This recipe offers a delightful and visually appealing appetizer that combines the cool freshness of cucumbers with the creamy tanginess of herbed cream cheese. These bite-sized treats are perfect for entertaining or as a refreshing snack. The cream cheese is infused with the flavors of ranch dressing and fresh dill or thyme, creating a savory base. The cucumbers are peeled, scored, and hollowed out, providing a crisp and juicy vessel to hold the flavorful cream cheese. Topped with halved cherry tomatoes and garnished with a sprinkle of salt, herbs, and spice mix, these cucumber bites are both delicious and visually stunning. Serve chilled and watch them disappear at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
4 ounces (1 brick) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/4 cup ranch dressing
2 tablespoons fresh dill or thyme
3 to 4 long cucumbers, peeled and sliced into 1-inch pieces
15 cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
Salt, to taste
Paprika or Cajun spice mix, for garnish
Instructions:
Start by preparing the herbed cream cheese. In a stand mixer, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and fresh herbs. Mix until thoroughly combined. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
Prepare the cucumbers by peeling them and scoring the sides with a fork. Slice the cucumbers into 1-inch pieces. Using a melon baller, remove a portion of the center of one side of each cucumber piece, creating a half-moon crater.
Pipe the herbed cream cheese into the crater of each cucumber piece, allowing it to stick out about 1/2 inch from the top.
Take the halved cherry tomatoes and partially bury them into the herbed cream cheese on top of each cucumber piece.
Sprinkle additional salt, herbs, and spice mix over the appetizers to add extra color and flavor.
Chill the prepared appetizers in the refrigerator until they are ready to be served.
