Ready to host a gathering? Now that you've planned out the decorative details, decided on a menu and invited the guests, you may be wondering what to serve as an appetizer. We suggest making a homemade cracker and spread for a quick and easy appetizer that will keep everyone satisfied until dinner. Simple to make at home yet impressive enough to leave guests talking, spreads are the perfect appetizer to set out for any occasion. If you're new to making homemade spreads or are searching for a recipe that you haven't tried yet, we're here to help. Continue reading as we cover our favorite unique cracker spread recipes and how to make each.
Why Make Homemade Crackers?
Homemade crackers are one of the easiest and tastiest treats around. While many people often bake cookies, cakes and pies at home, they overlook crackers. Crackers are as easy to make as cookies and can be made in several flavors. By simply manipulating the ingredients of a cracker recipe, you can choose to make crackers so sweet that they double as a dessert. Or, choose an array of spices and fresh herbs to create a more savory snack.
Additionally, crackers are incredibly portable, meaning you can quickly bring them with you wherever you go. Pack them along with you for a midday snack, or bring a batch of homemade crackers to the next gathering you attend. Friends and family will love snacking on them just as much as you do.
What to Pair Homemade Crackers With
While crackers can be enjoyed as is, there are several foods that you can pair them with to take this treat to the next level. Dips, toppings, and spreads are just a few of the many ways you can boost the taste of this snack. When searching for a cracker topping that will impress anyone who tries it, we recommend making a homemade and healthy spread. Like crackers, spread is easy to make and can be taken almost everywhere. Just be sure to choose one that will taste good with the type of cracker you've made. For example, creamy spreads like avocado hummus spread will pair better with savory cracker flavors. Whereas ones like jam will taste better on sweet crackers.
Unique Cracker Spread Recipes
Ready to begin making spreads at home? Use this list of healthy spreads for crackers as inspiration, and try a new spread recipe today!
Cannellini Bean Spread with Rosemary
If you're new to making spreads, then we recommend starting with a simple recipe. While spreads aren't all that hard to make, one that has a long list of ingredients can seem a bit overwhelming. So instead, choose a spread that uses a handful of healthy ingredients that you can snack on. And, if you do decide you'd like a bit more flavor, you can always customize the recipe and make it your own. For a simple spread recipe that's sure to be a hit, make this Cannellini Bean Spread With Rosemary.
Made with cannellini beans, also known as white kidney beans, the base of the spread has a nutty and earthy flavor that tastes great when paired with savory ingredients. When paired with herbs and spices like dried sage, bay leaf and fresh rosemary, it's a snack that will have everyone returning for seconds. This recipe is easy to make and ideal for individuals who need to make a quick appetizer the day of an event. Flavored with olive oil and fresh garlic, this spread tastes excellent when paired with savory crackers.
Mung Bean Dip
Eager to make a delicious spread, but don't want to take a trip to the grocery store? Then, we've got you covered. We believe that some of the most flavorful spreads can be made with ingredients you already have in your pantry—you just need to know where to begin. So, save a trip to the grocery store, and create a flavorful spread by making this Mung Bean Dip.
It is made with just six ingredients: mung beans, water, tahini, lemon juice, garlic and salt, and can be prepared in under an hour. A dip that doubles as a spread, choose to dunk your favorite veggies into it or spread it on top of a fresh batch of homemade crackers. No matter how you serve this spread, it's sure to be a hit. While this creamy dip recipe is naturally wheat-free, it may contain trace amounts of gluten. For a truly gluten free spread, make sure all ingredients are processed in a specific gluten free facility.
Avocado Cashew Dip
Searching for a spread that you can pair with almost any kind of cracker? When it comes to making spreads, zesty flavors and sweet combos take the spotlight. And while we're a fan of many flavors, sometimes we want a recipe that will pair well with any kind of food—sweet or savory. So to make a spread that will easily pair with all of the cracker varieties on the table, try out this Avocado Cashew Dip.
Avocado and cashews create a neutral and deliciously satisfying base, while jalapeno, cilantro and lime give it a tangy kick. Pair it with gluten free crackers, spread it onto a sandwich, or add it to a plateful of nachos. This recipe is bound to be a hit!
Vegan Pimento Cheeze Spread
Cheesy spreads top the list of favorites. Their pleasant flavor and texture make them one of the most requested party appetizers. However, not everyone can enjoy these delicious spreads. At Bob's Red Mill, we want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to indulge in a cheesy spread, which is why we created this dairy free Vegan Pimento Cheeze Spread.
A vegan version of the classic Southern cheese dip, it tastes incredible when used as a spread and paired with homemade crackers. Made with cashews, nutritional yeast, herbs and spices, this dairy free dip is loaded with mouthwatering flavors. While the cashews add creaminess to the recipe, nutritional yeast lends a naturally cheesy flavor sans dairy. In addition to being a great source of vitamins and minerals, this spread also contains all nine essential amino acids.
Homemade Cracker Recipes
Use the recipes above to create a delicious and unique spread, and then bake up a batch of homemade crackers to pair it with. Here are a few of our favorite cracker recipes to help you get started.
Sunflower Crackers
Looking to keep things grain free? These Sunflower Crackers are an excellent way to ditch grains without compromising on flavor. Made with Premium Shelled Sunflower Seeds and Tapioca Flour, they're the perfect balance of crispy and crunchy. The neutral taste of these crackers is excellent and easy to pair with cheese, dip, and spreads for additional flavor. So whip up a big batch of these sunflower crackers the next time you have guests over, or store them in an airtight container and enjoy them yourself throughout the week.
Cheese Crackers
If you're a fan of cheesy goodness, then these Cheese Crackers are the snack for you. Sharp cheddar cheese adds a dose of zesty, cheesy flavor, and when paired with the Bob's Red Mill All-Purpose Flour, it creates the perfect cracker crunch. A recipe the entire family will enjoy, we recommend inviting the little ones into the kitchen to help you make them. Not only will you end up with a great-tasting treat, but you'll also make a bunch of family memories in the process. They're sure to become a new favorite.
Use this list of unique cracker spread recipes the next time you want to change things up in the kitchen. From vegan spreads to gluten free crackers, the recipes listed above are sure to take your cooking skills to the next level. We can't wait to see how you make these recipes on your own. From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, have a sweet and flavor-filled day.
Have a unique spread recipe that you'd like to share with us? We'd love to hear more about it. Let us know the ingredients you use to create flavorful spreads in the comments below.
