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 love serving these at Christmas parties because they always get compliments and disappear quickly.
Ingredients
- Crackers: 24 round or square whole wheat crackers
- Cheese: 120 g (4 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, sliced into 24 small squares
- 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
- Decoration: 24 thin strips of black olives for the belt, 24 small squares of yellow bell pepper or cheddar for the buckle
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Prepare Crackers:
- Arrange crackers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each cracker.
- Bake:
- Bake for 4-5 minutes, just until cheese is melted but not bubbling. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Make Dip:
- In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, roasted red peppers, mayonnaise, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Blend until smooth.
- Assemble:
- Spoon or pipe a dollop of dip onto the center of each cheese-topped cracker.
- Decorate:
- 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.
- Serve:
- Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.
Save This recipe always brings back warm memories of family gatherings and holiday joy.
Serving Suggestions
Pairs nicely with sparkling apple cider or a light Pinot Noir to complement the creamy and savory flavors.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise), wheat (crackers), and eggs (mayonnaise if not egg-free). Check all ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutrition
Per serving (1 cracker and dip): 70 calories, 5 g fat, 5 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein.
Save These crackers offer a festive and tasty treat that will impress your guests every time.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve the perfect melted cheese on these crackers?
Bake the crackers just until the cheese is lightly melted but not bubbling—about 4 to 5 minutes at 180°C (350°F) ensures a gooey texture without overcooking.
- → Can I substitute the dip ingredients for dietary restrictions?
Yes, cream cheese can be replaced with dairy-free alternatives, and mayonnaise with egg-free versions to suit different dietary needs without compromising flavor.
- → What is the best way to decorate the crackers like Santa's belt?
Use thin strips of black olives to form the belt across the dip and top with small squares of yellow bell pepper or cheddar to mimic the buckle for festive appeal.
- → How should I prepare the roasted red pepper dip for best texture?
Drain and chop roasted red peppers well, then blend with softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and spices until smooth and creamy for easy spreading or piping onto crackers.
- → What pairings complement these cheese crackers?
These savory bites pair nicely with sparkling apple cider or a light Pinot Noir, balancing the rich cheese and smoky dip flavors.