Stuffed Cucumber Bites
Crisp cucumber rounds are hollowed and filled with a creamy herb and cream cheese mixture, then topped with grape tomatoes. These low-carb, fiber-rich bites are easy to assemble, perfect for parties, meal prep, or a healthy snack.
Equipment
- 1 knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 melon baller or 1/4 tsp measuring spoon
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 spoon or spatula
- 1 pastry bag or quart-sized plastic bag (for piping)
Ingredients
- 3 medium English cucumbers peeled and sliced 3/4-inch thick
- 8 oz cream cheese at room temperature
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp fresh dill finely chopped
- 3 tsp ranch dressing mix Hidden Valley or similar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 18 grape tomatoes halved lengthwise
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Start by washing three medium English cucumbers thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or residue. Peel the cucumbers completely using a vegetable peeler, making sure to remove the bitter outer skin. Once peeled, place them on a cutting board and slice each cucumber into rounds approximately 3/4-inch thick. This thickness ensures each bite holds the filling well without breaking apart. Set the cucumber rounds aside.
- Hollow the Cucumbers: Using a small melon baller or a 1/4 teaspoon measuring spoon, carefully scoop out the center of each cucumber slice to create a small well. The hollowed section should be just deep enough to hold the cream cheese mixture but not so deep that it pierces through the bottom. Work gently to maintain the cucumber’s shape. Place the hollowed rounds on a serving tray lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture.
- Mix the Creamy Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise. Stir the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. Add 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped dill weed, 3 teaspoons of ranch dressing mix, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Taste the filling and adjust seasoning if needed—this is your flavorful base for the cucumbers.
- Prepare the Piping Bag: To make filling the cucumbers easy and neat, transfer the cream cheese mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a small rosette tip. If you don’t have a pastry bag, you can use a quart-sized resealable plastic bag: fill it with the mixture and snip a small corner of the bag to create a makeshift piping bag. This allows you to pipe the filling neatly and control the amount in each cucumber.
- Fill the Cucumbers: Carefully pipe the cream cheese mixture into the hollowed centers of each cucumber slice. Fill each well until the mixture is slightly above the top edge, about 1/2 inch over, to create a generous, attractive mound. Take your time with each cucumber to ensure consistent portions and a visually appealing presentation.
- Top with Tomatoes: Take 18 grape tomatoes and slice each one in half lengthwise. Stand one tomato half upright on top of the cream cheese filling in each cucumber bite, pressing slightly to ensure it stays in place. The tomato not only adds color but also provides a juicy contrast to the creamy filling.
- Garnish the Bites: For a final touch, sprinkle additional chopped fresh dill or chives over the top of the cucumber bites. This adds a burst of flavor and a professional, finished look to your appetizer.
- Chill and Serve: Place the prepared cucumber bites in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. Refrigerate them for at least 15–20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to firm slightly. Serve chilled as a refreshing, low-carb, fiber-rich appetizer perfect for parties, meal prep, or a healthy snack anytime.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one day. Placing a paper towel underneath the cucumber slices helps keep them crisp by absorbing excess water. Avoid preparing them too far in advance, as the cucumbers may release water and make the bites soggy.
Notes
- Use English cucumbers for a mild, tender flavor and fewer seeds.
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth, easy mixing.
- Hollow cucumbers carefully to avoid breaking the slices.
- Paper towels under cucumbers help absorb excess moisture and keep bites crisp.
- Garnish with fresh dill, chives, or microgreens for a fresh, colorful presentation.
- These bites are best served the same day for maximum freshness.
