Ants on a Log Kids Veggie Platter

I’m sure you know the classic Ants on a Log from your childhood. Traditionally, it is made by spreading peanut butter into celery sticks, then sticking raisins in the peanut butter. The piece of celery becomes the log with a line of raisin ants marching down it.

People began putting fillings in celery in the early 1900s, with peanut butter rising in popularity in the 1960s. However, it’s not clear where this specific combination originated – some actually attribute it to the Girl Scouts.

In recent years, there has been a rise in gourmet ants on a log with non-traditional fillings. So I took this modern take on an old-school snack, combined it with the charcuterie board trend, and came up with a snack platter that makes fruit and veggies fun to eat!

Ants on a Log Snack Platter – Makes Snacking Fun!

Here’s why you and your kids will love this cheese board twist…

• A build-your-own snack. Combine a simple veggie platter and an old-school snack into one fun platter. The kids will happily munch on their fruits and veggies when they can create their own combinations.
• Perfect any time. Set it out at a party or picnic, after a day at the pool, or as an after-school snack.
• Easy to customize. Depending on your choice of toppings, you can make your platter gluten free, dairy free, even peanut and nut free. You can even turn this snack platter into a meal with more hearty fillings like hummus or chicken salad. 

What to Add to Your Snack Platter

Fresh fruit and veggies

• Celery. Trim off the top and bottom, then cut into 3-4-inch logs.
• Carrots. Peeled and cut into planks.
• Cucumbers. Slice into thick rounds or planks.
• Apples or pears. Cut into slices, peeled if you prefer.

Spreads

• Peanut butter. The most classic filling, but you can also use almond butter, and other nut butters.
• Sunflower seed butter. An option for those with nut allergies.
• Cream cheese. Stick with plain or try a flavored one like Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese or a sweet Cheesecake Dip.
• Hummus. You can even try non-traditional versions like Sweet Potato Hummus and White Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip
• Tuna salad or chicken salad. This allows you to turn your snack platter into a light lunch.

Toppings

• Dried fruit. Raisins are traditional, but dried cranberries, chopped apricots or dates, etc. are also great additions.
• Nuts and seeds. Pretty much any kind will work to add some crunch.
• Granola or museli. Make your own or buy it from the store.
• Mini chocolate chips.
• Roasted chickpeas.

How to Assemble an Ants on a Log Snack Platter

• Preparations. Get a large cutting board or serving platter. Gather the vegetables, fruit, spreads, and toppings that you plan to add to your snack board.
• Cut fruit and veggies. Celery should be cut into logs, and all remaining fruit and vegetables into thick slices or planks that are large enough to hold toppings. Arrange them decoratively on the platter.
• Add the spreads. Fill small bowls with spreads and add small spoons or mini spreading knives. Place the bowls around the fruit and vegetable slices.
• Fill in with toppings. Make small piles of toppings to fill in any gaps on the board so that it looks nice and full.
• Serve and enjoy. Set the snack platter out on a table and let everyone make their own custom ants on a log combos.

Special Diet Tips

• Gluten free – if you add granola to the platter, just me sure it is gluten free or if you’ve made it yourself you used certified gluten free oats.
• Nut free – use sunflower seed butter and stick to dried fruit, nut-free granola, pumpkin seeds, and roasted chickpeas for toppings.
• Dairy free or vegan – just stick to nut butters and skip the cream cheese or use a vegan cream cheese.
• Low carb – use celery and mini bell peppers, and replace the dried fruit with some fresh blueberries, raspberries, or chopped strawberries.

More Kids Snacks

• Easy Peanut Butter Banana Snacks
• Pistachio Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates
• Chocolate Energy Balls