Save Festive, colorful crackers topped with creamy spreads, fresh vegetables, and savory garnishes perfect for holiday gatherings and parties.
This recipe is a hit at every holiday party I host, bringing color and flavor that everyone enjoys.
Ingredients
- Crackers: 24 round or ornament-shaped crackers (store-bought or homemade)
- Creamy Base: 120 g (4 oz) cream cheese, softened, 2 tbsp sour cream, 1 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped, Salt and pepper to taste
- Toppings & Decorations: 1 small red bell pepper finely diced, 1 small yellow bell pepper finely diced, 1 small cucumber thinly sliced or cut into shapes, 2 radishes thinly sliced, 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds, 2 tbsp fresh dill sprigs, 2 tbsp chives cut into small pieces, Edible gold or silver sprinkles (optional for extra festivity)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, chopped chives, salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2:
- Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each cracker.
- Step 3:
- Using bell peppers, cucumber, radish, pomegranate seeds, dill, and chives, arrange colorful toppings on each cracker to resemble holiday ornaments. Get creative use strips of chive or dill as hooks and bell pepper pieces or pomegranate seeds for baubles.
- Step 4:
- If desired, sprinkle lightly with edible gold or silver decorations for a festive touch.
- Step 5:
- Arrange the decorated crackers on a serving platter and serve immediately. For best texture, assemble shortly before serving.
Save My family loves assembling these crackers together, making holiday prep both fun and tasty.
Notes
You can add smoked salmon or thinly sliced ham for a non-vegetarian version and customize ingredients as preferred.
Required Tools
Small mixing bowl, spoon or small spatula, knife and small cutting board.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese, sour cream) and gluten (crackers; choose gluten-free if needed). Double-check labels for potential allergens.
Save This appetizer is a festive crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and customize for any occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of crackers work best for the toppings?
Round or ornament-shaped crackers with a sturdy texture hold the creamy spread and toppings well without becoming soggy.
- → Can I substitute the cream cheese base with other spreads?
Yes, you can try flavored cream cheese varieties or mix in other soft cheeses like ricotta or mascarpone for a different taste.
- → How to make the toppings visually festive?
Arrange diced vegetables and herbs in colorful patterns to mimic holiday ornaments, using chive or dill sprigs as hooks and pomegranate seeds as baubles.
- → Are there suggestions to make this suitable for non-vegetarians?
Add thinly sliced smoked salmon, ham, or other preferred meats as additional toppings to enhance flavor and variety.
- → How far ahead can these be prepared before serving?
It's best to assemble the crackers shortly before serving to maintain freshness and crispness of the toppings and crackers.
- → Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply choose gluten-free crackers to accommodate dietary restrictions while keeping the same toppings.