Pin It 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.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes Cooking Time: 12 minutes Total Time: 37 minutes
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 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.
- Prepare 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 It 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
Pin It These Santas Belt Crackers & Dip make a festive addition to any holiday gathering with minimal effort.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make these crackers gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the whole wheat crackers with gluten-free versions to accommodate dietary needs without compromising the dish's taste.
- → What can I use instead of cream cheese in the dip?
Dairy-free cream cheese alternatives work well to maintain the creamy texture of the roasted red pepper dip.
- → How long should the crackers bake?
Bake the cheese-topped crackers for about 4 to 5 minutes until the cheese is just melted but not bubbling, ensuring a perfect melt.
- → Can the dip be made ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the roasted red pepper dip in advance and refrigerate. Bring it to room temperature before spreading on crackers for best flavor.
- → What spices add flavor to the dip?
Garlic powder and smoked paprika enhance the dip’s taste, while a pinch of salt balances the flavors perfectly.
- → What beverages pair well with this dish?
Sparking apple cider or a light Pinot Noir complement the savory crackers and creamy dip beautifully for festive occasions.