Delightful Cucumber with Ham Mousse: Your Perfect Light & Flavorful Party Appetizer
A truly delightful and surprisingly light yet incredibly flavorful bite, this elegant cucumber with ham mousse is an absolute game-changer for any social gathering. It’s not just a snack; it’s an experience, perfectly portioned and bursting with fresh, savory notes. Ideal to serve at a party, it offers a sophisticated touch without the fuss.
As January rolls around, many of us find ourselves reflecting on our eating habits and striving for healthier choices. After the indulgence and festive feasts of December, there’s often a collective desire to lighten things up, embrace nutritious foods, and perhaps shed a few pounds. For me, January is undeniably the month of healthy eating. We aim to return to good eating habits, focusing on lighter, fresher meals and snacks that nourish our bodies without sacrificing taste.
However, healthy eating doesn’t mean forsaking all social occasions or serving bland food at your own parties. On the contrary, hosting a gathering can still be a wonderful opportunity to share delicious food that aligns with your wellness goals. While a simple slice of cucumber, a celery stalk, or a small piece of carrot can be perfectly tasty, sometimes you crave something with a bit more zest, a touch of elegance, and a richer flavor profile that still feels light and wholesome. That’s where this incredible cucumber with ham mousse recipe shines.
These elegant cucumber slices, generously stuffed with a creamy and savory ham mousse, are precisely what you need. They are wonderfully light, yet packed with an amazing depth of flavor that will impress your guests. What’s more, they are incredibly quick and easy to make, making them the ideal last-minute appetizer for unexpected visitors or a planned get-together. Despite their simplicity, they deliver a satisfying taste sensation that feels gourmet.
Why Cucumber with Ham Mousse is Your Next Favorite Appetizer
The beauty of this cucumber with ham mousse lies in its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The crisp, cool cucumber provides a refreshing contrast to the smooth, rich, and savory ham mousse. This combination creates an appetizer that is both satisfying and incredibly easy on the palate. It’s a fantastic alternative to heavier, fried, or carb-loaded snacks often found at parties, offering a guilt-free indulgence.
The Refreshing Power of Cucumber
Cucumbers are a fantastic base for appetizers due to their high water content, making them incredibly hydrating and low in calories. They offer a subtle, fresh flavor that pairs well with a variety of fillings. Beyond their refreshing taste, cucumbers are packed with vitamins K and C, as well as several B vitamins, and important minerals like copper, manganese, and potassium. They also contain unique antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to overall well-being. Using fresh, firm cucumbers is key to achieving that satisfying crunch that makes this appetizer truly stand out.
The Savory Delight of Ham Mousse
The ham mousse is the star of this dish, providing a creamy, savory, and flavorful filling. Made with cream cheese and finely processed ham, it offers a wonderful texture and a burst of umami. The richness of the cream cheese complements the salty notes of the ham, creating a harmonious blend that is both comforting and exciting. Adding fresh herbs like chives elevates the flavor profile, giving the mousse a vibrant, garden-fresh dimension.
Perfect for Any Occasion, Especially Parties
Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated dinner party, a casual get-together, or simply looking for a light snack to enjoy at home, cucumber with ham mousse fits the bill perfectly. Its elegant presentation makes it a showstopper on any appetizer platter, and its bite-sized nature means guests can easily grab and enjoy them without much fuss. For those focusing on healthy eating, it’s a brilliant option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or style. It’s also incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit various dietary preferences or available ingredients.
Recipe: Cucumber with Ham Mousse
Did you make this delightful cucumber with ham mousse? I’d love to see your creations! Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram or Twitter. It brings me so much joy when you try one of my recipes, and I always look forward to discovering your culinary adventures. You can also share your recipes on my Facebook channel or pin this recipe on Pinterest so it’s easy to find next time you’re looking for a quick and tasty appetizer. See you soon!
📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Mandoline or cheese slicer
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Food processor with knife (or blender)
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Piping bag (optional, but recommended for neatness)
Ingredients
- 100 grams cream cheese (softened)
- 100 grams ham (good quality, thinly sliced or diced)
- 1 cucumber, washed and ends trimmed
- 1 teaspoon fresh chives , finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 6 dried cranberries , for topping (optional)
- Pinch of black pepper (to taste)
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
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Begin by preparing your ham mousse. Add the softened cream cheese and the ham into the bowl of a food processor or a high-speed blender. Process until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no large chunks of ham left. Season with a pinch of black pepper and the chopped chives, then pulse briefly to combine.
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Next, prepare the cucumber. Wash the cucumber thoroughly and trim off both ends. For thin, uniform slices, use a mandoline slicer or a very sharp cheese slicer. Slice the cucumber vertically along its length to create long, thin ribbons. This method provides an elegant shape for rolling.
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Carefully transfer the prepared ham mousse into a piping bag. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a small spoon, though a piping bag offers a much neater presentation. Pipe two thin lines of ham mousse along the length of each cucumber slice, leaving a small margin at the edges.
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Gently roll each cucumber slice from one end to the other, forming a neat, round spiral or roll. The mousse will be encased within the cucumber. Place them seam-side down on your serving platter to help them hold their shape.
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For the final touch, sprinkle a little extra fresh chives over the top of the ham mousse in each rolled cucumber. If desired, carefully place a dried cranberry on top of each roll for a pop of color and a hint of sweet-tart flavor. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Nutrition
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Pro Tips for the Best Cucumber with Ham Mousse
- Cucumber Quality: Choose firm, unwaxed cucumbers for the best flavor and texture. English cucumbers are often preferred for their thinner skin and fewer seeds.
- Slicing Consistency: A mandoline slicer is highly recommended for achieving uniform, thin slices. This not only makes the rolls look more professional but also ensures they are easy to roll and eat. If you don’t have one, a very sharp vegetable peeler can also work, or a steady hand with a chef’s knife.
- Mousse Texture: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before blending. This helps achieve a perfectly smooth and lump-free mousse. For an even lighter mousse, you can whip the cream cheese briefly before adding the ham.
- Flavor Boosters: Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional seasonings in your ham mousse. A tiny pinch of garlic powder, a dash of Dijon mustard, or a hint of lemon zest can add extra layers of flavor.
- Piping Bag Technique: Using a piping bag with a star tip (or just a cut corner) makes filling the cucumber slices much easier and creates a beautiful presentation. If you don’t have one, a small resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off works just as well.
Variations and Customizations
This cucumber with ham mousse recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to get creative with the filling and garnishes to suit your taste or dietary needs:
- Other Proteins: Instead of ham, consider using smoked salmon, cooked chicken breast (finely shredded or minced), or even a high-quality pâté for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese Swaps: While cream cheese provides the classic creamy base, you could try mixing in a little goat cheese for a tangy twist, or even a smoked cheddar spread for a bolder flavor.
- Herb Garden: Beyond chives, fresh dill, parsley, or a touch of tarragon can wonderfully complement the ham and cucumber.
- Spice It Up: A tiny dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika can add a subtle kick and warmth to the mousse.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the ham entirely. Instead, blend the cream cheese with sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or finely chopped olives. A creamy avocado mousse would also be a fantastic choice.
- Different Garnishes: While dried cranberries add a lovely sweet-tart note, you could also use a small sprig of fresh dill, a tiny piece of red bell pepper, black olive slices, or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds for texture.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful cucumber rolls with ham mousse are best served chilled. Arrange them beautifully on a platter, perhaps with a scattering of fresh herbs or a few extra dried cranberries for visual appeal. They pair wonderfully with other light appetizers like bruschetta, mini caprese skewers, or a fresh fruit platter. For beverages, consider a crisp white wine, sparkling water with lemon, or a light non-alcoholic spritzer.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best features of this appetizer is that it can be prepared in advance, making party planning a breeze!
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the ham mousse up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cucumber slices can also be prepared a few hours ahead; store them between layers of damp paper towels in a sealed container in the fridge to keep them crisp.
- Assembly: For best results, assemble the cucumber rolls no more than 2-3 hours before serving to ensure the cucumbers remain fresh and crisp. If you assemble them too far in advance, the cucumber might release water and make the rolls soggy.
- Storage: Leftovers (if there are any!) should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumber might soften slightly, but they will still be delicious.
Conclusion: Your Go-To Healthy and Tasty Appetizer
The Cucumber with Ham Mousse is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to how healthy eating can be both delicious and incredibly easy. It’s a fresh, vibrant appetizer that brings a touch of sophistication to any table, proving that you don’t need heavy, complex dishes to satisfy a crowd. With its simple ingredients, quick preparation time, and elegant presentation, it’s destined to become a staple in your collection of party-perfect snacks. So, next time you’re looking for a light, flavorful, and easy appetizer that truly impresses, look no further than these delightful cucumber and ham mousse rolls. Enjoy!