These summer cracker appetizer bites are the perfect alternative to crostini, and they're super simple to make! We've included 4 varieties here, including mini avocado toast, peach + ricotta, red pepper pesto and caprese.
This post is sponsored by Bob's Red Mill. All opinions are our own.

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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!
Related Recipes
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📖 Recipe
Summer Cracker Appetizer Bites
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 32 crackers 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These summer cracker appetizer bites are the perfect alternative to crostini, and they're super simple to make! We've included 4 varieties here, including mini avocado toast, peach + ricotta, red pepper pesto and caprese.
Ingredients
Mini Avocado Toast:
- 8 Bob's Red Mill Sesame Oat Crackers
- ¼ cup plain hummus
- ½ of an avocado, diced
- Everything bagel seasoning
Peach + Ricotta:
- 8 Bob's Red Mill Classic Oat Crackers
- ¼ cup ricotta (vegan or regular)
- 1 peach, thinly sliced
- 8 small sprigs of mint
- Black pepper to taste
Red Pepper Pesto:
- 8 Bob's Red Mill Jalapeño Oat Crackers
- ¼ cup red pepper pesto (or regular pesto)
- 8 thin slices of mini bell pepper
- Fresh dill to taste
Caprese:
- 8 Bob's Red Mill Rosemary Oat Crackers
- ¼ cup vegan cream cheese
- ⅓ cup finely diced cherry tomatoes
- Finely chopped basil
- Olive oil, salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Mini Avocado Toast:
- Assemble each cracker with a dollop of hummus, avocado slices and sprinkle with everything seasoning.
Peach + Ricotta:
- Assemble each cracker with a dollop of ricotta, a few slices of peach, a small sprig of mint and black pepper.
Red Pepper Pesto:
- Assemble each cracker with a dollop of pesto, a slice of pepper and a small sprig of dill.
Caprese:
- Assemble each cracker with a dollop of cheese, a few pieces of tomato, basil, and drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
Make ahead: You can make these 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 appetizers to your liking. Try playing around with different combinations of spreads, produce, herbs, seasonings, sauces and more!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7.1 g
- Sodium: 186.4 mg
- Fat: 11.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 4.2 g
- Protein: 4.7 g
JR says
This all looks yummy! What vegan ricotta do you like?
Lexi says
We love Kite Hill!