Save A whimsical ladybug-themed picnic platter featuring vibrant vegetables, creamy dips, and playful presentation—perfect for delighting kids and adults alike.
This platter reminds me of joyful family picnics when everyone gathers around to admire and enjoy the playful presentation together.
Ingredients
- Base & Dips: 1 large round wheel of soft cheese (Brie or Camembert, about 250 g), 100 g hummus, 100 g tzatziki
- Vegetables & Decoration: 1 large red bell pepper, 1 handful cherry tomatoes, 1 small cucumber, 1 black olive (pitted), 1 small bunch of fresh chives, 1 carrot, 1 handful black grapes or olives (for spots)
- Accompaniments: 1 baguette sliced, 100 g whole-grain crackers
Instructions
- Prepare the Ladybug Body:
- Place the round cheese wheel in the center of a large board as the ladybugs body.
- Create the Ladybug Wings:
- Slice the red bell pepper in half, remove seeds, and cut into two large curved pieces. Position them on top of the cheese to mimic wings, slightly parted.
- Make the Head:
- Slice a thick round from the cucumber and place at the top of the cheese wheel. Add a black olive on top as the nose.
- Add Spots:
- Use black grapes or olives, cut into halves, and place them on the bell pepper wings to create spots.
- Assemble the Face:
- Use small pieces of olive for eyes, and chive stems for antennae, inserting them into the cucumber slice.
- Decorate with Vegetables:
- Arrange cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks, and cucumber slices around the cheese to resemble grass and flowers.
- Serve with Dips:
- Place bowls of hummus and tzatziki on the board.
- Add Bread and Crackers:
- Arrange sliced baguette and crackers at the edges of the board for dipping and spreading.
- Optional:
- Sprinkle fresh chives and edible flowers for color and garnish.
Save This recipe brings back fond memories of our family gatherings enjoying outdoor picnics and creative food displays together.
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter, small bowls for dips, sharp knife, cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains milk (cheese), wheat (baguette, crackers), sesame (hummus). May contain gluten—use gluten-free bread and crackers if necessary. Double-check all dips and breads for specific allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 230, Total Fat: 11 g, Carbohydrates: 22 g, Protein: 9 g per serving
Save This playful platter will charm guests and make any picnic meal memorable and fun.
Recipe FAQ
- → What cheese works best for the base?
Soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert, around 250 g, provide a smooth texture and mild flavor that shapes well for the ladybug body.
- → Can I substitute the dips for different flavors?
Yes, alternatives like vegan spreads or other creamy dips can be used to suit dietary preferences while complementing the veggies.
- → How do I create the ladybug's wings and spots?
Sliced red bell pepper halves form the wings, while halved black grapes or olives add characteristic spots for a playful look.
- → What are good accompaniments for this platter?
Sliced baguette and whole-grain crackers are ideal for spreading dips and complementing the fresh vegetables and cheese.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, by choosing gluten-free bread and crackers, the platter can be adapted for gluten-sensitive guests.