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Savory Ladybug Caprese Crackers

An adorable no-bake party appetizer made with round buttery crackers, an herb-infused cream cheese spread, and meticulously detailed cherry tomato ladybugs.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 9 crackers
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Summer
Calories: 110
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cracker Base
  • 1 sleeve round buttery crackers e.g., Ritz
Herb Spread
  • 8 ounces softened cream cheese e.g., block form
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 0.1 tsp kosher salt pinch
  • 0.1 tsp black pepper pinch
Ladybug Components
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes washed, dried
  • 1/2 cup black pitting olives washed, dried
  • black edible food coloring with paintbrush or toothpick
  • 1 bunch chives stems cut to 1-inch pieces, for antennae
  • fresh dill sprigs optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Serrated knife
  • Spreading knife
  • Small fine-tip paintbrush or toothpick
  • tweezers (optional)

Method
 

  1. Mix softened cream cheese, chopped dill, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined.
  2. Slice cherry tomatoes in half lengthwise. Cut a narrow wedge opposite the stem end to create 'wings' and body sections.
  3. Cut pitted black olives in half crosswise to form ladybug heads. Cut chive stems into 1-inch lengths for antennae.
  4. Detail tomato wings with small black edible food paint dots and let dry for 1 minute.
  5. Spread a generous layer of herb cream cheese onto round crackers.
  6. Place one detailed tomato wing half and one black olive head crosswise onto the center of each cracker.
  7. Gently insert two 1-inch chive antennae stems into the black olive head holes.
  8. Optional: Garnish with extra fresh dill sprigs. Refrigerate 10 minutes to set before serving for maximum crispiness.

Notes

Crackers must be served immediately after assembly for crispiness. For make-ahead prep, mix cheese, chop herbs, detail tomato wings and heads, and store separately, assembling fresh just before your guests arrive.