Save Festive and fun, these savory cheese crackers are topped with a creamy roasted red pepper dip and decorated to resemble Santas iconic belt—perfect for holiday gatherings.
I first served this...
Ingredients
- For the Crackers: 24 round or square whole wheat crackers 120 g (4 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, sliced into 24 small squares
- For the Roasted Red Pepper Dip: 120 g (4 oz) cream cheese, softened 60 g (1/4 cup) roasted red peppers, drained and chopped 1 tbsp mayonnaise 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp smoked paprika Pinch of salt
- For Decoration: 24 thin strips of black olives (for the belt) 24 small squares of yellow bell pepper or cheddar (for the buckle)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Step 2:
- Arrange crackers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each cracker.
- Step 3:
- Bake for 4-5 minutes, just until cheese is melted but not bubbling. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Step 4:
- In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, roasted red peppers, mayonnaise, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Blend until smooth.
- Step 5:
- Spoon or pipe a dollop of dip onto the center of each cheese-topped cracker.
- Step 6:
- Lay a black olive strip across the dip to form a belt. Place a small yellow pepper or cheddar square in the center as the buckle.
- Step 7:
- Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.
Save Pairs nicely with sparkling apple cider or a light Pinot Noir.
Required Tools
Baking sheet Parchment paper Mixing bowl Spoon or piping bag Small knife
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise), wheat (crackers), and eggs (mayonnaise, if not egg-free) Check all ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 70 Total Fat: 5 g Carbohydrates: 5 g Protein: 2 g
Save This festive appetizer brings holiday cheer with every bite.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use gluten-free crackers for this dish?
Yes, gluten-free crackers can be used as a substitute without affecting the overall taste or presentation.
- → What variations can I make to the dip?
The dip can be spiced up with a pinch of cayenne or swapped with other roasted vegetables for a different flavor profile.
- → How should the crackers be baked?
Bake the cheddar-topped crackers at 180°C (350°F) for 4-5 minutes until the cheese just melts, avoiding browning or bubbling.
- → Are there any suitable beverage pairings?
These crackers pair nicely with sparkling apple cider or a light Pinot Noir to complement their savory flavors.
- → What is the best way to decorate the crackers?
Use thin strips of black olives to form the belt across the dip and small yellow pepper or cheddar squares for the buckle for a festive look.