Cream Cheese Cucumber Sailboats
Delight your little ones with these fun and healthy Cream Cheese Cucumber Sailboats, inspired by Kraft Foods! This charming appetizer is a fantastic way to utilize extra cucumbers while encouraging kids to enjoy their vegetables. The creamy chive and onion cream cheese filling adds a delicious twist, making these munchies perfect for parties, playdates, or as a nutritious snack. Simply transform the cucumber halves into sailboats by adding colorful carrot sails and pea 'masts.' Not only is this dish fast and easy to prepare ahead of time, but it also turns eating veggies into an exciting activity that kids will love! Perfect for family gatherings or as a creative lunchbox treat, these sailboats will set the stage for a fun culinary adventure. Enjoy making healthy eating enjoyable with your little chefs!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Carrot
1 (shredded (about 1/2 cup divided))
Chive & Onion Cream Cheese
1/2 cup ((1/3 Less Fat))
Cucumbers
2 (cut lengthwise in half, seeded)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Snow Peas
optional
Instructions
1
Reserve 2 tablespoons of shredded carrots for garnish.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining shredded carrots with the chive and onion cream cheese until well-mixed.
3
Carefully fill each halved cucumber with the cream cheese mixture, smoothing the top with a spatula.
4
Decorate each filled cucumber with the reserved shredded carrots to resemble colorful sails.
5
Cut each cucumber boat into five pieces to serve as individual bites.
6
For added fun, let the kids insert snow peas as masts into the cream cheese filling and adorn with additional fresh vegetable cutouts to enhance their sailboat creations.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cream Cheese Cucumber Sailboats?
Cream Cheese Cucumber Sailboats are a fun and healthy appetizer made by filling cucumber halves with a chive and onion cream cheese mixture and decorating them to look like little boats.
Are these sailboats kid-friendly?
Yes, they are specifically designed to be kid-friendly, turning vegetable consumption into a fun and engaging activity.
What kind of cream cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of Chive and Onion Cream Cheese, specifically suggested as a 1/3 Less Fat version.
Can I use plain cream cheese instead?
Yes, you can use plain cream cheese, though you may want to add your own herbs or seasonings to maintain the flavor profile.
How do I prepare the cucumbers for the boats?
Cut the cucumbers lengthwise in half and remove the seeds to create a hollow space for the filling.
What are the sails made of?
The sails are made from shredded carrots that are placed on top of the cream cheese filling.
How do I make the masts for the sailboats?
Snow peas can be inserted into the cream cheese filling to act as the masts for the boats.
Are snow peas mandatory for this recipe?
No, snow peas are listed as an optional ingredient for added fun and decoration.
How many pieces does each cucumber boat make?
The instructions recommend cutting each filled cucumber boat into five individual pieces.
Can I prepare these sailboats in advance?
Yes, these are fast and easy to prepare ahead of time, making them great for parties or lunchboxes.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy snack featuring fresh vegetables and lower-fat cream cheese.
Can I use different vegetables for decoration?
Absolutely, you can encourage kids to use various fresh vegetable cutouts to enhance their sailboat creations.
How should I store leftover cucumber boats?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long will they stay fresh in the fridge?
They are best enjoyed within 24 hours as cucumbers can become watery once cut and seeded.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains only vegetables and dairy products.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can make it vegan by substituting the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
How do I prevent the cucumbers from being too watery?
Seeding the cucumbers thoroughly and patting them dry with a paper towel before filling can help.
What type of cucumbers work best?
Standard garden cucumbers or English cucumbers work well; English cucumbers often have thinner skins and fewer seeds.
Should I peel the cucumbers?
The recipe does not require peeling, as the skin helps the boat maintain its structure, but you can peel them if preferred.
How much carrot is needed?
One carrot, shredded to produce about 1/2 cup, is used for both the filling and the sails.
Are these suitable for a party appetizer?
Yes, they are perfect for parties, playdates, or family gatherings due to their creative appearance.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Yes, it is a great recipe for little chefs to help with mixing the filling and decorating the boats.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 6 total ingredients including the optional snow peas and seasonings.
Is there any cooking involved?
No, this is a no-cook recipe that involves only assembly and simple preparation.
Can I use pre-shredded carrots?
Yes, using pre-shredded carrots can save time during preparation.
What seasonings are recommended?
The recipe suggests adding salt and pepper to taste.
How much cream cheese goes into the carrot mixture?
Use 1/2 cup of cream cheese mixed with the shredded carrots, minus the 2 tablespoons of carrots reserved for garnish.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by Kraft Foods.
Can I use this for a school lunchbox?
Yes, it makes a creative and nutritious lunchbox treat that kids will enjoy eating.
What is the best way to smooth the cream cheese filling?
Using a spatula is recommended to smooth the top of the filling once it is inside the cucumber boat.