Description

These refreshing Cucumber Cottage Cheese Bites are a light, nutritious appetizer or snack perfect for any occasion. Crisp cucumber rounds are hollowed to hold a creamy, herb-infused cottage cheese mixture, topped with colorful garnishes like red bell pepper, feta, and seeds for added flavor and texture. Easy to prepare with no cooking needed, these bites offer a delightful combination of freshness, creaminess, and subtle tang, making them a healthy and elegant addition to your party spread or light lunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Cucumber Base

2 large English cucumbers (or 3 medium regular cucumbers)

Cottage Cheese Filling

1 ½ cups cottage cheese (small curd, 2% or full-fat for best flavor)
2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 small garlic clove, very finely minced or grated (optional, for a savory kick)
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill (plus extra for garnish)
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives or green onion
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley (optional but recommended)
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Toppings and Garnishes

¼ teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika (for topping, optional)
2 tablespoons finely diced red bell pepper or tomato (for topping, optional)
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (optional, for richness and shine)
1–2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning (optional, for topping)
2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese (optional, for a tangy twist)
1–2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds or sunflower seeds (optional, for crunch)

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Instructions

Prepare the cucumbers: Rinse the cucumbers under cool running water and pat them completely dry with a clean towel. Cut off and discard the ends. Slice the cucumbers into ½-inch thick rounds, maintaining consistent thickness so they sit evenly when served. For extra stability and to hold more filling, gently scoop out a shallow well in the center of each slice using a small spoon or melon baller, leaving the bottom intact.
Drain and prep the cottage cheese: If the cottage cheese is very wet, place it in a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl and let it drain for 5–10 minutes to remove excess liquid and prevent watery bites. Transfer the drained cottage cheese to a mixing bowl. Optionally, pulse it 3–4 times in a food processor or blender to achieve a slightly creamy but still textured consistency.
Make the cottage cheese filling: Add Greek yogurt or sour cream (if using), fresh lemon juice, minced garlic (if using), chopped dill, chives or green onion, parsley, salt, and black pepper to the cottage cheese. Stir well until thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired. For added richness, stir in olive oil.
Prepare toppings and garnishes: Finely dice the red bell pepper or tomato and pat dry to remove moisture. Crumble the feta cheese if using. Arrange the paprika or smoked paprika, everything bagel seasoning, toasted seeds, and extra chopped herbs in small bowls for easy assembly.
Fill the cucumber bites: Arrange cucumber rounds in a single layer on a serving plate. Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each hollow with about 1 to 1½ teaspoons of the cottage cheese mixture, mounding it slightly for a generous look.
Add toppings and finish: Sprinkle a pinch of paprika on some bites, cap with diced red bell pepper or tomato on others, add a light dusting of everything bagel seasoning on some to avoid excess salt, top a few with feta crumbles, and finish with toasted sesame or sunflower seeds. Scatter fresh chopped dill or chives over the entire platter and drizzle lightly with olive oil if desired.
Chill and serve: Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to meld flavors and chill before serving. Serve cold as an appetizer, snack, or light lunch. Best enjoyed the same day.
Storage: Cottage cheese filling can be prepared up to 1 day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Slice and fill cucumbers 2–3 hours before serving to maintain crispness. Assembled bites can be refrigerated for up to 1 day but cucumbers may soften and release moisture over time.

Notes

Use English cucumbers for fewer seeds and a milder taste, but regular cucumbers work well too.
Draining the cottage cheese removes excess moisture and prevents watery bites.
Optionally blending the cottage cheese creates a smoother filling texture.
The garlic and Greek yogurt are optional but add depth and creaminess.
Adjust seasoning to your taste, especially salt and lemon juice for brightness.
Preparing toppings in advance streamlines assembly.
For best texture, slice and fill cucumbers shortly before serving.
These bites are best consumed the same day to enjoy crisp cucumbers and fresh flavors.
Variations like adding feta, different herbs, or seeds add interest and texture.