Tomato Cream Cheese Cracker Bites

Equipment

• Small mixing bowl
• Rubber spatula or spoon
• Small offset spatula or butter knife
• Sharp chef’s knife or serrated tomato knife
• Cutting board

Ingredients

• 24 whole-grain or butter crackers (e.g., Ritz, Wheat Thins, or seeded artisan crackers)
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese , softened to room temperature
• 1 tbsp fresh chives or dill , finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes , thinly sliced into rounds
• 12 fresh basil leaves , torn or chiffonade-sliced
• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze (thickened balsamic reduction)
• 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil (optional, for finish)

Instructions

Step 1: Whip the Herb Cream Cheese

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, finely chopped chives (or dill), garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir vigorously with a spatula for 1–2 minutes until smooth, creamy, and evenly seasoned.
2. Pro Tip: If your cream cheese is too cold to mix easily, microwave it in 10-second intervals until soft but not liquid.

Step 2: Prepare the Tomatoes

1. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the cherry or grape tomatoes into thin rounds. Gently pat the tomato slices with a paper towel to remove excess seed moisture; this prevents the crackers from becoming soggy quickly.

Step 3: Assemble the Bites

1. Arranging your crackers in a single layer on a clean cutting board or serving platter:
2. Spread about 1 teaspoon of the seasoned cream cheese onto each cracker.
3. Layer 1 to 2 tomato slices directly on top of the cream cheese, pressing down gently so they stick.
4. Sprinkle the torn fresh basil leaves across all topped crackers.

Step 4: Drizzle & Serve

1. Lightly drizzle the balsamic glaze across the assembled bites right before serving. For an added touch of richness, finish with a light drop of extra-virgin olive oil and a pinch of coarse sea salt.

Nutrition

Calories: 185 kcal · Protein: 4g · Fat: 13g Saturated Fat: 7g · Carbohydrates: 13g Dietary · Saturated Fat: 7g Trans · Fiber: 1g · Sugar: 3g · Sodium: 280mg