Save to Pinterest 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 is always a hit with my kids at parties, encouraging them to enjoy more veggies and fruits.
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 to Pinterest This has become a cherished family favorite with many happy memories around party time and snack breaks.
Variations
Swap vegetables and cheese as desired (e.g., use bell pepper strips or mozzarella) and experiment with different garnishes for variety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of ranch or hummus for dipping to enhance the flavor and enjoyment.
Allergy Information
Always check product labels for cross-contamination if serving to individuals with allergies; this recipe is tree nut-free, peanut-free, and egg-free.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this creative snack that delights both the eyes and the palate for any occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients create the giraffe's body?
The body layers include cucumber slices, baby carrots, celery sticks, and cubes of cheddar and gouda cheese stacked together.
- → How is the giraffe's neck formed?
Long pretzel rods are inserted upright into the stacked layers to represent the neck.
- → Which components make up the giraffe's face?
Cherry tomatoes form the nose/head, thin apple slices serve as ears, and black olive slices create the eyes.
- → How are the body spots added to the snack tower?
Black sesame seeds are sprinkled along the body and neck to mimic giraffe spots.
- → Can this snack tower be adapted for a vegan diet?
Yes, by substituting cream cheese and regular cheese cubes with plant-based cheese and using hummus as the adhesive.
- → What is the best way to serve this snack tower?
Assemble shortly before serving and optionally provide dips like ranch or hummus for added flavor.