The Best Cracker Toppings for Next-Level Entertaining

If you already love pairing fruit and cheese on a charcuterie spread, then this cheese and crackers combo is a no-brainer. Top your favorite kind of cracker with aged cheddar cheese and sliced fresh apples or pears for an easy, unbeatable afternoon snack.

Spice up snack time (literally) by serving crackers topped with fiery homemade pepper jelly. You can take the edge off the heat by adding a smear of spreadable cheese, such as cream cheese or goat cheese. If serrano sounds too hot for your cracker appetizer, opt for our classic jalapeño jelly recipe or a purchased version.

Buy It: Red Pepper Jelly ($8, Stonewall Kitchen)

Get a taste of brunch any time of day by snacking on crème fraîche, cucumber, smoked salmon, fresh dill, and cracked black pepper on top of crackers. Plain yogurt can also stand in for crème fraîche if desired. To make each cracker topping taste even more like a bagel, try switching up your cracker toppings with cream cheese to mimic bagels and lox. Just replace the crème fraîche with a spoonful of cream cheese—whether you include the cucumber or not is up to you.

A few fresh ingredients are all it takes to transform plain crackers and cheese into a bite-size caprese salad. Start with a piece of fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, and cherry tomatoes, then sprinkle with sea salt flakes. Drizzle on a little balsamic if you'd like. Serving with just cheese, basil, and tomatoes can make a great snack, but adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze gives it an extra kick as a party appetizer.

Buy It: Di Nigris Balsamic Glaze ($5, Walmart)

There's a reason we call these cracker toppings "kid-friendly." Stack crackers with peanut butter and banana slices just like their favorite brown-bag sandwich. We take this cracker snack recipe one step further—into dessert territory—by substituting a chocolate-hazelnut spread for peanut butter. Even adults won't be able to resist.

Want a snack that transports your taste buds across the globe? Look no further than this Mediterranean-inspired cracker topping. Load up your crackers with cream cheese, green olive tapenade, and sliced green olives, then close your eyes and imagine you're on vacation as you take your first bite.

Need your cheese and crackers to be dressed to impress? This satisfying combination of mustard, Gruyère, roast beef, and cracked pepper was made for sharing with guests. Serve this cracker spread at your next dinner party, or treat yourself to an extra-special afternoon snack when you need a pick-me-up.

Related: Easy Hot Dip Recipes That Are a Must for Your Next Get-Together

Translate your favorite pasta dish into a delicious anytime snack. Ricotta, basil pesto, and Parmesan shards lend delicious Italian flavor to crackers. Keep the cracker toppings as is, or add a small slice of prosciutto before garnishing with Parmesan.

We don't know about you, but we're always yearning for something a little sweet when 3 p.m. rolls around. Satisfy your cravings for a sweet snack in a snap with a cracker spread of ricotta, fresh raspberry, and shaved milk chocolate. Each one is like its own bite-size dessert.

If you can't wait for taco night, you can sneak a taste as an afternoon snack by topping crackers with sliced avocado, pico de gallo, fresh cilantro, and a dusting of chili powder. It's almost like sampling salsa and guacamole at the same time.

Crumbly blue cheese drizzled with honey (or try hot honey) is a winning combination of sweet and salty flavors, and the texture contrast makes it even more satisfying to eat. Add an extra crunch and gourmet appeal to this bite-size appetizer with a nut-based cracker.

Use your favorite hummus spread as a starting point for this healthy snack. Protein-packed hummus, nutrient-rich bell peppers, and low-fat feta crumbles garnished with oregano seasoning are a delicious play on Mediterranean flavors. Simply omit the feta crumbles to make a vegan cracker topping.