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 love making these for holiday gatherings because they always disappear fast and bring smiles.
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).
- 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.
- Add dip:
- 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 with lots of laughs and compliments.
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 + dip)
Pin This festive appetizer is easy to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any holiday party.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of cheese is best for the crackers?
Sharp cheddar slices work well as they melt nicely while maintaining flavor, complementing the roasted red pepper dip.
- → Can I use gluten-free crackers for this dish?
Yes, gluten-free crackers can be substituted to accommodate dietary needs without compromising taste.
- → How do I make the roasted red pepper dip?
Blend cream cheese, roasted red peppers, mayonnaise, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt until smooth for a creamy, flavorful dip.
- → What is the best way to create the belt decoration?
Lay thin strips of black olives across the dip to imitate a belt, then place small yellow pepper or cheddar squares as the buckle.
- → Can the dip be made spicier?
Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dip provides a nice spicy kick without overpowering the original flavors.