These Ladybug Appetizers are a cute finger food recipe to make for a spring gathering, a tea party, or on a playdate with kids. It’s light, easy to eat, and looks great on a party platter alongside other finger foods.

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It is a fun and simple snack made with crackers, cheese, tomatoes, olives, and herbs. A no-cook appetizer that makes them perfect when you’re short on time.

Serve these with Spring Flower Pretzels and Classic Tuna Tea Sandwiches for a spring-themed party.

How to Make a Ladybug Appetizer

Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe

12 pieces of crackers
6 kalamata olives
6 slices of salami cheese
mint leaves to serve
1 tsp. balsamic glaze
small slice of fresh cucumber
1 tsp. black sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Spread your chosen cheese on a cutting board and use a cookie cutter to create rounds that match the diameter of your crackers.

2. Place a cracker on a serving plank or flat plate. Top it with a cheese circle, then add another cracker and another cheese circle. Repeat this for all servings.

3. Place a mint leaf on top of each cheese slice. Parsley, chard, or dill are great alternatives if you prefer.

4. Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes, then cut them in half. Place the halves cut-side down on the mint leaves.

5. Cut the kalamata olives into quarters and position them next to the tomatoes to form the heads. Use additional olives to create stripes on the wings if desired.

6. For the ladybug spots, use a special dispenser to dot balsamic glaze onto the tomatoes. Then, sprinkle black sesame seeds onto the glaze to secure the spots in place.

7. Cut the cucumber peel into thin strips to mimic antennae, and place them on the ladybugs. Slice the remaining cucumber into semicircles to decorate the serving plate.

8. If you want to give your ladybugs eyes, simply add a tiny drop of mayonnaise to each head. Arrange your ladybugs on a plate, garnish with cucumber slices and herbs, and serve.

Serve and Enjoy!

Important Recipe Notes

Use a cookie cutter to make cheese rounds the same size as your crackers for a neat and even stack.
Lightly pat the cherry tomato halves dry to prevent the balsamic glaze from sliding off.
Add the balsamic glaze and sesame seeds after assembling the ladybugs so the spots stay in place.
Mint leaves can be swapped with parsley, dill, or small spinach leaves if preferred.
Assemble the appetizers just before serving for the freshest look.

Prep Time:15

Total Time:15

Ingredients

12 crackers
6 slices cheese salami-style or similar
6 cherry tomatoes
6 kalamata olives
Mint leaves for serving
1 tsp balsamic glaze
Small slice of fresh cucumber
1 tsp black sesame seeds
Optional: a tiny bit of mayonnaise for eyes

Instructions

Spread your chosen cheese on a cutting board and use a cookie cutter to create rounds that match the diameter of your crackers.
Place a cracker on a serving plank or flat plate. Top it with a cheese circle, then add another cracker and another cheese circle. Repeat this for all servings.
Place a mint leaf on top of each cheese slice. This adds a pop of green and a hint of refreshing flavor. Parsley, chard, or dill are great alternatives if you prefer.
Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes, then cut them in half. Place the halves cut-side down on the mint leaves.
Cut the kalamata olives into quarters and position them next to the tomatoes to form the heads. Use additional olives to create stripes on the wings if desired.
For the ladybug spots, use a special dispenser to dot balsamic glaze onto the tomatoes. Then, sprinkle black sesame seeds onto the glaze to secure the spots in place.
Cut the cucumber peel into thin strips to mimic antennae, and place them on the ladybugs. Slice the remaining cucumber into semicircles to decorate the serving plate.
If you want to give your ladybugs eyes, simply add a tiny drop of mayonnaise to each head. Arrange your ladybugs on a plate, garnish with cucumber slices and herbs, and serve.