Whenever we have people over I automatically start planning the menu. I generally start with the easy part, the desserts. Then I move on to the appetizers which more often then not include a selection of dips or hot appetizers. This time I was having friends over for an afternoon happy hour and since it's been so hot I wanted a light and cool appetizer. I didn't have many of those on hand so I was left searching for something.
I found a simple recipe for cucumber cups that sounded great. I had plenty of cucumbers from the farmer's market. The filling is a simple cream cheese, mozzarella, garlic, and chives. The original recipe had bacon but I was looking for a purely vegetarian recipe.
These cups looked fancy and were so easy to put together. They crunch of the cucumber cups paired with the cheeses and herbs were wonderful. It is a great summer time appetizer and one to use when you don't have much time to prepare. I'm planning on making it again for Labor Day which just happens to be the theme of this weeks #SundaySupper. I think this would be the perfect appetizer for an end of the season Labor Day BBQ!
Cucumber Cups (adapted from Will Cook for Smiles)
2 large cucumbers
8 oz. of light cream cheese
1 c. mozzarella cheese
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 t. Italian seasonings
1 t. salt
½ t. black pepper
1 T. fresh chives, chopped
1. In a medium bowl combine the cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic cloves, Italian seasonings, salt, and pepper. Mix well then put in the refrigerator.
2. Wash the cucumbers then peel them in a zebra pattern. Cut the cucumbers into 1 inch thick slices. Using a spoon scoop out the middle of the cucumbers, leaving a thin slice of cucumber at the bottom and forming a cup.
3. Scoop the cheese mixture into the cups and sprinkle with the fresh chives. Serve chilled.
Family Foodie
This is a cute idea, and I love the simplicity of the filling! Great idea for an appetizer... you can never go wrong with cucumbers and cream cheese!
Anne @ Webicurean
I love this idea--sometimes appetizers can be so rich, and the cucumber is a great way to cut right through that!
Katie Clark
Yum, such a clever idea. I love cucumbers!
Cindy Kerschner
I love cucumber anything!
Susan
A great recipe and cucumbers are the perfect vehicle too for so many good things!
Cassie Tucker
Those look awesome! If my great aunt was still alive she would have LOVED those. 🙂
Cassie
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Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes
I never used cucumbers with cheese, but they sound just like the right appetizer for a summer day!
Courtney @ Neighborfood
I love this! So easy and so pretty!
Shannon R
Aw, I want to come over. I never plan appetizers for my guests, I'm a pretty lame host. However, I do just fill them up on sugar so they forget the appetizers 😉
Brenna
This looks like a perfect summer appetizer! Or just we have cucumbers in the fridge, lets try it now kind of dish.
Carla
These sound so refreshing that I would make these for lunch for myself on a hot day haha
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious
Nice! Easy but elegant.
Renee
What a great summer appetizer! Perfect for those with bountiful cucumber harvest.
Katy
What a great idea for an appetizer - these are so cute!
Sarah Reid
I love these, haven't had them since a wedding I went to!
german in pdx
These sound like the perfect appetizer at any party! - Bea @ The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
Kim @ Treats and Trinkets
So cute. I almost don't want to eat them. Almost
Nikki @ Nik Snacks
Very classic!
Liz Berg
What a wonderful presentation! I love the combo of cool crisp cukes with cream cheese 🙂
Pretend Chef
These look delicious. Yummy!
Shannon @VillageGirlBlog
Garlic, cheese and fresh cucumber, Yes please! These look perfect for a hot day. Yum!
Alida
Look at all that cheesy goodness in those cucumbers. YUM! These look wonderful!!