Save A playful, nutritious snack tower inspired by giraffes—layers of fruits, vegetables, and cheese create a fun, eye-catching treat perfect for kids or parties.
This snack tower always brings smiles when I serve it to my family and friends. It’s easy to assemble and a creative way to enjoy healthy snacks.
Ingredients
- Base & Body: 4 thick slices cucumber, 4 baby carrots, 4 celery sticks (cut into 4-inch lengths), 4 cubes cheddar cheese (about 1-inch), 4 cubes gouda cheese (about 1-inch)
- Neck & Head: 4 long pretzel rods, 8 black olive slices (for eyes), 4 cherry tomatoes (for the nose), 4 thin apple slices (for ears)
- Decorative Features: 2 tbsp cream cheese or hummus (for glue), 1 tbsp black sesame seeds (for spots), Fresh chives or parsley (for leaves/grass garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Lay out the cucumber slice as the base of each snack tower.
- Step 2:
- Stack a cube of cheddar cheese on the cucumber, followed by a baby carrot and a cube of gouda cheese to form the giraffes body.
- Step 3:
- Insert a pretzel rod upright into the stack for the neck, gently pressing it into the cheese and vegetable layers for stability.
- Step 4:
- Attach a cherry tomato to the top of the pretzel rod as the giraffes head, securing it with a dab of cream cheese or hummus if needed.
- Step 5:
- Use thin apple slices on each side of the cherry tomato to form ears, fixing them with cream cheese or hummus.
- Step 6:
- Place two black olive slices on the cherry tomato for eyes, and dab a drop of cream cheese or hummus to help them stick.
- Step 7:
- Sprinkle black sesame seeds along the body and neck for spots.
- Step 8:
- Garnish the plate with fresh chives or parsley to resemble leaves or grass.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately for best texture.
Save This snack tower always makes for a fun family moment, especially when kids help assemble their own giraffes.
Notes
For a vegan version, use plant-based cheese cubes and hummus instead of cream cheese. Swap vegetables and cheese as desired (e.g., use bell pepper strips or mozzarella). Serve with a side of ranch or hummus for dipping.
Required Tools
Cutting board, Sharp knife, Small spoon or toothpick (for spreading cream cheese or hummus), Serving plate
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese, cream cheese) and gluten (pretzel rods). Tree nut free, peanut free, egg free. Always check product labels for cross contamination if serving to individuals with allergies.
Save This snack tower is quick to prepare and sure to become a party favorite or healthy snack time hit.
Recipe FAQ
- → What ingredients make up the base of the tower?
The base stacks thick cucumber slices, cheddar cubes, baby carrots, and gouda cubes layered for stability and flavor.
- → How is the neck of the tower constructed?
A pretzel rod is inserted upright through the stacked layers, serving as the giraffe's neck and providing support.
- → Which items are used for the giraffe's facial features?
Cherry tomatoes form the head’s nose, thin apple slices create ears, and black olive slices act as eyes.
- → How are the snacks held together without falling apart?
A dab of cream cheese or hummus acts as glue, securing the fruits, veggies, and cheese cubes in place.
- → Can the snack tower be modified for vegan diets?
Yes, plant-based cheese cubes and hummus can replace dairy-based cheese and cream cheese to suit vegan preferences.
- → What garnishes are used for a finishing touch?
Fresh chives or parsley are added around the base to resemble leaves or grass, enhancing visual appeal.