Cheese Crack and Cheese: A Savory and Crispy Snack You’ll Love

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy crackers smothered in a rich, cheesy topping
• Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes
• Perfect for snacking, entertaining, or party platters
• Customizable with spices for added kick
• Vegetarian-friendly and crowd-pleasing

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 sleeve (about 12 oz) Ritz crackers
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Arrange Crackers: Lay Ritz crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Mix Topping: In a bowl, combine melted butter, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well blended.
4. Spread Mixture: Evenly spread the cheese mixture over the crackers.
5. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Cool: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Use different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for variation.
• Sprinkle with fresh herbs such as chives or parsley after baking.
• Try whole wheat or flavored crackers for a different base.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness.
• Reheat briefly in the oven if desired to refresh crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use other crackers?

Yes, any sturdy cracker like Wheat Thins or Club crackers work well.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, it contains no meat products.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, prepare and bake shortly before serving for best freshness.

How do I keep crackers from getting soggy?

Serve soon after baking and store leftovers in an airtight container.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing is not recommended as crackers may lose crispness.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

Cream cheese is key for creaminess, but you could try a soft cheese spread as a substitute.

How spicy is this dish?

Mild by default; add cayenne or hot sauce to increase heat.

Is this suitable for kids?

Yes, it’s a kid-friendly, cheesy snack.

Conclusion

Cheese Crack and Cheese is an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing snack with crispy crackers and a rich, cheesy topping. Perfect for any occasion, it’s quick, customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering or as a tasty treat anytime.

Cheese Crack and Cheese: A Savory and Crispy Snack You’ll Love

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Cheese Crack and Cheese is a crispy, buttery, and cheesy baked cracker snack featuring sharp cheddar and creamy cream cheese, perfect for parties, game days, or anytime snacking.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Snack, Appetizer
• Method: Bake
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 sleeve (about 12 oz) Ritz crackers
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lay Ritz crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
3. In a bowl, combine melted butter, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well blended.
4. Evenly spread the cheese mixture over the crackers.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Add cayenne pepper for spicy kick.
• Use mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for variation.
• Sprinkle fresh herbs like chives or parsley after baking.
• Try whole wheat or flavored crackers for different base.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: About 1/8 batch
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 30mg