Alpine Village Cheese Houses (Print version)

Mini cheese cubes topped with almonds on creamy crackers form a festive alpine snack scene.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheese Houses

01 - 7 oz firm cheese (cheddar, gouda, or swiss), cut into 3/4-inch cubes (approximately 16 cubes)
02 - 32 sliced almonds (for roofs and garnish)

→ Snowy Landscape

03 - 16 pale or white round or square crackers (such as water crackers or rice crackers)
04 - 2 tbsp softened cream cheese (for snow effect)

→ Decoration (optional)

05 - Small bunch fresh chives, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (for trees or bushes)
06 - 1 small red bell pepper, diced (for doors or windows)
07 - Poppy seeds or sesame seeds (for added detail)

# Directions:

01 - Spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese evenly over each cracker to simulate a snow-covered base.
02 - Place a single cheese cube atop each cream cheese-coated cracker, pressing gently to adhere.
03 - Arrange two almond slices on each cheese cube at an angle to form a pitched roof, overlapping slightly for natural appearance.
04 - Use chive pieces and diced red bell pepper to create decorative trees, doors, and windows on each house as desired.
05 - Lightly sprinkle poppy or sesame seeds over the houses to enhance detail and visual interest.
06 - Arrange all completed miniature houses on a large serving platter, creating a charming Alpine Village display.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They're edible enough to satisfy hunger but adorable enough to photograph before eating.
  • No cooking required means you can assemble them while chatting with guests or letting kids help without kitchen stress.
  • Everyone gets a personalized snack since each house can be decorated differently with peppers, chives, or seeds.
02 -
  • Don't assemble these too far ahead—crackers absorb moisture and go soft within an hour or two, so aim for assembly 30 minutes before serving.
  • If your almonds keep sliding off, you haven't angled them steeply enough; they need to lean against each other like a real roof, not sit flat on top.
03 -
  • Chill your cheese for 15 minutes before cutting it into cubes—it'll cut cleaner and hold its shape better under the roof.
  • If almonds keep sliding, dab the top of the cheese cube with a tiny bit of extra cream cheese to create more grip before positioning the roof.
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