Looking for a fun festive snack the kids can help make themselves? These cute little Santas made from cherry tomatoes, cream cheese and black olives are quick to put together, need no cooking, and always get a smile at the table. They’re perfect for a Christmas party plate, a school festive day, or just a fun kitchen activity on a cold December afternoon.
Best of all, it’s a simple three-ingredient recipe that even younger kids can help assemble with a little supervision around the knife work.
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For Each Tomato Santa You Will Need:
- 1 cherry or plum tomato
- Cream cheese
- 1 black olive
- Knife & teaspoon
Instructions for How to Make Santas from Tomatoes
- Slice the top off the tomato and put it aside.
- Add a dollop of cream cheese to the top of the tomato.
- Place the tomato top back on to act as Santa’s hat.
- Add a small piece of chopped black olive for the eyes.
- Add a small dollop of cream cheese to the very top for the bobble on the hat.
- Serve and enjoy!
Tips for Making Tomato Santas
A grown-up should handle the slicing for younger kids, but little hands are great at spooning on the cream cheese and popping the “hat” back in place. Make a few extra — they tend to disappear from the plate fast once the first one is admired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. They’re best assembled the same day for the freshest look and taste.
What can I use instead of black olives for the eyes?
If your family isn’t keen on olives, a tiny dot of cream cheese with a small piece of dried fruit, or a dab of black food-safe gel, can work as a substitute for the eyes.
How many does a batch make?
That depends on how many tomatoes you use — this is a per-tomato recipe, so simply multiply the ingredients by however many Santas you want to serve.
Are these suitable for a party plate?
Absolutely. They’re a lovely bite-sized addition to a festive food table alongside other simple make-with-kids snacks.
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Did you make our tomato Santas? Tell us how you got on in the comments below.
Looking for more easy festive kitchen ideas to try with the kids? Browse our other Christmas food and recipe ideas for more inspiration to save for later.
