Gluten-Free Gourmet Tower (Printable)

Elegant layered gluten-free crispbread tower topped with creamy spreads and fresh vegetables for impressive starters.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Base and Structure

01 - 12 gluten-free crispbread crackers (seed, multigrain, or plain)
02 - 8 slices gluten-free bread, lightly toasted, cut into rounds or rectangles

→ Spreads and Layers

03 - 5.3 oz whipped cream cheese
04 - 3.5 oz hummus
05 - 3.5 oz guacamole

→ Fresh Toppings

06 - 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
07 - 1 medium ripe tomato, thinly sliced
08 - 1 small avocado, sliced
09 - 1/2 cup microgreens or baby arugula
10 - 1/4 cup thinly sliced radish
11 - 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, sliced

→ Garnish

12 - 2 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds
13 - 2 tbsp finely chopped chives
14 - Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
15 - Sea salt, to taste

# How To Make:

01 - Prepare all spreads and fresh toppings as specified. Lightly toast the gluten-free bread and cut into uniform rounds or rectangles that match the size of the crackers.
02 - Arrange all components mise en place to facilitate an efficient layering process.
03 - Place a crispbread cracker as the foundation and spread a thin layer of cream cheese or hummus evenly across its surface.
04 - Layer a slice of toasted gluten-free bread atop the cracker, then spread guacamole and top with cucumber and tomato slices.
05 - Alternate between crackers, bread, and various spreads, adding toppings like avocado, radish, roasted red pepper, and microgreens in successive layers to contrast texture and color.
06 - Construct 3 to 4 layers in total, pressing gently after each to maintain stability. Finish with a cracker or bread slice adorned with cream cheese, microgreens, toasted pumpkin seeds, chives, and a sprinkle of black pepper.
07 - Carefully transfer the assembled tower(s) to serving plates using a wide spatula to preserve structure. Serve immediately to enjoy optimal texture.

# Top Suggestions:

01 -
  • It looks absolutely stunning on the plate, which means your guests will be impressed before they even taste it—and that's half the battle.
  • Everything is prepared cold, so there's zero stress about timing or juggling pans while entertaining.
  • It's naturally gluten-free without feeling like a compromise—the textures are satisfying and the flavors are vibrant and fresh.
  • You can prep all the components ahead of time and assemble towers right before serving, making it the perfect make-ahead entertaining solution.
02 -
  • Wet toppings will make your tower collapse if you use too much. A thinly sliced tomato or cucumber stays crisp; a thickly sliced one becomes a soggy liability. Slice everything thin and pat your tomatoes dry with a paper towel before layering.
  • The order of spreads matters: put the most stable spread (like hummus) touching the crackers, and save the guacamole for where it will be protected by fresh toppings. This discovered through trial and error keeps everything from sliding around.
  • Assemble towers no more than 30 minutes before serving, or the crackers will start to soften and lose their structural integrity.
03 -
  • The offset spatula or butter knife is your secret weapon for spreading those thin layers evenly. A regular knife drags; an offset knife glides and leaves a professional finish.
  • Make your towers on the actual serving plates if possible, rather than on a cutting board and transferring. It eliminates one risky move and keeps everything pristine.
Go Back