Cucumber Appetizer
A refreshing cucumber appetizer featuring creamy dill-flavored spread on bread slices, topped with cucumber and garnished with paprika for a colorful, tasty snack suitable for parties.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise together.
- Add the dry Italian dressing mix to the cream cheese mixture and blend well.
- Stir in the dill weed into the mixture.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture onto slices of cocktail pumpernickel bread.
- Score the cucumber lengthwise with a fork and then slice it thin.
- Place one cucumber slice on each bread and spread of mixture.
- Sprinkle dill weed and paprika on top for color and flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese. Fresh dill can be substituted with dried if needed, but use less since dried herbs are more potent. If you want a little heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture. For added texture, you could include finely chopped bell peppers or olives.
Serving Suggestions
These cucumber appetizers are perfect for parties, serving as a refreshing bite alongside cocktails. They pair beautifully with Cornmeal And Blue Cheese Squares for a delightful mix of flavors. Consider serving them on a platter with other vegetarian recipes or alongside dipping sauces for variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cucumber appetizers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If the bread becomes soggy, you can reassemble the appetizers just before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the cream cheese and cucumber will not hold up well after thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cucumber Appetizer contains roughly 693 calories, with 10g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (145% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (65% of the Daily Value), and iron (65% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 503mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While pumpernickel adds a unique flavor, you can substitute with rye, whole grain, or even gluten-free bread to accommodate different dietary needs. Just ensure the bread is sliced into bite-sized pieces for easy serving.
How can I make this appetizer ahead of time?
You can prepare the cream cheese mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble the appetizers shortly before serving to keep the bread fresh and prevent it from becoming soggy.
What can I serve alongside these appetizers?
These cucumber appetizers are versatile and can be served with a variety of side dishes. Try pairing them with light salads, like a simple green salad or a pasta salad, or serve alongside other appetizers like Herring Bits And Sour Cream for a well-rounded spread.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).