surprise.
  • Zero cooking required, just 25 minutes of beautiful preparation, so you can spend time with your guests instead of being stuck at the stove.
  • Every bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, from creamy spreads to crisp vegetables, all held together in an architectural work of art.
02 -
  • If your tower starts to lean, don't panic—use a toothpick inserted vertically through the center to stabilize it before serving. Nobody will see it, and it's a lifesaver when you're building something this tall.
  • The assembly order matters: always put the firmest base first, spreads second, then vegetables and delicate toppings last. This prevents the bottom from getting soggy and keeps everything fresh.
  • Slice your avocados, cucumbers, and tomatoes at the very last moment possible. These ingredients weep and brown quickly, and you want peak freshness on the plate.
03 -
  • Make your spreads room temperature before building; cold cream cheese and hummus are harder to spread evenly and might crack your bread or crackers.
  • Pat your sliced vegetables dry with a paper towel before layering—excess moisture is the enemy of crispness and structural integrity.
  • If you're worried about wobbling, create a hidden support system: a wooden skewer inserted vertically through the center of your tower works wonders and is invisible to anyone eating it.
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