5 Real-Food Cracker Topping Ideas

There are approximately a bajillion great real-food appetizer ideas out there on the world wide interwebs, but way too many of them require more prep time than I have to give these days. These simple cracker topping ideas are right up my alley!

I feel like we’re finally getting settled in our new home here in Ottawa after our big move at the beginning of September, but I’m still very cautiously guarding my commitments – both out of the home and in it.

I purposely haven’t pursued any complicated recipes or extensive baking projects, and I’ve tried to keep it simple whenever possible. I have taken some minor shortcuts in my typically crunchy ways, and honestly, I think that was one of my smarter moves. (Perhaps I’m finally learning to take care of myself? Took me long enough.)

This fall was all about giving ourselves grace in every area as we all adjusted to a new city, new job, new school, and new routines.

Nonetheless, with Christmas and New Year’s Eve upon us, I wanted to come up with a plan to make our celebrations special without stressing myself out, which is exactly where these fabulous little cracker appetizers come in.

If you’re looking for a little something special to make for your holiday gatherings, consider topping your crackers with the below ideas. They take just a few minutes to put together but make quite a gourmet impression.

Plus, the possibilities are endless! Here are my five favorites to get you started:

1. Apple & Brie with a Maple Syrup Drizzle

Brie and apple are a match made in heaven – I love them as a french toast topping, too! This one is great after being warmed in the oven for a few minutes to soften, then top with a few drops of pure maple syrup.

2. Prosciutto, Sour Cream, and Chives

I was first introduced to prosciutto by my Italian father-in-law. Its delicate flavor is perfect for a fancy hors d’oeuvre, especially when paired with a dollop of sour cream and chives.

3. Diced Tomato, Onion, & Cilantro

Plan for approximately one grape tomato per cracker. Finely dice the tomato and a slightly lesser amount of onion, combine in a bowl then sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 2 minutes to meld the flavors together. Add some finely diced cilantro if desired. (This one is my personal fave!)

4. Almond Butter with Banana, Drizzled with Chocolate

This one was my kids’ favorite. Shocker, right? 😉 I made the chocolate by melting a tablespoon of chocolate chips and stirring in a tiny bit of coconut oil (half a teaspoon-ish) to make it runny enough to drizzle off the spoon.

5. Sliced Gouda & Pear

This one is so simple – just sliced gouda cheese and sliced pear – but in the simplicity is the brilliance. The flavors of each component are complimented nicely.

I used Nairn’s wheat-free oat crackers for my toppings – they’re made out of simple, real food ingredients you can recognize and pronounce!

As a busy work-at-home mom of three young kids, I have a particular soft spot for companies that make products that actually live up to my real-food standards. Nairn’s fits the bill, and I was thrilled that they asked me to partner with them for this post.

The first time I made a plate of these topped crackers, my kids went nuts over them. Festive and special doesn’t necessarily have to mean complicated and exhausting, and I’m so grateful for that fact this year!

Happy celebrating, friends!