Crispy cucumber slices topped with a creamy blend of cream cheese, dill, and garlic. These Cream Cheese Cucumber Bites are the perfect light snack for parties, brunch, or a quick appetizer.
Okay, confession time. I almost didn’t share this recipe because it feels too easy. But honestly? It’s been my go-to party snack so many times, it felt like gatekeeping not to.
The first time I made these Cream Cheese Cucumber Bites, I was running so late for a holiday potluck. You know the ones where you promise you’ll bring something “homemade and impressive” and then totally forget until, like, two hours before? Yeah, that.
I stared into my fridge—half a cucumber, some leftover cream cheese, and a random bundle of dill from who knows when. And somehow, I pulled together these little beauties. They were fresh, crunchy, and just fancy enough to look like I had my life together.
Plot twist? They disappeared before the cheese dip and buffalo wings. Now I make them all the time—potlucks, brunches, even random Tuesday nights when I’m craving a snack that feels fancy-ish without the actual effort.
Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Cucumber Bites Recipe?
These cucumber bites? They’re not just cute—they deliver.
- Super Simple: 30 minutes and zero cooking? Yes, please.
- Fresh + Creamy: Crunchy cucumber + smooth cream cheese = perfection.
- Perfect for Parties: They look way fancier than they actually are.
- Healthy-ish: Veggies? Check. Creamy goodness? Check. Balanced, right?
- Endlessly Customizable: Smoked salmon? Bacon? Cherry tomatoes? Let’s get creative.
Ingredient Notes:
You know that saying simple is best? Totally applies here. Let’s break it down:
- Cucumbers: Cool, crisp, and hydrating. I use English cucumbers since they’re seedless and slice beautifully.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat works best here for that creamy, rich texture. Low-fat just… doesn’t hit the same.
- Mayonnaise: Adds a little tang and creaminess. If you’re not a fan, Greek yogurt works too.
- Sour Cream: Balances the richness with a bit of lightness and tang.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens everything up and keeps the flavors fresh.
- Garlic Powder: Just enough to give a bit of oomph without overpowering.
- Fresh Dill: The real MVP here. If you’re out of fresh, dried dill works—just use half the amount.
Optional Toppings to Mix Things Up:
- Cherry tomatoes – Juicy and sweet.
- Smoked salmon – Fancy vibes with zero effort.
- Sliced olives – Salty goodness.
- Crispy bacon bits – Need I explain?
- Fresh herbs – Basil, chives, or parsley all work great!
How To Make Cream Cheese Cucumber Bites?
Step 1: Prep the Cucumbers
Slice the cucumbers into ½-inch rounds. (Thicker than you’d expect—but you need that solid base for the creamy topping!)
Lay them out on a paper towel-lined tray. Sprinkle a little salt on both sides and let them chill for 20 minutes. The salt helps draw out extra moisture—because no one wants soggy cucumber bites, right?
Once they’ve had their spa moment, pat them dry with a clean towel.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Now, let’s make the good stuff.
In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, and a crack of black pepper. Using a hand mixer (or your trusty whisk and some arm power), whip it all together until it’s fluffy and smooth.
Next, fold in the freshly chopped dill. Give it a taste—need a bit more lemon? A pinch more salt? Adjust until it makes you do that little happy food dance.
Step 3: Assemble the Bites
This is the fun part!
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- Arrange your cucumber rounds on a serving platter.
- Use a spoon, piping bag, or even a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped to add a dollop of the cream cheese mixture onto each slice.
- If you’re feeling extra, swirl the topping with the back of a spoon for that professional touch.
Step 4: Add Toppings (Because More Is More)
You could stop here… but why would you?
- Cherry Tomato: A pop of sweetness.
- Smoked Salmon: So fancy, so good.
- Bacon Bits: Because bacon makes everything better.
- Olives: Salty perfection.
Mix and match—there are no rules here!
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
These bites are best served fresh when the cucumbers are extra crisp and the cream cheese topping is fluffy. They’re the kind of snack that disappears fast, so consider making a double batch if you’re hosting a crowd!
Storage Options:
You can prep these in advance, but there’s a trick:
- Fridge: Make the cream cheese mixture a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container and assemble the bites just before serving.
- Pre-Assembled: If you must assemble in advance, do it no more than 4 hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge.
- Leftovers: Honestly? These are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have extras, store them for up to a day.
Variations and Substitutions:
Feeling adventurous? Try these twists:
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan cream cheese and skip the mayo or use a plant-based alternative.
- Protein Boost: Add a slice of hard-boiled egg or shredded chicken on top.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes into the cream cheese.
- Herb Swap: Not into dill? Try parsley, basil, or even cilantro.
What to Serve with Cream Cheese Cucumber Bites?
These little bites pair beautifully with:
- Charcuterie Boards: They balance out all the meats and cheeses perfectly.
- Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or salmon.
- Brunch: Perfect next to quiche, fruit platters, or even avocado toast.
- Light Lunch: Great paired with soup or a grain bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Sure, but it won’t be quite as rich. Full-fat gives the creamiest result.
How do I keep the cucumbers from getting soggy?
Salting the slices and letting them sit is key. It pulls out the extra moisture. Don’t skip it!
Can I make them vegan?
Yep! Use dairy-free cream cheese and skip the mayo or swap it for vegan yogurt.
So there you have it—simple, fresh, fancy-looking cucumber bites that come together in no time. Whether you’re hosting friends, meal prepping snacks, or just want something fun for yourself, they’re a total win.
Give them a try and let me know how it goes! Seriously—I’d love to hear how you made them your own. Got a killer topping idea? Share it below!
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Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Cream Cheese Cucumber Bites
Ingredients
For the Cucumber Bites:
- 1-2 cucumbers cut into ½-inch rounds
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill finely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Cherry or grape tomatoes sliced
- Sliced olives
- Bite-sized pieces of smoked salmon
- Bacon bits
- Additional sprigs of dill
Instructions
Prepare the Cucumbers
- Slice the cucumbers into ½-inch rounds, ensuring each slice is thick enough to hold the cream cheese topping without bending. Lay the cucumber slices on a paper towel-lined baking sheet and sprinkle both sides lightly with salt. Allow them to rest for 20-30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Once the moisture has been released, gently pat both sides of the cucumber rounds dry with a clean paper towel to prevent sogginess.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Using a hand mixer (or a whisk for a more rustic texture), whip the ingredients together until light, creamy, and smooth.
- Fold in the finely chopped dill and a few grinds of black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding a small pinch of salt if desired.
Assemble the Cucumber Bites
- Arrange the prepared cucumber rounds on a serving platter. Using a spoon, piping bag, or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped, top each cucumber slice with a generous dollop of the cream cheese mixture.
- For a more decorative touch, swirl the cream cheese gently with the back of a spoon or create a peak using the piping method.
Add Toppings (Optional)
- Enhance the presentation and flavor by adding any of the following toppings:
- A slice of cherry tomato for a burst of sweetness.
- A piece of smoked salmon for a touch of elegance.
- Sliced olives for a salty, briny contrast.
- Crumbled bacon bits for a savory, smoky twist.
- An additional sprig of fresh dill for extra herbaceous flair.
Serve Immediately
- The cucumber bites are best served immediately while the cucumbers are crisp and the cream cheese filling remains light and fluffy. If necessary, refrigerate for up to 4 hours before serving.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!