Description
Savory Tomato and Cracker Delight is a quick and flavorful appetizer featuring ripe tomatoes finely diced and seasoned with herbs, garlic, and a touch of balsamic vinegar, served atop crisp crackers. Perfect for a light snack or entertaining, this no-bake or lightly toasted treat balances juicy, tangy tomato topping with crunchy crackers and optional melted cheese for extra richness.
Ingredients
Scale
Crackers
- 24 plain or lightly salted crackers (such as water crackers, butter crackers, or saltines)
Tomato Topping
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes, firm yet juicy
- 1/2 small red onion, very finely diced
- 1 small garlic clove, minced to a paste
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil (or 4 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained and roughly chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon pitted black or green olives, finely chopped (optional)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Cheese and Finishing
- 1/4 cup shredded or finely grated Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano)
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or crumbled feta (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (optional, for brushing crackers if baking)
- Flaky sea salt, to finish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the tomato topping: Wash and dry the tomatoes thoroughly, core them, and cut into small, even cubes about 1/4-inch each to ensure they fit nicely on the crackers. Place diced tomatoes in a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl and let excess liquid drain for 5–10 minutes, gently shaking to release extra juice, preventing soggy crackers.
- Season the tomatoes: Transfer drained tomatoes to a mixing bowl. Add the finely diced red onion, minced garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle sea salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil or fresh basil. Stir in chopped parsley and optional sugar to balance acidity. Optionally add chopped capers, olives, and red pepper flakes for extra savory or spicy notes. Toss gently to coat without crushing the tomatoes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Let rest 10–15 minutes at room temperature to meld flavors.
- Prepare the crackers: Choose either no-bake or warm toasted version. For no-bake, arrange crackers in a single layer on a serving platter. For toasted, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place crackers on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly brush with melted butter if using, sprinkle with a small pinch of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan if desired, and bake 4–5 minutes until cheese melts and crackers are fragrant. Remove and cool 2–3 minutes until warm but firm.
- Add cheese layer: If not baked with cheese, place a small pinch of shredded mozzarella or crumbled feta on each cracker now or plan to finish with grated Parmesan on top of tomato mixture, keeping cheese amounts moderate for easy eating.
- Spoon on tomato mixture: Using a small spoon, place a heaping teaspoon of tomato topping on each cracker, avoiding excess liquid. Distribute evenly for a generous colorful topping without overload. Leave any drained tomato liquid in the bowl to keep crackers crisp.
- Finish with Parmesan and seasonings: Sprinkle grated Parmesan evenly over all topped crackers. Add a pinch of black pepper and flakes of sea salt if desired. Garnish with extra chopped parsley or basil for freshness and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately: Transfer crackers to a clean serving platter if needed, arranging attractively in circles or rows. Serve right away for maximum crispness. If waiting, keep at room temperature and consume within 15–20 minutes to prevent softness.
- Make-ahead tips: Up to 4–6 hours ahead, prepare tomato mixture, cover, and refrigerate. Before assembly, refresh with a splash of olive oil, pinch of salt, and chopped herbs if needed. Up to 1 hour ahead, pre-toast crackers (with or without cheese), cool completely, store loosely covered at room temperature, and assemble with tomato topping close to serving time.
Notes
- To prevent soggy crackers, ensure tomatoes are well drained before topping.
- Adjust fresh herbs and seasonings to taste for personalized flavor.
- Optional ingredients like capers, olives, and red pepper flakes can be added to enhance complexity.
- Choose no-bake or warmed toasted crackers depending on desired texture.
- Use a moderate amount of cheese to keep crackers easy to eat in one or two bites.
- Serve immediately for best crispness; assembled crackers soften if left too long.
- Make-ahead tomato mixture can be refrigerated but add fresh herbs before serving.
