Save to Pinterest A festive and fun appetizer featuring a cheerful snowman made from creamy dip and fresh, colorful vegetables—perfect for parties and holiday gatherings.
This recipe was a hit at our holiday party and brought smiles to everyone's faces
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
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chives until smooth and well combined.
- Step 2:
- 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.
- Step 3:
- 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.
- Step 4:
- Arrange the sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and snap peas around the snowman dip to create a colorful veggie platter.
- Step 5:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired. Serve with crackers or pita chips on the side.
Save to Pinterest Making this dip platter has become a joyful holiday tradition in our family
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.
Save to Pinterest This snowman veggie dip platter adds festive charm and delicious flavor to any holiday gathering
Recipe FAQs
- → What vegetables work best for decorating the snowman?
Carrots, black olives, and red bell peppers create the snowman's nose, eyes, buttons, and scarf. Surrounding cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and snap peas add color and texture.
- → Can I prepare the dip in advance?
Yes, prepare the creamy dip mixture ahead of time and refrigerate. Shape into the snowman and arrange the platter just before serving to keep the veggies fresh.
- → How can I make this dish vegan?
Substitute cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives to create a vegan-friendly version without compromising flavor or texture.
- → What can I serve alongside the platter?
Crackers or pita chips are excellent accompaniments that add crunch and make the platter more satisfying for guests.
- → Are there flavor variations to enhance the dip?
Adding smoked paprika or a squeeze of lemon juice can boost the dip's flavor with a smoky or tangy note, enhancing the overall taste experience.