When you see this recipe, you are going to fall in love with the simple and delicious tomato ritz cracker bites. These are an incredible, fresh and flavorful, and fun-to-eat party appetizer. Plus, they take literally just a couple of minutes to put together, which is why it’s such an ideal recipe for summer parties. Or, if you’re planning an outdoor barbecue or a picnic in the park, this will be another great option.
I adore making these when I have those super-sweet tomatoes resting on my kitchen counter. There is something about pairing the buttery, flaky crackers with the rich creamy cheese and ripe tomato that creates magic. And, let me tell you, no matter where I bring these, they never stay on the table long enough for everyone to enjoy them. Guests grab them by the handful because they taste like a work of art!
And, the best part? No special cooking skills are required for assembling these. Simply mix together the creamy spread, stack the crackers, and serve immediately. That’s it; an effortless yet elegant party appetizer that can be made in seconds.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Made with just five easy-to-find store-bought ingredients.
- Has absolutely NO COOKING OR BAKING TIME AT ALL.
- Ideal bite-size for a group at a party.
- Showcases your sweet, fresh summer tomatoes.
- Can be assembled at the LAST SECOND before your guests arrive.
Ingredients You Need
You’ll need only five common grocery items to make these delectable and healthy bites. Because having softened cream cheese ready at room temperature makes combining the spread a breeze.
- Ritz crackers: Provide a solid and crispy foundation for the fresh, juicy toppings that we add.
- Cherry tomatoes: Can cut them in half to layer on top of each individual cracker.
- Softened cream cheese: Rich creamy base holds tomatoes secure in place.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a great savory flavor to your spread.
- Fresh basil: Brings a bright burst of color to your dish.
How to Make It
Here’s how quickly you can assemble these fantastic, bite-sized appetizers for your guests.
Mix the Spread
In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix the two cheeses together vigorously until the blend is smooth and creamy.
Slice the Tomatoes
Clean your cherry tomatoes well and pat them dry with a clean paper towel. Cut each tomato into thin slices with a sharp knife.
Coat the Crackers
Place your ritz crackers flat on a serving platter or large wooden cutting board. Place a small amount of cream cheese mixture in the middle of each cracker.
Add the Tomatoes
Carefully lay one or two tomato slices into the cream cheese mixture on each cracker. This keeps them firmly attached so they don’t fall off when your guests grab them.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle each bite with a tiny bit of fresh basil or some sprinkled black pepper. Quickly serve them while their buttery crackers remain nice and crunchy.
Tips for Success
- Be sure that your cherry tomatoes are totally dry from washing so that you don’t dilute the cheese with excess moisture.
- Let your cream cheese sit out on the counter for at least an hour to make it easier to mix.
- I recommend adding a pinch of garlic powder to the cream cheese mixture if you want a little more savory flavor.
- Assemble these bites just before your guests arrive, to avoid having softening crackers.
- If you want to present this recipe in a more elegant way, use a piping bag to apply the cheese mixture to the crackers.
Storage Instructions
- Store: As soon as you finish making the recipe, enjoy. If you do have leftovers, put them away in the refrigerator; however, keep in mind that the crackers will lose much of their crispness by morning.
- Freeze: Not Recommended. Because the fresh tomatoes and crackers will be very soft when you thaw them.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cheese mixture ahead of time and cut up the tomatoes a day in advance. Store the two components separately in the refrigerator until you assemble the appetizer.
Serving Suggestions
- Place them all on a large wooden cutting board next to some of your favorite cured meats and cheeses.
- You could also offer them as a light start to a big summer BBQ or neighborhood party.
- It would also pair perfectly with a refreshing pitcher of sweet tea or freshly squeezed lemonade for a delicious afternoon snack.
- You could take them on a picnic and store the ingredients in separate coolers to assemble when you’re ready.
Tomato Ritz Cracker Bites
Equipment
- A small bowl
- An appropriately-sized serving plate or cutting board
Ingredients
- 24 Ritz crackers about 1 sleeve
- 1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes
- 4 oz. cream cheese softened to room temp.
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese finely shredded
- 2 tbsp. fresh basil or chives finely chopped
- Optional: A few pinches of black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and the shredded cheddar.
- Wash and completely dry your cherry tomatoes. Cut them into very thin uniform round shapes.
- Put all the ritz crackers on a serving platter or cutting board flat.
- Apply approximately one teaspoon of cream cheese mixture on top of each cracker.
- Press one or two tomato slices gently into the cheese mixture on each cracker.
- Sprinkle a small amount of fresh basil or chopped chives over the top of each bite. Sprinkle a few grains of black pepper over the top of each bite if desired, then serve immediately.
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