Pin A playful, nutritious snack tower inspired by giraffes—layers of fruits, vegetables, and cheese create a fun, eye-catching treat perfect for kids or parties.
I enjoyed building these snack towers with my children; they loved helping assemble the giraffes and eating their creations afterwards.
Ingredients
- Base & Body: 4 thick slices cucumber, 4 baby carrots, 4 celery sticks (cut into 4-inch lengths), 4 cubes cheddar cheese (about 1-inch), 4 cubes gouda cheese (about 1-inch)
- Neck & Head: 4 long pretzel rods, 8 black olive slices (for eyes), 4 cherry tomatoes (for the nose), 4 thin apple slices (for ears)
- Decorative Features: 2 tbsp cream cheese or hummus (for glue), 1 tbsp black sesame seeds (for spots), Fresh chives or parsley (for leaves/grass garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Lay out the cucumber slice as the base of each snack tower.
- Step 2:
- Stack a cube of cheddar cheese on the cucumber, followed by a baby carrot and a cube of gouda cheese to form the giraffes body.
- Step 3:
- Insert a pretzel rod upright into the stack for the neck, gently pressing it into the cheese and vegetable layers for stability.
- Step 4:
- Attach a cherry tomato to the top of the pretzel rod as the giraffes head, securing it with a dab of cream cheese or hummus if needed.
- Step 5:
- Use thin apple slices on each side of the cherry tomato to form ears, fixing them with cream cheese or hummus.
- Step 6:
- Place two black olive slices on the cherry tomato for eyes, and dab a drop of cream cheese or hummus to help them stick.
- Step 7:
- Sprinkle black sesame seeds along the body and neck for spots.
- Step 8:
- Garnish the plate with fresh chives or parsley to resemble leaves or grass.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately for best texture.
Pin Making these snack towers always brings joy to our family gatherings as everyone gets creative with their giraffes.
Required Tools
Cutting board, Sharp knife, Small spoon or toothpick (for spreading cream cheese/hummus), Serving plate
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese, cream cheese) and gluten (pretzel rods). Tree nut–free, peanut-free, egg-free. Always check product labels for cross-contamination if serving to individuals with allergies.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~85, Total Fat: 4 g, Carbohydrates: 10 g, Protein: 3 g (per tower)
Pin This snack tower is a delightful way to encourage kids to eat more veggies and have fun in the kitchen.
Recipe Q&A
- → What cheeses can I use as alternatives?
Cheddar and gouda cubes work well, but mozzarella or plant-based cheese can be used for dietary preferences.
- → How do I keep the tower stable?
Press the pretzel rod gently into stacked layers and use cream cheese or hummus as a glue to hold pieces securely.
- → Can this snack tower be prepared ahead?
Assemble shortly before serving to maintain freshness and crisp textures of vegetables and fruits.
- → Are there vegan-friendly options?
Swap dairy cheeses for plant-based varieties and use hummus instead of cream cheese for a vegan version.
- → What garnishes enhance the presentation?
Fresh chives or parsley sprinkled around the base simulate leaves and add a fresh, vibrant touch.