Save to Pinterest 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 with great success at our family holiday party, and it quickly became a crowd favorite.
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
- Preheat the 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.
Save to Pinterest This recipe always brings smiles during our holiday celebrations and is especially fun for kids to help decorate.
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)
Save to Pinterest This simple but festive appetizer will add a delicious holiday touch to your gatherings.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of crackers work best?
Whole wheat round or square crackers provide a sturdy base and complement the sharp cheddar flavor well.
- → Can I make the dip ahead of time?
Yes, the roasted red pepper dip can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for enhanced flavors.
- → How do I create the belt decoration?
Use thin black olive strips across the dip to mimic the belt and add small yellow bell pepper or cheddar squares as the buckle.
- → What can I serve these with?
They pair nicely with sparkling apple cider or a light Pinot Noir for festive occasions.
- → Are there dietary alternatives available?
Gluten-free crackers and dairy-free cheese substitutes can be used to suit dietary needs without compromising taste.