Creepy Crawly Ants on a Log Charcuterie Board Recipe

I love stumbling across snacks that both kids and adults actually want to eat, especially when they’re as playful as they are tasty.

Ants on a Log is a classic, but turning it into a charcuterie board just makes the whole thing feel way more fun.

This Creepy Crawly Ants on a Log Charcuterie Board is super simple to put together and somehow turns basic veggies into something you actually want to snack on.

Every time I set out this board, I notice people gravitate toward the celery “logs” with creamy spreads and sweet little “ants.” Kids laugh, and even the picky eaters usually give it a try.

Honestly, it’s a sneaky way to get everyone to eat more veggies, and it feels kind of special, too.

Why I Love Them

I keep making these ants on a log snacks because they’re fast and only need a handful of ingredients. Throwing it all together takes barely any time.

It’s just fun seeing everyone crunch on celery with peanut butter and raisins. The flavors work really well together, and kids get a kick out of the “ants” lined up on top.

They always make my charcuterie board look bright and cute. They’re the first thing that catches your eye—maybe it’s the nostalgia?

• Easy to make, no stove or oven needed
• Healthy—veggies, fruit, a little protein
• Fun for all ages, no kidding

I like switching up the spreads or toppings, too. Almond butter or chocolate chips are fun if you want to mix things up.

Equipment

For my Creepy Crawly Ants on a Log Charcuterie Board, I just use basic kitchen stuff. Nothing fancy—you probably already have it all.

Here’s what I usually grab:

• Cutting board: For prepping celery and any extras
• Sharp knife: To slice the celery and whatever else
• Butter knife or spreader: For slathering on peanut butter or cream cheese
• Measuring spoons: To scoop out peanut butter or toppings
• Small bowls: For holding raisins, chocolate chips, etc.

I use a tray or a big serving board to lay everything out. Makes it look organized (or at least, as organized as snacks get).

Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll use little tongs or just toothpicks to serve the logs without making a mess.

Ingredients

Here’s what I grab for my Creepy Crawly Ants on a Log Charcuterie Board:

• 5 large celery stalks
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup honey
• 20 red grapes, halved
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup pretzel sticks

I like using both peanut butter and cream cheese—more options, more fun. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add honey for a sticky-sweet finish.

Got peanut allergies in the house? Just swap in more cream cheese or use a seed butter instead.

The toppings are where it gets playful. Pick whatever you’ve got handy or whatever sounds good that day.

Instructions

First things first: wash and cut 4 celery stalks into pieces, about 4 inches each. I lay them out on a big board to start.

Next, I grab a butter knife and spread 1-2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter into each celery groove. I try to get it all the way to the ends.

Then, I sprinkle on dried cranberries, raisins, or mini chocolate chips. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just space them out so it looks like “ants” crawling along.

Here’s how I set up my board (roughly):

If I want to fill the board out, I’ll toss in pretzel sticks, apple slices, or crackers around the logs. Just for extra munching.

I use a small spoon or sometimes just my hands to add toppings—whatever’s easiest. If I’m in a creative mood, I’ll cut fruit into shapes with cookie cutters for the edges.

Creepy Crawly Ants on a Log Charcuterie Board

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A fun, nostalgic party snack that doubles as a healthy and playful charcuterie board centerpiece. Crunchy celery sticks filled with creamy peanut butter or cream cheese and topped with “ants” like raisins, cranberries, or chocolate chips. Great for kids and adults alike!

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Serving Size 6 People

Equipment

• cutting board
• sharp knife
• Butter knife or spreader
• Measuring spoons
• Small bowls
• Serving board or tray

Ingredients

• 5 large celery stalks
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup cream cheese softened
• 1/4 cup honey
• 20 red grapes halved
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup pretzel sticks

Instructions

• Wash and trim 5 large celery stalks. Cut each into 4-inch pieces.
• Arrange the celery pieces on a large serving board or tray.
• Use a butter knife to spread about 1–2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter or softened cream cheese into the groove of each celery stick.
• Drizzle honey over the filled celery if desired.
• Decorate the tops with raisins, dried cranberries, mini chocolate chips, or halved grapes to resemble “ants.”
• Press toppings gently into the spread so they stay in place.
• Arrange pretzel sticks and additional snacks (like apple slices or crackers) around the celery logs to complete your charcuterie board.
• Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

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Substitute

Not gonna lie, sometimes I don’t have everything in the fridge. If I’m out of celery, cucumber spears or even carrot sticks work fine. Still crunchy, still tasty.

For nut-free friends, I swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or just stick with cream cheese. No one complains.

As for the “ants,” I’ll use chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even pumpkin seeds instead of raisins if that’s what I’ve got. Keeps things interesting.

Here’s a quick swap table, just in case:

Trying new combos is half the fun. I like seeing what works best each time—sometimes the weirdest mix turns out to be everyone’s favorite.

What Can Go Wrong?

Sometimes my logs end up too soggy. Other times, they’re just way too dry.

If I go overboard with peanut butter or cream cheese, things get messy fast. The logs can turn into a slippery disaster that’s tough to pick up.

If I don’t really press the raisins or chocolate chips into the topping, they just slide right off. Suddenly, the “ants” are scattered all over the board instead of sitting on the logs where they belong.

There are a few other hiccups I’ve had along the way:

• Allergies: Some guests can’t have peanuts or dairy, so I always check before serving.
• Logs rolling: If I slice my celery unevenly, the logs won’t sit flat and can roll off the board.
• Taste mix-ups: If I use flavored nut butters or cream cheese, it can change the whole taste—sometimes not in a good way.