Pin 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 these crackers at a family Christmas party and they were an instant hit everyone loved the creative presentation and delicious flavors.
Ingredients
- For the Crackers: 24 round or square whole wheat crackers
- Cheddar Cheese: 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
- Roasted Red Peppers: 60 g (1/4 cup) roasted red peppers drained and chopped
- Mayonnaise: 1 tbsp
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 tsp
- Smoked Paprika: 1/4 tsp
- Salt: Pinch of salt
- For Decoration: 24 thin strips of black olives for the belt
- Yellow Bell Pepper or Cheddar: 24 small squares for the buckle
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Arrange 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.
Pin This recipe always brings my family together during the holidays we enjoy making the crackers and sharing stories while preparing the dip.
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 per serving 1 cracker plus dip
Pin These crackers make a festive and delicious addition to any holiday table enjoy the creative presentation and rich flavors.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of crackers work best?
Whole wheat crackers provide a sturdy base and nutty flavor that complements the cheddar and dip well.
- → Can I prepare the dip ahead of time?
Yes, the roasted red pepper dip can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to let flavors meld.
- → How do I create the belt decoration?
Use thin strips of black olives for the belt and small squares of yellow bell pepper or cheddar for the buckle atop the dip.
- → What’s a good baking time for melting the cheese?
Bake crackers with cheese for 4 to 5 minutes at 180°C (350°F), just until the cheese melts without bubbling.
- → Are there easy ingredient substitutions for dietary needs?
Gluten-free crackers and dairy-free cheese alternatives can be used to accommodate dietary restrictions.