Get ready to transform your holiday party appetizers from ordinary to extraordinary with these adorable and delectable Cream Cheese Penguins! These cute, bite-sized treats are not just a feast for the taste buds, but also a visual masterpiece that will have your guests reaching for their cameras before their forks. Imagine a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines creamy texture, playful design, and gourmet appeal - all in one irresistible little package that takes just 20 minutes to create!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 penguins
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup black olives
- 1/2 cup carrot sticks
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of black olives, 1/2 cup of carrot sticks, 1/4 cup of red bell pepper, 1 tablespoon of fresh chives, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a mixing bowl, take the softened cream cheese and use a fork or spatula to mix it until it is smooth and creamy.
- Next, take the black olives and slice them in half lengthwise. These will serve as the penguin's body and eyes.
- Cut the carrot sticks into small pieces, about 1-inch long, to create the penguin's feet and beaks.
- For the penguin's eyes, cut the red bell pepper into small circles or squares, which will be placed on top of the black olive halves.
- Now, take a small amount of the cream cheese mixture and shape it into a rounded body, about the size of a golf ball. Repeat this for all 12 penguins.
- Once you have shaped all the bodies, take one black olive half and press it onto the top of each cream cheese ball to create the penguin's head.
- Next, take the small pieces of carrot and gently press them into the bottom of each cream cheese ball to form the penguin's feet.
- For the beak, take another small piece of carrot and place it between the black olive half and the cream cheese body, pointing outward.
- Finally, use the red bell pepper pieces to create eyes by placing them on top of the black olive halves. You can also chop the fresh chives and sprinkle them around the penguins for added decoration.
- Once all penguins are assembled, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips
- Ensure your cream cheese is thoroughly softened at room temperature for smooth, easy mixing.
- Use a small cookie scoop or melon baller to create uniform-sized penguin bodies.
- For the neatest presentation, use a sharp knife when slicing olives and cutting vegetable details.
- Chill the penguins for 15-30 minutes before serving to help them hold their shape.
- Get creative with garnishes - try adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dash of paprika for extra flair.
- For a make-ahead option, prepare the penguins up to 6 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator.
- Use toothpicks if needed to help secure the olive heads and carrot details for more stability.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 85kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 2g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 22mg
