Up Up Away Hot Air

Whimsical, kid-friendly snacks inspired by colorful hot air balloons—perfect for parties, picnics, or fun playdates.

This snack was a hit with my kids during our last picnic; they loved the fun shapes and flavors.

Ingredients

• Fresh Produce: 1 pint cherry tomatoes (assorted colors), 1 cup seedless grapes (red, green, or mixed), 1 cup cubed cheddar cheese, 1 cup mini mozzarella balls
• Deli & Bakery: 8 pretzel sticks, 8 mini round crackers
• Pantry & Miscellaneous: 2 tablespoons hummus or cream cheese (for glue), fresh parsley or basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Rinse produce, clean cookware, and fill pots smoothly with flexible spray options for everyday cooking.

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Step 1:

Wash and dry all produce.

Step 2:

Thread cherry tomatoes, grapes, cheddar cubes, and mozzarella balls onto each pretzel stick, alternating colors and shapes to mimic a vibrant hot air balloon.

Step 3:

Spread a small dollop of hummus or cream cheese onto each mini cracker.

Step 4:

Gently press the bottom of each pretzel stick (with toppings) into the center of a cracker, securing it with the glue.

Step 5:

Arrange parsley or basil leaves around the base for a leafy effect, if desired.

Step 6:

Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.

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These snacks made family gatherings more fun and encouraged the kids to try new fruits and cheeses.

Notes

For extra crunch and color, add mini cucumber slices or bell pepper squares. Serve with ranch or yogurt dip to enhance flavor.

Required Tools

Small knife, toothpicks or skewers optional for extra stability, and a serving platter.

Allergen Information

Contains dairy, wheat, and gluten. Check labels for potential nut traces if allergies are a concern.

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Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

Check price on Amazon

Enjoy these whimsical snacks as a perfect treat for kids' parties or a colorful addition to any picnic.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare these snacks in advance?

Yes, you can assemble them ahead and refrigerate covered for up to 2 hours to maintain freshness.

→ Are there vegetarian-friendly ingredients used?

All ingredients are vegetarian, featuring fresh produce, cheeses, and pretzels without meat products.

→ How can I add more crunch to the snacks?

Try adding mini cucumber slices or bell pepper squares for extra texture and color contrast.

→ What can substitute the cheese for a sweeter taste?

Replacing cheeses with marshmallows creates a sweet version perfect for kids’ preferences.

→ Which dips pair well with these snacks?

Ranch or yogurt dips complement the flavors nicely and add creamy variety.