Pin It 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 has always been a hit at family gatherings, sparking joy and creativity in assembly and eating.
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.
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Making this snack tower always brings smiles around the table and gets everyone excited to try something creative and healthy.
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/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.
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This snack tower is a delightful way to combine nutrition and fun, sure to be a favorite at any gathering.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I assemble the giraffe tower layers?
Start with a cucumber slice as the base, layer cheddar and gouda cheese, and add a baby carrot for the body. Insert a pretzel rod upright for the neck, then top with a cherry tomato and apple slices for the head and ears. Use cream cheese or hummus to secure each part.
- → Can I make this tower vegan-friendly?
Yes, substitute dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives and use hummus instead of cream cheese to keep it vegan.
- → What gives the giraffe spots on the tower?
Sprinkle black sesame seeds along the body and neck layers to mimic giraffe spots visually.
- → Are there allergens to be aware of in this dish?
This contains dairy from cheese and cream cheese and gluten from pretzel rods. Always check labels for cross-contamination if allergies are a concern.
- → How long does it take to prepare the snack towers?
The entire assembly takes about 20 minutes with no cooking required, making it a quick and easy treat.
- → What tools are needed to prepare this snack tower?
A sharp knife, cutting board, a small spoon or toothpick for spreading cream cheese or hummus, and a serving plate are recommended.