Save A whimsical farm-themed appetizer featuring a creamy dip served in a charming piggy face made from vegetables, surrounded by fresh, crunchy dippers—perfect for parties and kids.
This appetizer has always been a hit at family gatherings, bringing smiles and laughter with its creative presentation.
Ingredients
- For the Dip: 1 cup cream cheese, softened, ½ cup sour cream, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix, 1 tablespoon chopped chives, Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Piggy Face Decoration: 1 small round bowl (to shape the face), 1 small pink tortilla or ham round (for the snout), 2 round slices of baby carrot (nostrils), 2 black olives, sliced (eyes), 2 round slices of radish (ears), 2 small spinach leaves (for ear detail)
- For the Dippers: 1 cup baby carrots, 1 cup cucumber sticks, 1 cup bell pepper strips, 1 cup snap peas, 1 cup gluten-free or regular pretzel sticks
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, ranch seasoning, chopped chives, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2:
- Spoon the dip into a small, round serving bowl, smoothing the top.
- Step 3:
- To create the piggy snout, cut a small circle from the pink tortilla or ham and gently place it on the center of the dip. Add two baby carrot rounds on top for nostrils.
- Step 4:
- Place two black olive slices above the snout for eyes.
- Step 5:
- Attach two radish slices at the top sides of the bowl for ears, tucking a spinach leaf behind each for detail.
- Step 6:
- Arrange the bowl on a platter and surround with baby carrots, cucumber sticks, bell pepper strips, snap peas, and pretzel sticks as dippers.
- Step 7:
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Pin it Kids love helping arrange the piggy face and choosing their favorite dippers, making it a family favorite for entertaining.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, spoon or spatula, small round serving bowl, sharp knife, cutting board, serving platter
Allergen Information
Contains milk (cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese). Contains wheat if using regular pretzel sticks and meat if using ham for snout. Always check labels for gluten if required.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 185, Total Fat 12 g, Carbohydrates 11 g, Protein 6 g.
Pin it This delightful appetizer will brighten any party with its unique presentation and delicious flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What vegetables work best as dippers?
Crunchy vegetables like baby carrots, cucumber sticks, bell pepper strips, and snap peas offer fresh, crisp textures perfect for dipping.
- → How can I make the piggy face decoration more detailed?
Use edible food markers to add subtle highlights or small facial details on the tortilla snout or vegetable pieces.
- → Can I prepare the dip in advance?
Yes, mixing the creamy dip ahead of time and refrigerating it helps flavors meld; assemble the piggy face just before serving.
- → Are gluten-free dippers available?
Gluten-free pretzel sticks are a great substitute for regular pretzels, keeping the platter suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
- → How do I keep the vegetables fresh and crisp?
Store dippers in cold water and refrigerate until serving time to maintain optimal crunchiness.
- → What tips help the piggy face hold together?
Gently press vegetable pieces onto the dip surface to secure them, and assemble just before serving to preserve freshness.