Save Adorable and tasty bite-sized snacks inspired by ladybugs, perfect for picnics, parties, or kids gatherings.
I enjoy making these bite-sized snacks for family picnics because they are simple and fun to assemble.
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 My family loves gathering around and picking their favorite ladybug bites during our sunny weekend picnics.
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.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 48 per piece, Total Fat: 2.8 g, Carbohydrates: 4.5 g, Protein: 1.2 g
Save These ladybug finger foods combine fun presentation with fresh flavors for a delightful treat everyone will enjoy.
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients create the ladybug appearance?
Cherry tomato halves form the body, black olive pieces serve as the head, and balsamic glaze dots mimic spots, enhanced by basil and optional black sesame seeds.
- → Can these snacks be made dairy-free?
Yes, substitute regular cream cheese with a plant-based alternative to make them dairy-free.
- → What are good base alternatives to crackers?
Cucumber slices can replace crackers for a refreshing, gluten-free option that maintains the crisp texture.
- → How should these snacks be served for best texture?
Assemble just before serving to keep the crackers crisp and fresh.
- → Are these snacks suitable for kids’ parties?
Absolutely, their fun design and bite-size portions make them ideal for children’s gatherings.