Save to Pinterest 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 became a hit at our last family gathering, with everyone loving the creativity and flavors.
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 to Pinterest Our kids loved building their own giraffes and enjoying a healthy snack together.
Notes
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 or hummus), serving plate.
Nutritional Information
Calories approximately 85 per tower, with 4 g total fat, 10 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this delightful snack that brings fun and nutrition to any occasion.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What ingredients form the giraffe’s body?
The body layers include thick cucumber slices, cheddar and gouda cheese cubes, and baby carrots.
- → How do you secure the neck and head pieces?
Pretzel rods serve as the neck, inserted upright into cheese and veggies, with cherry tomatoes attached at the top using cream cheese or hummus to hold them steady.
- → Can this snack be adjusted for dietary preferences?
Yes, plant-based cheese and hummus can replace dairy options for a vegan-friendly version.
- → What adds the giraffe’s distinctive spots?
Black sesame seeds are sprinkled along the body and neck to resemble spots.
- → How are the ears and eyes created on the snack tower?
Thin apple slices form ears attached to the cherry tomato head, while black olive slices represent the eyes, secured with cream cheese or hummus.