Description
Ritz cracker bites bring delightful southern comfort to your appetizer spread, blending creamy cheese with crispy crackers. Packed with nostalgic flavors and simple ingredients, these quick snacks will charm guests at any gathering you host.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 24 RITZ Crackers
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
Topping Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons chocolate hazelnut spread
- 12 strawberries, sliced in half (24 total)
Coating Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) chopped chocolate or almond bark, melted
Instructions
Jalapeño Cheese Version
- Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and heat the oven to 350°F.
- Blend cream cheese and shredded cheese mixture until thoroughly incorporated.
- Generously spread the cheese mixture across each crisp cracker, ensuring even coverage.
- Transfer crackers to the preheated oven and bake for a precise 5 minutes.
- Carefully place a single jalapeño slice atop each warm, cheesy cracker.
- Serve immediately while still warm and crisp.
Corn and Tomato Version
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Combine cream cheese and finely chopped cilantro until well mixed.
- Spread the herbaceous cream cheese evenly across each cracker.
- Bake the prepared crackers for exactly 5 minutes.
- Gently mix fresh corn kernels and diced tomatoes.
- Crown each baked cracker with the vibrant corn-tomato blend.
- Optionally garnish with additional fresh cilantro leaves.
Strawberry Sweet Version
- Smoothly spread cream cheese across each crisp cracker surface.
- Top with luscious strawberry pie filling.
- Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy immediately.
Chocolate Strawberry Version
- Carefully pat strawberry halves dry using a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Immerse each strawberry half into melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.
- Place chocolate-coated strawberries on wax paper to solidify completely.
- Whip cream cheese and chocolate hazelnut spread until silky smooth.
- Distribute the decadent mixture across each cracker with precision.
- Crown each cracker with a glossy chocolate-dipped strawberry half.
- Serve chilled for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Customize cheese options by using low-fat or dairy-free alternatives for health-conscious eaters.
- Experiment with different pepper varieties like mini bell peppers or roasted red peppers for milder heat profiles.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and reduce last-minute stress.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain cracker crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 182
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg