Pin 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 is always a conversation starter at my gatherings and impresses guests with its creative presentation.
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.
Pin My family loves assembling their own skyscraper bites which makes gatherings interactive and fun.
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
Pin These appetizers are quick to assemble and always wow guests with their unique presentation.
Recipe Q&A
- → What breads work best for this platter?
Cocktail rye, multigrain crackers, and breadstick segments create sturdy bases and layers for the bites.
- → How do I keep the layers from sliding?
The herbed cream cheese acts as an adhesive to hold vegetable slices and cheese together securely.
- → Can I include non-vegetarian options?
Yes, thinly sliced smoked salmon, prosciutto, or turkey breast can be added to select stacks for variety.
- → What garnishes enhance the skyline effect?
Halved cherry tomatoes, pitted green olives, and chive lengths add color and height to resemble a cityscape.
- → Are there any recommended pairings?
Crisp white wine or a classic gin & tonic complement the savory and fresh flavors beautifully.
- → How can I make this gluten-free?
Substitute gluten-free breads or crackers to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing texture.