Save 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.
This recipe brings festive cheer to every party, and my family loves how fun and easy it is to prepare together.
Ingredients
- Crackers: 24 round or square whole wheat crackers
- Cheddar 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
- Prepare 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
Save Every holiday season, this recipe sparks joy at our family gatherings as kids and adults alike enjoy assembling their own belts and buckles
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
Per serving (1 cracker with dip): 70 calories, 5 g total fat, 5 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein
Save Santas Belt Crackers are a simple yet festive appetizer that brings holiday cheer in every bite
Recipe Q&A Section
- → What cheese works best for the crackers?
Sharp cheddar cheese provides a rich, tangy flavor that melts nicely on the crackers, complementing the dip.
- → Can I use gluten-free crackers?
Yes, gluten-free crackers can be substituted to accommodate dietary needs without affecting flavor.
- → How is the roasted red pepper dip prepared?
The dip combines cream cheese, roasted red peppers, mayonnaise, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt blended until smooth.
- → What is the purpose of black olive strips?
They are placed atop the dip to resemble Santa's belt, adding a decorative and flavorful touch.
- → How long should the cheese crackers be baked?
Bake for 4-5 minutes at 350°F (180°C), just until the cheese melts without bubbling.