Summer Cracker Appetizer Bites

Why We Love This Recipe

• Fun, one-bite appetizer: These gorgeous mini cracker appetizers are fun to assemble, and even more fun to eat! They're the perfect way to kick off any summer gathering.
• Colorful and perfect for summer: With ingredients like peaches, tomatoes, basil, avocado, peppers and more, these cracker appetizers make for a beautiful and seasonally appropriate appetizer spread.
• Quick and easy: Each cracker only has a few (~3) simple components, so these only take a few minutes to assemble. Plus, they can be prepped a few hours ahead of time.
• Vegan and gluten free friendly: These crackers are gluten free and plant-based friendly!

Ingredients

Here are some of the key ingredients you'll need to make these summer cracker appetizers:

Ingredient Notes

• Crackers: The star ingredient! We're using our favorite Bob's Red Mill Oat Crackers, which we have been totally obsessed with ever since they hit the market. They're super crispy and thin, but also sturdy, which makes them perfect for these cracker appetizer bites. All four flavors are absolutely delicious – Classic, Jalapeño, Rosemary and Sesame with flax and poppy seeds! They're also certified gluten free, plant based and made with whole grain oats. We highly recommend stocking up your pantry with several boxes – they go quickly in our house! You can find them in many grocery stores across the country (store locator here), or shop online here.
• Ricotta and cream cheese: We used vegan (nondairy) alternatives for both of these. However, if you are not vegan, feel free to use regular dairy versions.
• Everything bagel seasoning: Nowadays, you can find this pre-made at most grocery stores. If you can't find any, try this recipe from scratch.
• Peaches: Feel free to sub with nectarines, apricots, strawberries, cherries, or any other fruit that pairs well with ricotta.
• Tomatoes: We used multicolored cherry tomatoes, which are best for these cracker appetizer bites since they have to be diced finely. Larger tomatoes contain a lot more seeds and moisture, and won't work as well here.
• Red pepper pesto: This should be easy to find in most grocery stores, next to regular pesto. If you can't find any or would prefer to swap it, regular pesto works great, too! If you're vegan, note that most pestos contain cheese, so look for something specifically marked vegan or dairy free.

How to assemble cracker appetizer bites

Mini Avocado Toast

This one was inspired by one of our favorite breakfast: avocado toast!

For this cracker, we're using the Bob's Red Mill Sesame flavor. Top each cracker with a dollop of hummus, a few small slices of avocado, and a sprinkling of everything bagel seasoning.

Caprese

This one is a summer favorite and always tastes best with local or homegrown ingredients if you're lucky enough to have a garden.

Start with a Bob's Red Mill Rosemary Oat Cracker, then top with a smear of cream cheese (we used vegan), or a thin slice of fresh mozzarella if you're not vegan. Next, top with finely diced cherry tomatoes, some basil, olive oil, salt and pepper.

Red Pepper Pesto

This combo is the spiciest of the bunch!

We started with a Bob's Red Mill Jalapeño Oat Cracker, followed by spicy red pepper pesto, a thin slice of a mini bell pepper and a sprig of dill.

Peach and Ricotta

I think this might be my favorite flavor – it's so summery!

Start with a Bob's Red Mill Original Oat Cracker, then a dollop of ricotta (we used vegan), 2 slices of fresh peach or nectarine, a small sprig of mint and some black pepper.

Expert Tips and FAQs

• Make ahead: You can make these cracker appetizer bites up to 2-3 hours before serving, but any longer than that and the produce with oxidize and the crackers will start to soften from the moisture of the toppings.
• Variations: There are SO many different ways to customize these cracker appetizer bites to your liking. Try playing around with different combinations of spreads, produce, herbs, seasonings, sauces and more!

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