I have made these cold snacks many times when I had unexpected guests or simply wanted something quick from what was in the fridge. Everything comes together quite simply: sliced cucumbers, a few layers of ham and cheese, a bit of creamy cheese (Aperifrais), and some toothpicks. Nothing complicated, just assembly, but they look great and are ready very quickly.
Quick Info
Total time: 15-20 minutes
Preparation time: 15-20 minutes
Cooking time: not necessary
Servings: 10 pieces
Difficulty: easy
Recipe type: cold appetizer, for quick platters or parties
Ingredients
3 slices of Prague ham
4 slices of cheese (I used Delaco)
10 pieces of Aperifrais Provence and Italy (mini-cream cheese, also Delaco)
half a cucumber
simple toothpicks
Preparation method
1. Wash the cucumber and cut it into round slices, neither too thin nor too thick. It should be able to hold the topping without bending but still be bite-sized.
2. On a cutting board, place the first slice of ham, on top of it two slices of cheese, then another slice of ham, followed by two slices of cheese, and cover with the last slice of ham. Basically: ham-cheese-ham-cheese-ham.
3. Press everything gently with your palm, without crushing it, just enough to stick a little.
4. Cut the edges so that you get a rectangular, even block. With a sharp knife, cut this "sandwich" into squares that fit on a slice of cucumber.
5. On each cucumber slice, place a square of ham with cheese.
6. Add a small piece of Aperifrais on top (these little pieces of cream cheese).
7. Secure everything with a toothpick so that it doesn't fall apart when moving or eating.
8. Place the snacks in the fridge for a few minutes to let the cheese set and become firmer.
9. Serve them directly from the fridge on a platter.
Why I make this recipe often
I like that everything is done without cooking and I use ingredients that I almost always have in the fridge. They are quick to assemble, don't make a mess, and you don't have to wash pots or pans. If I also have Aperifrais on hand, I definitely make them when I have guests. Each piece looks good on the platter and, if there are leftovers, they keep well in the fridge.
Tips and variations
Tips
If you have a long, thin knife, the squares come out more uniform. Press the ham and cheese layer enough so that it doesn't fall apart when cutting. You can make them in advance, but add the Aperifrais cheese close to serving for better texture.
Substitutions
Prague ham can be replaced with another type of cooked ham if you don't have this specific variety on hand. The cheese can also be from another brand or type (I do not recommend very soft cheese, as it sticks poorly). If you don't have Aperifrais, you can use another firm cream cheese cut into small cubes, but the texture and taste will be slightly different.
Variations
You can make thicker or thinner layers, according to preference. A few times I have added a sprig of greenery or a very thin slice of red pepper between the cheese and ham when I had some. The cucumber-ham-cheese-cheese combination can also be adapted on larger radish slices or boiled carrot slices, but I stick to cucumber as it’s the most practical.
Serving ideas
They look great on any appetizer platter, especially if you alternate them with other colorful snacks. They pair well with radish slices, olives, or a bit of chopped green onion sprinkled on top. If you want them to look even more festive, use colored toothpicks.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use another cheese instead of Aperifrais?
Yes, you can use any spreadable cheese or firmer cream cheese cubes, but it won’t have exactly the same consistency as Aperifrais.
2. The layers are not sticking when cutting – what am I doing wrong?
You probably didn't press enough or the cheese is too soft. Try keeping the sandwich in the fridge for a bit before cutting to make it firmer.
3. Can I prepare the snacks a day in advance?
You can assemble the ham and cheese layers and cut the squares in advance. Just add the cucumber and cheese on the day of serving, otherwise the cucumber will release water and the Aperifrais might become too soft.
4. Can they be served without toothpicks?
If you want a platter without toothpicks, you need to be careful with the sizes – the ham and cheese squares must sit perfectly on the cucumber slice, and the cheese must be firm. Otherwise, they will fall apart when moved.
5. What do I do with the cut edges of the ham and cheese?
You can chop them finely and use them in an omelet or a sandwich.
Nutritional values
Estimate per piece: approximately 50-60 kcal (depends on the actual weight, size of cucumbers, and exact variety used)
Macronutrients per piece:
- Protein: 3-4 g
- Fat: 3-4 g
- Carbohydrates: under 1 g
These are approximate calculations, not precise, but these snacks are quite satisfying relative to their volume and protein content.
Storage and reheating
These cold appetizers can be stored in the fridge, covered, for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best to serve them within a few hours after assembly to avoid the cucumber releasing too much water. I do not recommend reheating – they are consumed cold. If you made more, keep them cool, but try to add the Aperifrais cheese only before serving.
Quick Info
Total time: 15-20 minutes
Preparation time: 15-20 minutes
Cooking time: not necessary
Servings: 10 pieces
Difficulty: easy
Recipe type: cold appetizer, for quick platters or parties
Ingredients
3 slices of Prague ham
4 slices of cheese (I used Delaco)
10 pieces of Aperifrais Provence and Italy (mini-cream cheese, also Delaco)
half a cucumber
simple toothpicks
Preparation method
1. Wash the cucumber and cut it into round slices, neither too thin nor too thick. It should be able to hold the topping without bending but still be bite-sized.
2. On a cutting board, place the first slice of ham, on top of it two slices of cheese, then another slice of ham, followed by two slices of cheese, and cover with the last slice of ham. Basically: ham-cheese-ham-cheese-ham.
3. Press everything gently with your palm, without crushing it, just enough to stick a little.
4. Cut the edges so that you get a rectangular, even block. With a sharp knife, cut this "sandwich" into squares that fit on a slice of cucumber.
5. On each cucumber slice, place a square of ham with cheese.
6. Add a small piece of Aperifrais on top (these little pieces of cream cheese).
7. Secure everything with a toothpick so that it doesn't fall apart when moving or eating.
8. Place the snacks in the fridge for a few minutes to let the cheese set and become firmer.
9. Serve them directly from the fridge on a platter.
Why I make this recipe often
I like that everything is done without cooking and I use ingredients that I almost always have in the fridge. They are quick to assemble, don't make a mess, and you don't have to wash pots or pans. If I also have Aperifrais on hand, I definitely make them when I have guests. Each piece looks good on the platter and, if there are leftovers, they keep well in the fridge.
Tips and variations
Tips
If you have a long, thin knife, the squares come out more uniform. Press the ham and cheese layer enough so that it doesn't fall apart when cutting. You can make them in advance, but add the Aperifrais cheese close to serving for better texture.
Substitutions
Prague ham can be replaced with another type of cooked ham if you don't have this specific variety on hand. The cheese can also be from another brand or type (I do not recommend very soft cheese, as it sticks poorly). If you don't have Aperifrais, you can use another firm cream cheese cut into small cubes, but the texture and taste will be slightly different.
Variations
You can make thicker or thinner layers, according to preference. A few times I have added a sprig of greenery or a very thin slice of red pepper between the cheese and ham when I had some. The cucumber-ham-cheese-cheese combination can also be adapted on larger radish slices or boiled carrot slices, but I stick to cucumber as it’s the most practical.
Serving ideas
They look great on any appetizer platter, especially if you alternate them with other colorful snacks. They pair well with radish slices, olives, or a bit of chopped green onion sprinkled on top. If you want them to look even more festive, use colored toothpicks.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use another cheese instead of Aperifrais?
Yes, you can use any spreadable cheese or firmer cream cheese cubes, but it won’t have exactly the same consistency as Aperifrais.
2. The layers are not sticking when cutting – what am I doing wrong?
You probably didn't press enough or the cheese is too soft. Try keeping the sandwich in the fridge for a bit before cutting to make it firmer.
3. Can I prepare the snacks a day in advance?
You can assemble the ham and cheese layers and cut the squares in advance. Just add the cucumber and cheese on the day of serving, otherwise the cucumber will release water and the Aperifrais might become too soft.
4. Can they be served without toothpicks?
If you want a platter without toothpicks, you need to be careful with the sizes – the ham and cheese squares must sit perfectly on the cucumber slice, and the cheese must be firm. Otherwise, they will fall apart when moved.
5. What do I do with the cut edges of the ham and cheese?
You can chop them finely and use them in an omelet or a sandwich.
Nutritional values
Estimate per piece: approximately 50-60 kcal (depends on the actual weight, size of cucumbers, and exact variety used)
Macronutrients per piece:
- Protein: 3-4 g
- Fat: 3-4 g
- Carbohydrates: under 1 g
These are approximate calculations, not precise, but these snacks are quite satisfying relative to their volume and protein content.
Storage and reheating
These cold appetizers can be stored in the fridge, covered, for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best to serve them within a few hours after assembly to avoid the cucumber releasing too much water. I do not recommend reheating – they are consumed cold. If you made more, keep them cool, but try to add the Aperifrais cheese only before serving.