Cottage Cheese Cucumber Snack Cups are a fresh and light treat that’s perfect for snack time or a quick little appetizer. Crisp cucumber slices are turned into mini cups and filled with creamy cottage cheese, creating a fun bite that’s both cool and satisfying. The combination of crunchy and creamy textures makes these snack cups really enjoyable and easy to eat.
I love making these whenever I need a snack that feels a bit special but isn’t complicated at all. It’s one of those things where it looks like you put in a lot of effort, but really, it’s super simple. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a little salt and pepper on top to brighten up the flavors even more. It’s such a nice way to enjoy cottage cheese if you’re tired of eating it plain.
These snack cups are great for sharing too, whether it’s at a picnic, a party, or just bringing a light dish to a gathering. I often keep them in the fridge ready to grab when hunger strikes between meals—they’re refreshing, healthy, and satisfying without any fuss. Honestly, they always get a good reaction from friends and family, which makes me feel great about serving them.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the creamy base of the snack cups. If you want it smoother, choose small-curd cottage cheese or blend it slightly. For a dairy-free option, try a soft tofu or vegan ricotta substitute.
Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and tang. You can swap it with regular yogurt or sour cream if you prefer. Non-dairy yogurts work well here too, just pick plain and unsweetened versions.
Fresh Dill: This herb gives a fresh, slightly tangy flavor. If you don’t have dill, parsley or chives are good alternatives. Dried dill works in a pinch but use less since it’s more concentrated.
Cucumber: English cucumbers are ideal because they have thinner skins and fewer seeds. If you only have regular cucumbers, peel them and scoop out seeds for a less bitter, crisper bite.
Roasted Chickpeas: They add a nice crunch on top. You can substitute with toasted nuts or seeds if preferred, or leave them out for a softer snack.
How Do You Make the Perfect Cucumber “Cup” Without Breaking It?
Arranging cucumber slices to form a cup might feel tricky but it’s easier than it looks! Here’s how I do it:
- Slice cucumbers evenly, about 1/4 inch thick. Too thin can break, too thick is hard to shape.
- Use a small glass jar or cup with a wide opening so cucumber slices fit around the edge without too much pressure.
- Stand each slice on its edge, pressing gently against the jar’s wall. If the cucumber is fresh and firm, it will hold its shape nicely.
- Fill the center with the cottage cheese mix carefully to help support the slices and keep them upright.
Patience helps! And refrigerating the cups for a short time also firms up the cucumbers and keeps everything fresh. This technique keeps your snack looking neat and easy to eat.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Small serving cups or jars – I like clear ones so you can see the pretty layers and fillings.
- Mixing bowls – perfect for blending the cottage cheese, yogurt, herbs, and seasonings.
- Stainless steel or silicone spoon – easy for stirring and filling the cups without scratching your bowls.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for slicing cucumbers and chopping herbs.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Mix in chopped cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
- Instead of dill, use chopped basil or mint to change the flavor theme.
- Top with sliced black olives or capers for a briny, Mediterranean twist.
- Stir in smoked paprika or chili flakes for a bit of smoky spice and heat.
Cottage Cheese Cucumber Snack Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 large English cucumber, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1/2 cup roasted chickpeas (store-bought or homemade)
- Paprika or smoked paprika, for garnish
- Fresh parsley or additional dill, chopped, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You can serve it right away or chill the snack cups in the refrigerator for up to an hour to let the flavors blend and keep everything fresh.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Creamy Filling:
In a bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, fresh dill, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
2. Prepare the Cucumber Cups:
Slice the cucumber into even 1/4-inch rounds. Place the slices upright around the inside edge of small cups or jars, gently pressing them against the glass to form a neat cup shape.
3. Fill and Top the Cups:
Spoon some of the cottage cheese mixture into the bottom of each cucumber cup. Fill the center with more of the mixture, nearly to the top. Add a cucumber slice on top to close the cup.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle roasted chickpeas on top for crunch. Finish with a pinch of paprika or smoked paprika and optional fresh herbs. Serve immediately or chill for up to an hour before enjoying.
Can I Use Regular Yogurt Instead of Greek Yogurt?
Yes, you can substitute regular plain yogurt for Greek yogurt. Just be aware the texture may be slightly thinner, so you might want to drain it a bit or add a small amount of cream cheese to keep the filling creamy.
How Should I Store Leftover Snack Cups?
Cover the snack cups with plastic wrap or transfer them to airtight containers and refrigerate. They’re best eaten within 24 hours to keep cucumbers crisp and the filling fresh.
Can I Prepare These in Advance?
You can prepare the cottage cheese mixture and slice the cucumbers ahead of time, but assemble the snack cups just before serving to prevent the cucumbers from becoming soggy.
What Can I Use Instead of Roasted Chickpeas?
If you don’t have roasted chickpeas, toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts work well for added crunch, or you can skip them altogether for a softer texture.
