Cucumber bites with herb cream cheese and cherry tomatoes
Alright, let’s be honest—sometimes the best snacks are the ones that look fancy but take minutes to whip up. That’s exactly why I *love* these cucumber bites with herb cream cheese and cherry tomatoes. They’re like little edible bouquets: refreshing, colorful, and just bursting with flavor. Plus, the crisp cucumber base paired with the creamy herb cheese is downright addictive. And cherry tomatoes? They’re the juicy pop of summer that tie everything together perfectly. I can almost hear you saying, “Too good for a quick snack?” Nope, friend—these are the perfect party pleaser or anytime nibble you’ll keep coming back to. Plus, I’ll share a couple tips to keep those cucumber slices perfectly crisp and the herb cream cheese super flavorful!
Quick Facts
- Yield: Serves 8 (about 24 bites)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
- 2 large English cucumbers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 24 cherry tomatoes, halved
How I Make It
Step 1:
Start by washing and drying your cucumbers well. Then, slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds. A good, sharp knife helps keep those slices clean and neat—plus, the crisp sound is kind of satisfying!
Step 2:
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped dill and chives, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is evenly blended and creamy.
Step 3:
Use a small spoon or piping bag to generously dollop or pipe the herb cream cheese on each cucumber slice. This way, every bite gets that fresh, herby creaminess.
Step 4:
Top each cucumber and cream cheese bite with a halved cherry tomato. For a little extra flair, place the tomato half cut-side up so it shows off its juicy, ruby-red color.
Step 5:
Arrange the bites on a platter and, if you like, sprinkle a tiny pinch of extra dill or chives on top for an herbal pop.
Step 6:
Serve immediately for the best crunch, or keep them chilled for up to an hour. Just remember cucumbers release water—so if prepping ahead, lay them on paper towels to catch any moisture.
Variations & Tips
- Swap fresh basil or parsley instead of dill and chives for a different herb profile.
- Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili powder on top for a subtle kick.
- For a richer texture, mix a tablespoon of sour cream into the cream cheese.
- Try mini mozzarella balls instead of cherry tomatoes for a caprese-style bite.
- If your cucumbers are watery, scoop out the seeds before slicing to keep bites crisp.
- Piping the cream cheese with a pastry bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped) makes assembly neater and faster.
How I Like to Serve It
These bites are my go-to when I want something fresh and light during warm-weather gatherings or casual get-togethers. They look lovely on a spring picnic spread or alongside a chilled white wine during summer evenings. They also make an irresistible appetizer for Mother’s Day brunch or any potluck where you want to impress without sweating it.
Notes
- Store assembled bites in the fridge and eat within 1 hour to keep cucumbers crisp.
- You can soften cream cheese quickly by microwaving it in 10-second bursts, but don’t overheat—just barely soft!
Closing: Simple, fresh, and ridiculously tasty, this recipe is proof that the best snacks don’t have to be complicated to steal the show.