Ingredients:
4 Ounces (1 Brick) of softened Cream Cheese.
1/4 Cup of Ranch Dressing (preferably Hidden Valley).
2 Tablespoons of Dill (alternatively, Thyme works well too).
3 to 4 Long Cucumbers, peeled and sliced into thirty 1-inch pieces.
15 Cherry Tomatoes, halved.
A pinch of Salt.
A sprinkle of the chosen spice blend (same as used in the Cream Cheese) for garnish.
Optional:
A sprinkle of Paprika OR Cajun Spice Mix for an extra kick and garnish.
Directions:
Step 1
To begin, prepare the HERB CREAM CHEESE by using a stand mixer. Combine the softened Cream Cheese, Ranch dressing, and an assortment of herbs. Thoroughly mix the ingredients until they are fully incorporated. Transfer the creamy mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped tip for easy dispensing.
Step 2
After that, prepare the cucumber by peeling it and scoring the sides with a fork. Slice it into 1-inch pieces. Use a melon baller to create a half-moon crater by removing a portion from one side of each cucumber piece.
Step 3
Then, Pipe the Herb Cream Cheese into the cucumber craters, ensuring that it fills the cavity and protrudes from the top by approximately half an inch.
Step 4
Gently place a halved cherry tomato into the Herb Cream Cheese, partially burying it within the creamy filling.
Step 5
Next, sprinkle salt, herbs, and spice mix over the filled cucumber bites, then chill withinside the refrigerator till serving.
Step 6
Serve the chilled cucumber bites and enjoy!
Here are some helpful tips and variations to consider while preparing the cucumber bites with herb cream cheese and cherry tomatoes:
Soften the cream cheese before mixing for easier blending.
Experiment with different herbs like basil, parsley, or chives.
Use a resealable plastic bag if you don’t have a piping bag.
Choose firm cucumbers and score them with a fork for better
adherence of the cream cheese.
Hollow out the cucumbers with a small spoon if you don’t have a melon baller.
Substitute cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes or diced larger tomatoes.
Try different seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper.
Garnish with fresh herbs for added visual appeal.
Enjoy!!
