Cucumber Dill Bites
These light, refreshing cucumber dill bites combine cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and fresh herbs for an elegant yet simple appetizer. Perfect for summer gatherings, they require zero cooking time and offer sophisticated flavor that belies their easy preparation.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Piping Bag (optional)
- Paper Towels
Ingredients
For the Cucumber Bites
- 2 large English cucumbers approximately 12-14 inches each
- 8 oz cream cheese softened (substitute with Neufchâtel for a lighter option)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt plain, full-fat for richness, or 2% for fewer calories
- 3 tbsp fresh dill finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced (about 1 teaspoon)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice approximately half a medium lemon
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Optional Garnishes
- extra dill sprigs
- capers
- small radish slices
- paprika for dusting
Instructions
- Wash the English cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, slice the cucumbers into ½-inch thick rounds. For a decorative touch, run a fork down the cucumber sides to create ridges before slicing.
- Place cucumber slices on a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle lightly with salt. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, then blot the tops dry with additional paper towels. This removes excess moisture that would otherwise make your bites soggy.
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt. Beat with a hand mixer for 60-90 seconds until smooth and fluffy.
- Fold in the chopped dill, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Allow the mixture to rest for 5 minutes to let the flavors begin to merge.
- Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star tip for elegant presentation, or simply use a small spoon to mound about 1-1½ teaspoons of the mixture onto each cucumber round.
- Add your chosen garnish to the tops of the bites. For maximum visual impact, arrange the bites on a serving platter in concentric circles or a spiral pattern. If not serving immediately, cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
Notes
The cream cheese mixture can be prepared up to 48 hours in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, allow it to warm slightly (15-20 minutes at room temperature) for easier spreading.
For a dairy-free alternative, substitute the cream cheese and Greek yogurt with almond-based cream cheese and coconut yogurt.
English cucumbers are preferred as they have thinner skin, fewer seeds, and less bitterness than standard varieties.
Nutrition
Calories: 42kcalCarbohydrates: 1.7gProtein: 1.3gFat: 3.5gSaturated Fat: 2.1gSodium: 82mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 0.8g
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