Save A playful, nutritious snack tower inspired by giraffes—layers of fruits, vegetables, and cheese create a fun, eye-catching treat perfect for kids or parties.
This snack tower was a hit at our last family gathering, sparking both smiles and curiosity from the kids.
Ingredients
- Base & Body: 4 thick slices cucumber, 4 baby carrots, 4 celery sticks (cut into 4-inch lengths), 4 cubes cheddar cheese (about 1-inch), 4 cubes gouda cheese (about 1-inch)
- Neck & Head: 4 long pretzel rods, 8 black olive slices (for eyes), 4 cherry tomatoes (for the nose), 4 thin apple slices (for ears)
- Decorative Features: 2 tbsp cream cheese or hummus (for glue), 1 tbsp black sesame seeds (for spots), Fresh chives or parsley (for leaves/grass garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Lay out the cucumber slice as the base of each snack tower.
- Step 2:
- Stack a cube of cheddar cheese on the cucumber, followed by a baby carrot and a cube of gouda cheese to form the giraffes body.
- Step 3:
- Insert a pretzel rod upright into the stack for the neck, gently pressing it into the cheese and vegetable layers for stability.
- Step 4:
- Attach a cherry tomato to the top of the pretzel rod as the giraffes head, securing it with a dab of cream cheese or hummus if needed.
- Step 5:
- Use thin apple slices on each side of the cherry tomato to form ears, fixing them with cream cheese or hummus.
- Step 6:
- Place two black olive slices on the cherry tomato for eyes, and dab a drop of cream cheese or hummus to help them stick.
- Step 7:
- Sprinkle black sesame seeds along the body and neck for spots.
- Step 8:
- Garnish the plate with fresh chives or parsley to resemble leaves or grass.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately for best texture.
Save This recipe always brings joy to family gatherings, making snack time both delicious and playful.
Notes
For a vegan version, use plant-based cheese cubes and hummus instead of cream cheese. Swap vegetables and cheese as desired (e.g., use bell pepper strips or mozzarella). Serve with a side of ranch or hummus for dipping.
Required Tools
Cutting board, sharp knife, small spoon or toothpick (for spreading cream cheese/hummus), serving plate
Allergen Information
Contains dairy and gluten; always check product labels for cross-contamination if serving to individuals with allergies.
Save Enjoy this healthy snack that doubles as fun edible art for your next party or playdate.
Recipe Q&A Section
- → What vegetables are used in the giraffe snack tower?
The snack includes cucumber slices, baby carrots, celery sticks, cherry tomatoes, and thin apple slices to build the giraffe’s body and facial features.
- → How are the giraffe’s eyes created in this snack?
Black olive slices are placed on the cherry tomato to represent the eyes, secured with a small amount of cream cheese or hummus.
- → Can this snack be made vegan-friendly?
Yes, by substituting cheese cubes with plant-based alternatives and using hummus instead of cream cheese, the snack becomes vegan-friendly.
- → What is the purpose of the pretzel rods in the tower?
Pretzel rods serve as the giraffe's neck, providing height and structure when inserted upright into the stacked vegetables and cheese.
- → Are there any allergy concerns with this snack?
This snack contains dairy and gluten due to cheese and pretzel rods; it is free from tree nuts, peanuts, and eggs. Always check labels for cross-contamination risks.
- → How should the snack be served for best taste?
Serve immediately after assembling to maintain crisp textures and vibrant flavors, optionally accompanied by dips like ranch or hummus.