Save Adorable and tasty bite-sized snacks inspired by ladybugs, perfect for picnics, parties, or kids gatherings.
This recipe brings fun and flavor together with simple ingredients I always enjoy preparing for family outings.
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
- Step 1:
- Spread about ½ tablespoon of cream cheese onto each cracker as the base.
- Step 2:
- Place a basil leaf on top of the cream cheese, letting the tip peek out beyond the cracker edge.
- Step 3:
- Position a tomato half, cut side down, on each cracker as the ladybugs body.
- Step 4:
- Add half a black olive at the end of each tomato to form the ladybugs head.
- Step 5:
- Using a toothpick or small piping bag, dot tiny spots of balsamic glaze on the tomato to mimic ladybug spots.
- Step 6:
- Optionally, place a black sesame seed at the front of the olive to create a cute nose.
- Step 7:
- Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.
Save These finger foods always bring smiles and make family picnics extra special with their playful presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with sparkling lemonade or a light rosé for a refreshing picnic experience.
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.
Nutritional Information
Per piece: Calories 48, Total Fat 2.8 g, Carbohydrates 4.5 g, Protein 1.2 g
Save Enjoy this delightful treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Recipe Guide
- → What ingredients create the ladybug appearance?
Halved cherry tomatoes form the body, black olives the head, basil leaves add greenery, and balsamic glaze dots mimic spots for an adorable look.
- → Can these snacks accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, plant-based cream cheese can replace dairy, and cucumber slices work as a gluten-free base alternative to crackers.
- → How should these snacks be assembled for best freshness?
Assemble just before serving to keep crackers crisp and maintain the vibrant appearance of ingredients.
- → What tools are ideal for preparing these snacks?
Use a small spreading knife for cream cheese, a sharp paring knife for slicing, and a toothpick or piping bag for applying balsamic dots.
- → What pairs well with these ladybug snacks for picnics?
Refreshing drinks like sparkling lemonade or light rosé complement these flavorful, bite-sized snacks perfectly.