Up Up Away Hot Air Snacks

Featured in: Everyday Bites

These charming snacks bring a playful twist to gatherings, combining colorful cherry tomatoes, grapes, cheddar, mozzarella, and pretzels. Threaded creatively on sticks, they mimic hot air balloons, adding fun and freshness to any occasion. Easy to assemble with minimal prep time, they suit picnics, parties, or casual snacking. Optional herbs add a touch of greenery, while variations include sweeter or crunchier alternatives. Keep chilled for up to two hours before serving for ideal texture and taste.

Updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 10:25:00 GMT
Up, Up, & Away Hot Air Balloon Snacks, colorful fruit and cheese creations held aloft by pretzel sticks. Save
Up, Up, & Away Hot Air Balloon Snacks, colorful fruit and cheese creations held aloft by pretzel sticks. | fryflick.com

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

This recipe brings joy to every gathering with its playful presentation and delicious 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

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.
Vibrant Up, Up, & Away Hot Air Balloon Snacks artfully arranged on a platter, ready for a kid's party. Save
Vibrant Up, Up, & Away Hot Air Balloon Snacks artfully arranged on a platter, ready for a kid's party. | fryflick.com

This recipe always brings smiles and laughter when my kids help assemble their own balloon snacks.

Notes

Serve with a side of ranch dip or yogurt dip for extra flavor.

Allergen Information

Contains dairy and wheat (cheese, crackers). Contains gluten (pretzel sticks, crackers). Check labels for potential nut traces in crackers and cheese if allergies are a concern.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 95. Total Fat: 4 g. Carbohydrates: 11 g. Protein: 4 g per snack.

Easy-to-make Up, Up, & Away Hot Air Balloon Snacks, with red grapes and cheese, a fun, healthy treat. Save
Easy-to-make Up, Up, & Away Hot Air Balloon Snacks, with red grapes and cheese, a fun, healthy treat. | fryflick.com

Perfect as a festive snack, these balloon bites add charm and flavor to any occasion.

Recipe Guide

How can I keep the snacks fresh before serving?

Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to two hours to maintain freshness and texture.

Can I customize the flavors or ingredients?

Yes, swap cheese for marshmallows for sweetness or add cucumber and bell pepper slices for extra crunch and color.

What is the best way to assemble these snacks?

Alternate colorful fruits and cheese cubes on pretzel sticks to mimic the vibrant hot air balloon effect before securing them on mini crackers.

Are there any common allergens in these snacks?

They contain dairy and gluten from cheese, crackers, and pretzel sticks. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.

What dips pair well with these snacks?

Ranch or yogurt dips complement the flavors well and add an extra layer of creaminess.

Can fresh herbs be used in this snack?

Yes, garnish with parsley or basil leaves for added freshness and a decorative touch.

Up Up Away Hot Air Snacks

Kid-friendly colorful snacks using cherry tomatoes, grapes, cheese, and pretzels, perfect for parties or playdates.

Prep duration
20 min
0
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Olivia Parker


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Dietary guidelines Meat-free

Components

Fresh Produce

01 1 pint assorted-color cherry tomatoes
02 1 cup seedless grapes (red, green, or mixed)
03 1 cup cubed cheddar cheese
04 1 cup mini mozzarella balls

Deli & Bakery

01 8 pretzel sticks
02 8 mini round crackers

Pantry & Miscellaneous

01 2 tablespoons hummus or cream cheese (for adhesive)
02 Fresh parsley or basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Method

Phase 01

Prepare fresh produce: Wash and thoroughly dry all cherry tomatoes and grapes.

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Apply adhesive to crackers: Spread a small dollop of hummus or cream cheese onto the center of each mini round cracker.

Phase 04

Attach skewers to crackers: Press the bottom end of each topped pretzel stick firmly into the adhesive on each cracker to secure the assembly.

Phase 05

Garnish presentation: Place parsley or basil leaves around the base of each assembled snack to create a leafy visual effect, if desired.

Phase 06

Serve or store: Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours prior to serving for optimal freshness.

Tools needed

  • Small knife
  • Toothpicks or skewers (optional for added stability)
  • Serving platter

Allergy details

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy and wheat (cheese, crackers).
  • Contains gluten (pretzel sticks, crackers).
  • Check product labels for potential nut traces if allergies apply.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 95
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Proteins: 4 g