Hosting a successful party is all about the little details—many of which include food. From the main dish to appetizers, designing your party menu to include dishes that everyone loves will ensure that guests are full and satisfied. When choosing an appetizer, chips and crackers are a no-brainer. That being said, most people head to the grocery store to purchase these foods when they can be made just as quickly at home. Whipping up a large batch of homemade crackers can be a cost-effective way to cater your party. And with the right recipe and ingredients, it can be done in under an hour. Which is less than the time it would take you to head to the store, purchase items and come home! If you're getting ready to host a party, we'd love to be a part of it. To help you plan a party that everyone will remember, we've gathered up our favorite crackers and appetizers. Simple to make, they're sure to become a new favorite.
S'mores
Planning a party requires a lot of time and effort, which often leaves us feeling a bit burnt out once we finally have the time to start planning the menu. For a boost of creativity and sweetness, we recommend lining the appetizer (or dessert) table with a delicious s'more making kit. Traditionally served as campfire food, S'mores are a great way to get both adults and kids involved in the fun. For kid-friendly S'mores, you'll need chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers. Or, if your party is adult only, try a more sophisticated S'mores recipe and lay out fresh fruit like strawberries, bananas and kiwi. S'mores are a low-effort appetizer that, when prepared the right way, can seem pretty extravagant.
Homemade Graham Crackers
To truly take the flavors of your event up a notch, skip the store-bought crackers and make your own graham crackers at home. Few things taste better than freshly baked graham crackers, especially when they're made with whole food ingredients. By using whole wheat flour, you can feel good about enjoying these Homemade Graham Crackers all day long. Use them as the ideal base for S'mores, set up a fondue station and dip them in chocolate or turn them into an unforgettable pie crust. Either way, they're sure to be the star of the party.
Pair Them with: Homemade Marshmallows
Now that you know how to bake graham crackers at home, take your S'mores recipe a step further and bake a batch of homemade marshmallows. A classic recipe, our homemade marshmallows are naturally gluten free, grain free and dairy free, which means that nearly everyone can enjoy them. Additionally, they're free of corn syrup, cornstarch and powdered sugar, some of the most common processed ingredients found in marshmallows. Create these treats in a classic vanilla flavor or make chocolate and strawberry variations. Then, choose to pair them with the homemade graham crackers listed above or this easy gluten free version.
Cheese Crisp Crackers
What kind of party would you be throwing if you didn't include at least one cheese-centered dish? Adding cheesy crackers to your appetizer table is a great way to satisfy guests. There's something about the cheesy flavor mixed with the crispiness of the cracker that takes this treat from tasty to addicting. Made entirely with gluten free ingredients, they're the ideal cracker to serve if you're expecting guests with food allergies. Sharp cheddar cheese, melted butter and sea salt is used to flavor these gluten free crackers, creating the ideal balance of sweet and savory. Pair them with dips and jams, or add them to a charcuterie board. No matter what they're combined with, these Cheese Crisp Crackers will undoubtedly have guests talking.
Pair It with: Dairy Free Spinach and Artichoke Dip
If you're a fan of traditional artichoke dip, then you're bound to love this dairy-free dip. It's rich, creamy and full of all the flavor that the original version contains. Plus, it achieves the same cheesy flavor without the use of dairy products. To make this recipe vegan-friendly, dairy free cream cheese and nutritional yeast replicate traditional flavors, while fresh lemon juice adds a tangy punch. Pair this Dairy Free Spinach and Artichoke Dip with the Cheese Crisp Crackers listed above, or enjoy it with these tasty gluten free crackers.
Gluten and Dairy Free Animal Crackers
Recreate a blast from the past with this Gluten and Dairy Free Animal Crackers recipe. A favorite amongst people of all ages, it's sure to be the hit at any party. Whether you loved these as a child or your children are a fan of them now, learning how to make these at home is an excellent way to ensure you always have something to surprise the family with. Add a bit of festivity to the appetizer table by adding colored icing and sprinkles to these cookies. And, because these crackers are so easy to decorate, they'll work great with any theme. Made with our Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, they're the perfect dessert to serve up if you're unsure of guests' food allergies. When making this recipe, you'll notice that it calls for both nutmeg and mace. However, you can use all nutmeg if mace is not available to you.
Pair Them with: Confetti Cake
Create a party that's full of color and sprinkles by incorporating confetti-colored appetizers and desserts into your theme. This Confetti Cake is a widely loved dessert and ideal for celebrations. Birthdays, anniversaries and even promotions can all be celebrated with a slice of this sweet dessert. To make the perfect confetti cake, add a bit of sprinkles to our Gluten Free Yellow Vanilla Cake Mix. To ensure that this recipe remains gluten free, make sure the sprinkles are gluten free as well.
Cornmeal and Cheddar Crackers
Want to make a contribution to the appetizer table and keep it healthy at the same time? This Cornmeal and Cheddar Cracker recipe is an excellent way to do so. Low carb, low sugar and soy free, it's ideal for individuals following strict diets. While it may have half of the carbs and sugar that other cracker recipes do, it's certainly not lacking in flavor. To make these healthy crackers, whole wheat flour, medium grind cornmeal, and cheddar cheese are combined, creating a savory flavor that is sure to fulfill guest's cravings.
Pair it With: Pimento Cheeze Dip
Keep the cheese theme going, and create this fun spin on traditional cheese dip. An excellent way to broaden the flavors at the appetizer table, this Pimento Cheeze Dip is a flavor-filled snack that all individuals can enjoy, even those following a plant-based diet. If you're not plant-based, pair it with the crispy cracker recipe above for a burst of multiple cheese flavors that your taste buds will love. For vegans, we recommend pairing it with a vegan cracker by making this Quinoa Cracker Recipe. And, in the unlikely event that you have leftovers, it tastes excellent as spread on a burger or in a grilled "cheese" sandwich.
Sunflower Crackers
When many people think of homemade cracker dough, they often picture grains involved in the recipe. However, that's not always the case. In fact, many cracker recipes like this Sunflower Cracker recipe do not call for grain at all. Instead, flours like coconut flour and tapioca flour can be used to create a healthy gluten-free snack that tastes just as great (or better) than your favorite grain-filled crackers. This recipe is unique because premium Shelled Sunflower Seeds are baked into the crackers, providing a nutritious and flavorful crunch. Additional seeds and spices are then added as a topping, making this cracker one that you're bound to remember.
Pair It with: Vegan Smoked Gouda
What good is a cracker recipe if you don't have a delicious cheese to pair it with? For vegans and vegetarians who crave a cheesy dish sans dairy, we recommend making this irresistible Vegan Smoked Gouda. While you may be skeptical at first, making vegan cheese is relatively easy, and the result is mouth-watering. For a highly addictive vegan cheese recipe, follow the one above and set it aside for a day or two to allow the cheese to "age" before enjoying it. Fantastic when paired with sliced fruit, it's even more delicious when used as a spread on crackers.
Follow the five quick and easy cracker appetizers above to guarantee that your event is a success. After all, the way to the heart is through the stomach, right? Remember, once you have your homemade crackers, get creative with the cracker toppings. These cracker recipes and pairings are sure to leave your guest's stomach full and satisfied. From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, we hope you have a flavor-filled day!
Have a cracker recipe that you'd like us to try? We'd love to hear more about the different kinds of crackers you create in the kitchen. Let us know your favorites in the comments below!
