Low-Carb • Keto-Friendly • No-Cook Appetizer
Yield: 24–30 bites
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Herbed Spread
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp capers, drained and chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
For Serving
- 2 large English cucumbers, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- Extra dill or chives for garnish
- Fresh cracked pepper (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Herbed Spread
- In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sour cream or Greek yogurt and mix until creamy.
- Stir in dill, chives, parsley, capers, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt.
- Refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
Step 2: Prepare Cucumbers
- Wash cucumbers thoroughly.
- Slice into rounds approximately ½ inch thick.
- Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Step 3: Assemble
- Spoon or pipe about 1 tablespoon of herbed spread onto each cucumber slice.
- Garnish with extra herbs.
- Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Per Bite (assuming 24 servings)
Approximate values:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 35 |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 1.5 g |
| Fiber | 0.2 g |
| Net Carbs | 1.3 g |
| Sugar | 0.8 g |
| Sodium | 45 mg |
Allergen Information
Contains
- Milk/Dairy (cream cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt)
Naturally Free Of
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Eggs
- Soy
- Shellfish
- Fish
- Wheat
- Gluten
Cross-Contamination Note
Always verify packaged ingredients if preparing for someone with severe allergies, as manufacturing facilities may process allergens.
Optional Variations
Mediterranean
Add:
- Crumbled feta
- Finely chopped olives
- Oregano
Smoked Salmon
Top each cucumber round with:
- Small piece of smoked salmon
- Fresh dill
Bacon Ranch
Mix into spread:
- Crumbled bacon
- Ranch seasoning
Spicy
Add:
- Finely diced jalapeño
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
Everything Bagel
Sprinkle with:
- Everything bagel seasoning
Make-Ahead Tips
Can I make the spread ahead?
Yes. Prepare up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate.
Can I assemble ahead?
For best texture, assemble within 2–3 hours of serving. Cucumbers release water over time.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular cucumbers?
Yes, but English cucumbers work best because they have thinner skin and fewer seeds.
Can I use dried herbs?
Yes. Replace fresh herbs with one-third the amount of dried herbs:
- 2 tbsp fresh = 2 tsp dried
Can I make this keto?
Absolutely. Use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream. Net carbs remain very low.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes. Greek yogurt creates a lighter, higher-protein spread.
Why are my cucumber bites watery?
Cucumbers naturally release moisture. Pat slices dry and assemble close to serving time.
Can I pipe the filling?
Yes. Transfer the spread to a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner cut off for a more elegant presentation.
What can I serve these with?
- Charcuterie boards
- Grilled chicken
- Smoked salmon platters
- Brunch spreads
- Holiday appetizer trays
How do I make them look extra fancy?
Use a star-tip piping bag, garnish with a small sprig of dill, a caper, or a tiny lemon zest curl on each bite.