Save A festive and fun appetizer featuring a cheerful snowman made from creamy dip and fresh, colorful vegetables—perfect for parties and holiday gatherings.
This dip platter is always a hit at our holiday parties. The kids love helping to arrange the veggies to make our snowman come alive.
Ingredients
- For the Snowman Dip: 1 ½ cups (340 g) cream cheese, softened, ¾ cup (170 g) sour cream, ¼ cup (60 g) mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- For Decoration & Platter: 1 small carrot (for nose and scarf), 2 black olives (for eyes and buttons), 1 red bell pepper (for scarf), 1 cucumber, sliced, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 cup baby carrots, 1 cup broccoli florets, 1 cup cauliflower florets, 1 cup snap peas, Fresh parsley or dill (optional, for garnish), Crackers or pita chips (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Mix Dip:
- In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chives until smooth and well combined.
- Shape Snowman:
- Divide the dip into two portions: shape one larger ball for the snowmans body and one smaller ball for the head. Place them on a large serving platter, forming the snowman shape.
- Decorate Snowman:
- Slice a round from the carrot to make the nose. Use black olives to make eyes and buttons. Cut strips from the red bell pepper to form a scarf.
- Arrange Vegetables:
- Arrange the sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and snap peas around the snowman dip to create a colorful veggie platter.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired. Serve with crackers or pita chips on the side.
Save Our family gathers each year to build the snowman together, making the platter a fun and interactive centerpiece.
Preparation Tips
Make sure all dip ingredients are at room temperature to blend easily. Chill the dip briefly before shaping for firmer texture.
Variations
Try a vegan version by substituting plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Add a pinch of smoked paprika or lemon juice for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crackers or pita chips on the side for a delightful party snack that everyone will enjoy.
Save This festive dip platter is sure to brighten your next gathering and bring smiles to all your guests.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What ingredients create the dip base?
The dip blends cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic and onion powders, salt, pepper, and fresh chives for a smooth, flavorful base.
- → How is the snowman shape formed?
The dip is divided into two balls—a larger one for the body and a smaller one for the head—arranged on the platter and decorated with olives, carrot, and bell pepper slices.
- → Which vegetables accompany the platter?
Sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, snap peas, and optional fresh parsley or dill garnish the arrangement.
- → Can this platter be made vegan-friendly?
Yes, by using plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise substitutes, the dip can be adapted to a vegan diet.
- → How can the dip be customized for extra flavor?
Adding smoked paprika or a squeeze of lemon juice can enhance the dip’s flavor without altering the texture.
- → Is any cooking required for this dish?
No cooking is needed; preparation involves mixing and assembling the dip and vegetables on a serving platter.