As winter’s chill wraps around us and holiday cheer fills the air, I can’t help but remember the laughter shared over creative holiday bites. One memorable evening, while planning a festive gathering, I envisioned a fun and playful dish that would wow my guests and steal the show. That’s when I came up with my Snowman Stick Platter—a delightful combination of fresh ingredients that not only looks charming but promises to be a hit at any gathering.
With crisp grape tomatoes, creamy bocconcini, and vibrant basil, these little snowmen bring a splash of color and joy to the table while being surprisingly simple to assemble. They’re the perfect antidote to mundane snack platters and fast food cravings. Plus, they’re a wonderful interactive experience, inviting everyone to enjoy both their appearance and their delectable taste. Join me as we whip up these frosty friends and elevate our festive feasts!
Why is the Snowman Stick Platter a must-try?
Uniquely adorable: These charming snowmen are sure to bring smiles and spark joy at any holiday gathering.
Easy to assemble: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll create a stunning platter without fuss.
Fresh flavors: The combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy bocconcini, and fragrant basil offers a refreshing twist that’s far from ordinary.
Interactive experience: Guests will love building their own snowmen, making this dish a great conversation starter.
Healthy alternative: Packed with fresh ingredients, this platter is a delightful way to enjoy guilt-free snacking during the festive season.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a party or bringing a dish to share, these snowman canapés are sure to impress everyone!
Snowman Stick Platter Ingredients
For the Snowmen
- Grape tomatoes – they add a pop of color and are easy to handle.
- Bocconcini – these creamy cheese balls give our snowmen their charming rounded shapes.
- Carrot – used for the noses, they bring a lovely crunch and sweetness to contrast the cheese.
- Fresh basil leaves – perfect for adding flavor and a festive scarf look.
- Chia seeds – these tiny seeds serve as the snowman’s eyes and buttons, packing a nutritious punch.
- Star canapé sticks – these fun sticks bring our snowmen to life and make them easy to pick up!
For the Salad Base
- Arugula – its peppery flavor complements the snowman canapés beautifully.
- Balsamic glaze – a drizzle adds a sweet tartness, enhancing the flavors of the entire dish.
- Olive oil – a light coating brings richness and helps the seasoning stick.
- Sea salt – a sprinkle elevates all the flavors without overpowering.
- Pepper – just a pinch for a hint of warmth that balances the freshness.
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this playful Snowman Stick Platter—a delightful twist that’s sure to charm your guests!
How to Make Snowman Stick Platter
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Cut the Tomatoes: Slice the grape tomatoes in half. This will create the base for your adorable snowmen using their bright red color.
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Assemble the Hat: Begin by placing half a tomato on a canapé stick, and top it with a slice of bocconcini. This gives your snowman a lovely little hat!
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Build the Snowman: Put one bocconcini on the stick, then add a rolled basil leaf for the scarf. Finish with another bocconcini on top to create a delightful snowman body.
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Create the Nose: Slice the carrot into a thin piece and cut a small triangle to form a cute little nose for your snowman.
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Add the Features: Use chia seeds to create eyes and buttons on your snowman; they’ll give each one a charming expression.
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Repeat the Process: Continue assembling more snowmen with the remaining ingredients until you’ve created a merry crowd for your platter.
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Prepare the Salad Base: On a large platter, spread out the fresh arugula. This adds a lovely green bed for your snowmen to sit on.
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Dress the Salad: Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over the arugula, then season with a sprinkle of sea salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine.
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Arrange the Snowmen: Place your completed snowman canapés on top of the arugula salad. Arrange them playfully to enhance presentation.
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Final Touch: Finish with an extra dash of sea salt and pepper on top of the snowmen for added flavor before serving.
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Serve: Set the platter on your table and enjoy the smiles as your guests assemble their festive snacks!
Optional: Garnish with extra basil leaves for a touch of color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Snowman Stick Platter
Fridge: Store any leftover snowman canapés in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. This helps maintain freshness while preventing them from becoming soggy.
Assembly: Since snowmen are best enjoyed fresh, it’s recommended to store the components separately. Keep the ingredients for assembling the Snowman Stick Platter separate to maintain texture and flavor.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for snowman canapés, as the cheese and fresh produce won’t hold up well after thawing. Instead, prep the components earlier in the day for easy assembly when guests arrive.
Reheating: If they have been assembled and stored in the fridge, enjoy them cold without reheating to preserve the delightful fresh tastes.
Snowman Stick Platter Variations
Get creative with these delightful twists that will make your Snowman Stick Platter even more special and tailored to your taste!
- Vegan: Swap bocconcini for marinated tofu or avocado slices for a creamy texture without dairy.
- Spicy Kick: Add a slice of jalapeño or a dash of sriracha on top of each snowman for a zesty heat.
- Herby Twists: Use fresh mint or cilantro in place of basil for a different aromatic flavor profile.
- Crunchy Element: Incorporate sliced cucumbers or bell peppers for added crunch and a colorful twist.
- Nutty Finish: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or almonds on top of the arugula for a delightful crunch and extra nutrition.
- Cheese Lovers: Replace bocconcini with feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist that pairs beautifully with the tomatoes.
- Fruit Flare: Swap grape tomatoes for cherry-sized fruits like strawberries or figs for a sweet surprise!
- Gluten-Free: Make sure your canapé sticks are gluten-free, or serve the snowmen on skewers for an easy alternative.
With these variations, your Snowman Stick Platter will become a canvas for creativity and flavor that everyone can enjoy!
Tips for the Best Snowman Stick Platter
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Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and creamy bocconcini for the best flavor. Wilted ingredients can lead to a sad-looking platter.
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Even Assembly: Ensure all snowmen are evenly assembled for a neat presentation. Imbalance can look uninviting and disrupt the visual charm of your snowman stick platter.
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Carrot Nose: Cut the carrot triangles small so they fit perfectly and don’t fall off. A too-large nose can make the snowman topple.
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Chia Seeds: Coat them lightly to prevent falling off. Too many seeds may overwhelm the snowman features and distract from their adorable look.
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Plating Technique: Start with the arugula as a base; this not only elevates the aesthetic but keeps the snowmen stable and allows easy serving.
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Serve Chilled: For a refreshing snack, make sure to chill the platter before serving. This keeps everything fresh and appetizing, enhancing your snowman stick platter experience.
What to Serve with Snowman Stick Platter?
Creating a festive experience is easy when you pair delightful accompaniments with these whimsical snowmen!
- Crispy Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavor pairs perfectly with the fresh ingredients, offering a satisfying crunch alongside the snowmen.
- Warm Soup: A cozy bowl of tomato basil soup makes an inviting contrast and enhances the freshness of the snowman canapés. Picture these snowy friends cozied up with a bowl of warmth!
- Festive Fruit Salad: Brightly colored fruits like pomegranates and oranges complement the snowmen’s playful look and bring a refreshing sweetness to your spread.
- Sparkling Apple Cider: This bubbly drink adds a touch of celebration with its crisp taste, making it a delightful choice for both kids and adults alike.
- Chocolate Dipped Marshmallows: Sweet treats provide a cheerful ending to your gathering, and the chocolatey goodness brings a fun twist that caters to the sweet tooth!
- Roasted Veggie Platter: Serve a medley of earthy roasted veggies drizzled with olive oil to balance the flavors, offering guests a hearty option.
- Cheesy Dip: Pair with a warm cheese dip, which invites dipping and brings comfort to the table alongside your adorable snowmen.
- Mini Quiches: These savory bites add a fulfilling element to your spread, showcasing flavors that will keep guests satisfied.
- Nutty Granola Bars: For a quick snack option, homemade granola bars provide texture and flavor, complementing the simpler snowman canapés beautifully.
Make Ahead Options
These Snowman Stick Platters are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time! You can prep the components up to 24 hours in advance. Start by cutting the grape tomatoes and bocconcini, then assemble the snowman bodies (without the chia seeds) and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep everything fresh, add a damp paper towel inside the container to maintain moisture and prevent browning. The assembled snowmen can sit on the platter with the arugula dressing kept separate until just before serving. When you’re ready to serve, arrange the snowmen on the dressed arugula, sprinkle chia seeds for eyes and buttons, and watch your festive treat come to life! This thoughtful prep makes entertaining a breeze, ensuring your platter is as delightful as ever.
Snowman Stick Platter Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best grape tomatoes?
Absolutely! When selecting grape tomatoes, look for firm fruits with vibrant color and no dark spots. Choose those that feel heavy for their size, as they are likely more juicy and flavorful. If you can, smell them; ripe tomatoes should have a sweet, fragrant aroma.
What’s the best way to store leftover snowman canapés?
To keep your snowman canapés fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If the components are still separate, they’ll last longer and maintain their crispness, but they’re definitely best enjoyed fresh!
Can I freeze the snowman canapés?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing the snowman canapés as they won’t hold their delightful texture when thawed. Instead, you can prep all the ingredients in advance—cut the tomatoes, slice the bocconcini, and roll the basil. Assemble them right before serving for the best taste and presentation!
What should I do if my snowman canapés start to tip over?
If your snowmen are toppling, ensure that the base (the tomato) is stable. You might want to trim the bottom of the tomato slightly for better balance. Also, make sure your sticks are inserted correctly; if they’re too short, your snowmen won’t have the stability they need!
Are there any dietary considerations with this recipe?
Yes! This recipe includes dairy from the bocconcini, so if you have lactose intolerant guests, you can substitute with dairy-free cheese alternatives. For vegans, look for plant-based bocconcini, and make sure your dressings are also vegan-friendly. Always check for allergies when serving guests, especially for ingredients like chia seeds, which some individuals may be allergic to.
Delicious Snowman Stick Platter Perfect for Holiday Parties
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Slice the grape tomatoes in half to create the base for your adorable snowmen using their bright red color.
- Begin by placing half a tomato on a canapé stick, and top it with a slice of bocconcini to create a hat.
- On the stick, add one bocconcini, then a rolled basil leaf for the scarf, and finish with another bocconcini on top.
- Slice the carrot into a thin piece and cut a small triangle for the snowman's nose.
- Use chia seeds for eyes and buttons to give each snowman a charming expression.
- Continue assembling more snowmen until you’ve created a merry crowd.
- Spread the arugula on a large platter as a green bed for your snowmen.
- Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over the arugula and season with salt and pepper, tossing gently.
- Place your completed snowman canapés on top of the arugula and arrange playfully.
- Finish with an extra dash of salt and pepper before serving.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the interactive experience with your guests!