Pin It A festive and fun appetizer featuring a cheerful snowman made from creamy dip and fresh, colorful vegetables—perfect for parties and holiday gatherings.
This appetizer was a big hit at my last holiday party and brought lots of smiles to the table.
Ingredients
- For the Snowman Dip: 1 ½ cups (340 g) cream cheese, softened, ¾ cup (170 g) sour cream, ¼ cup (60 g) mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- For Decoration & Platter: 1 small carrot (for nose and scarf), 2 black olives (for eyes and buttons), 1 red bell pepper (for scarf), 1 cucumber, sliced, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 cup baby carrots, 1 cup broccoli florets, 1 cup cauliflower florets, 1 cup snap peas, fresh parsley or dill (optional, for garnish), crackers or pita chips (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Mix Dip Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chives until smooth and well combined.
- Shape Snowman:
- Divide the dip into two portions: shape one larger ball for the snowmans body and one smaller ball for the head. Place them on a large serving platter, forming the snowman shape.
- Add Features:
- Slice a round from the carrot to make the nose. Use black olives to make eyes and buttons. Cut strips from the red bell pepper to form a scarf.
- Arrange Veggies:
- Arrange the sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and snap peas around the snowman dip to create a colorful veggie platter.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired. Serve with crackers or pita chips on the side.
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My family loves gathering around this platter as we share stories and laughs during the holidays.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a squeeze of lemon juice to the dip. Swap vegetables as desired—radishes, celery sticks, or colored bell peppers all work well. For a vegan version, use plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, spoon or spatula, serving platter, small knife
Allergen Information
Contains: Milk (cream cheese, sour cream), Eggs (mayonnaise, if not egg-free), Wheat (if serving with regular crackers or pita chips). Double-check dip and cracker ingredients for potential allergens.
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This festive detail makes veggie time so much more fun and inviting for guests.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do you shape the snowman on the platter?
Divide the dip into two portions, shaping one larger and one smaller ball. Place them on the platter to form the body and head.
- → What vegetables work best for decorating the snowman?
Carrot slices for the nose and scarf, black olives for eyes and buttons, and red bell pepper strips for a scarf create a festive look.
- → Can I substitute any ingredients for dietary preferences?
Yes, using plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise makes a vegan-friendly version without sacrificing flavor.
- → Are there optional garnishes to enhance flavor?
Adding smoked paprika or a squeeze of lemon juice to the dip adds extra depth and brightness.
- → What sides complement this dip platter?
Serve with crackers or pita chips alongside fresh veggies for added texture and variety.