Save to Pinterest Festive colorful bite-sized appetizers inspired by the Olympic rings—perfect for parties and celebrations.
I first served these at a family gathering and everyone loved the playful nod to the Olympics combined with fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- Base: 20 round water crackers or mini rice cakes
- Cream Cheese Spread: 200 g (7 oz) cream cheese, softened, 2 tbsp sour cream, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Toppings (to represent ring colors): 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (black ring), 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or red bell pepper, diced (red ring), 1/4 cup yellow bell pepper, diced (yellow ring), 1/4 cup cucumber, diced or sliced (green ring), 1/4 cup blue corn tortilla chips, crushed or blue food coloring (blue ring)
- Garnish: fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, salt and pepper until smooth and spreadable.
- Step 2:
- Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each cracker or rice cake.
- Step 3:
- Arrange crackers in five interlocking rings on a large platter to mimic the Olympic rings layout.
- Step 4:
- Top each group of 4 crackers with one of the colored toppings: black olives for black, cherry tomatoes or red bell pepper for red, yellow bell pepper for yellow, cucumber for green, and blue corn chips (or a dot of blue-colored cream cheese) for blue.
- Step 5:
- Garnish with fresh chives or parsley, if desired.
- Step 6:
- Serve immediately for best texture.
Save to Pinterest My family always enjoys gathering around these colorful bites during game day celebrations creating joyful moments.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, spatula or spoon, large serving platter, small knife for chopping
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese sour cream). Crackers may contain gluten. Check labels for allergens if substituting ingredients.
Nutritional Information
Per appetizer: 60 calories 3.5 g fat 6 g carbohydrates 1.5 g protein
Save to Pinterest These appetizers bring color and fun to any occasion making them a delightful starter for guests.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I keep the base crackers from getting soggy?
Spread the cream cheese mixture just before serving to maintain crispness. Using sturdy crackers or mini rice cakes helps prevent sogginess.
- → Can I substitute ingredients for dietary preferences?
Absolutely. For vegan options, use plant-based cream cheese and sour cream. You can also swap toppings with seasonal vegetables or alternative spreads.
- → What’s the best way to arrange the appetizers?
Arrange the crackers in five interlocked circles to mimic the Olympic rings, grouping toppings by ring color for an authentic look.
- → How long can these appetizers be prepared in advance?
Prepare the cream cheese spread and toppings ahead, but assemble the crackers shortly before serving to ensure freshness and texture.
- → What alternatives exist for the blue ring topping?
Use crushed blue corn chips or add a small amount of blue food coloring to cream cheese for a striking blue accent.