Can I make these appetizers vegan?

Yes, simply replace the cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives to suit a vegan diet while maintaining the creamy texture.

What can I use if blue corn chips are unavailable?

You can mix blue food coloring into a portion of the cream cheese spread for a similar blue effect on the appetizers.

Arrange the crackers in five interlocking rings on a large platter to mimic the Olympic rings design for a festive presentation.

Yes, try smoked salmon for the red ring or roasted eggplant for the black ring to add a gourmet twist while keeping the colorful theme.

Standard crackers may contain gluten, so choose gluten-free crackers or rice cakes to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

Use finely chopped fresh chives or parsley to add a subtle herbal note and enhance the overall visual appeal.

Festive, colorful bite-sized appetizers inspired by the Olympic rings—perfect for parties and celebrations.

This appetizer always brings a bit of fun and color to our gatherings and is easy to prepare.

Base: 20 round water crackers or mini rice cakes
Cream Cheese Spread: 200 g (7 oz) cream cheese, softened, 2 tbsp sour cream, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Toppings (to represent ring colors): 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (black ring), 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or red bell pepper, diced (red ring), 1/4 cup yellow bell pepper, diced (yellow ring), 1/4 cup cucumber, diced or sliced (green ring), 1/4 cup blue corn tortilla chips, crushed or blue food coloring (blue ring)
Garnish: Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Step 1:: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and spreadable.
Step 2:: Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each cracker or rice cake.
Step 3:: Arrange crackers in five interlocking rings on a large platter to mimic the Olympic rings layout.
Step 4:: Top each group of 4 crackers with one of the colored toppings: black olives for black, cherry tomatoes or red bell pepper for red, yellow bell pepper for yellow, cucumber for green, and blue corn chips (or a dot of blue-colored cream cheese) for blue.
Step 5:: Garnish with fresh chives or parsley, if desired.
Step 6:: Serve immediately for best texture.

Making these appetizers has become a shared tradition for us, bringing smiles as everyone recognizes the colorful rings.

Try smoked salmon for the red ring or roasted eggplant for the black ring for a more gourmet twist.

Mixing bowl, Spatula or spoon, Large serving platter, Small knife for chopping

Contains dairy (cream cheese, sour cream) Crackers may contain gluten Check all product labels for allergens if substituting ingredients.

These appetizers add a festive touch to any celebration and are always a crowd-pleaser.

→ Can I make these appetizers vegan?: Yes, simply replace the cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives to suit a vegan diet while maintaining the creamy texture.
→ What can I use if blue corn chips are unavailable?: You can mix blue food coloring into a portion of the cream cheese spread for a similar blue effect on the appetizers.
→ How should I arrange the crackers for serving?: Arrange the crackers in five interlocking rings on a large platter to mimic the Olympic rings design for a festive presentation.
→ Can I substitute the toppings for a different flavor profile?: Yes, try smoked salmon for the red ring or roasted eggplant for the black ring to add a gourmet twist while keeping the colorful theme.
→ Are these appetizers suitable for people with gluten allergies?: Standard crackers may contain gluten, so choose gluten-free crackers or rice cakes to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
→ What is the best way to garnish these appetizers?: Use finely chopped fresh chives or parsley to add a subtle herbal note and enhance the overall visual appeal.