Save Whimsical, kid-friendly snacks inspired by colorful hot air balloons—perfect for parties, picnics, or fun playdates.
I enjoy preparing these snacks for my kids' playdates because they love the vibrant colors and fun shapes.
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (assorted colors): Fresh Produce
- 1 cup seedless grapes (red, green, or mixed): Fresh Produce
- 1 cup cubed cheddar cheese: Fresh Produce
- 1 cup mini mozzarella balls: Fresh Produce
- 8 pretzel sticks: Deli & Bakery
- 8 mini round crackers: Deli & Bakery
- 2 tablespoons hummus or cream cheese (for glue): Pantry & Miscellaneous
- Fresh parsley or basil leaves (optional, for garnish): Pantry & Miscellaneous
Instructions
- Wash and dry all produce:
- Wash and dry all produce
- Thread ingredients onto pretzel sticks:
- Thread cherry tomatoes, grapes, cheddar cubes, and mozzarella balls onto each pretzel stick, alternating colors and shapes to mimic a vibrant hot air balloon
- Spread glue onto crackers:
- Spread a small dollop of hummus or cream cheese onto each mini cracker
- Secure pretzel stick to cracker:
- Gently press the bottom of each pretzel stick (with toppings) into the center of a cracker, securing it with the glue
- Add garnish:
- Arrange parsley or basil leaves around the base for a leafy effect, if desired
- Serve:
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving
Save These snacks bring smiles to family gatherings and are a hit with kids of all ages.
Notes
For a sweeter version, substitute cheese with marshmallows and use fruit-only combinations. Add mini cucumber slices or bell pepper squares for extra crunch and color. Serve with a side of ranch dip or yogurt dip for extra flavor.
Required Tools
Small knife, toothpicks or skewers for extra stability, and a serving platter.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy and wheat (cheese, crackers). Contains gluten (pretzel sticks, crackers). Check labels for potential nut traces in crackers and cheese if allergies are a concern.
Save Perfect for quick, colorful snacks that delight both kids and adults alike
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients create the balloon effect?
Alternating cherry tomatoes, seedless grapes, cheddar cubes, and mini mozzarella balls threaded on pretzel sticks form the colorful balloon shapes.
- → How are the snacks assembled securely?
A small amount of hummus or cream cheese acts as glue, attaching each pretzel stick with toppings to a mini round cracker base.
- → Can I customize the flavors or colors?
Yes, swapping cheese for marshmallows or adding cucumber slices and bell pepper squares offers sweeter or crunchier variations with vibrant colors.
- → How long can these snacks be stored before serving?
They can be covered and refrigerated for up to 2 hours without affecting freshness or appearance.
- → Are there any common allergens to be aware of?
Yes, these snacks contain dairy from cheese and gluten from pretzel sticks and crackers; check packaging for nut traces if allergies apply.