Dinner

Santa’s Belt Cheese Crackers Recipe

ByBen Miller January 7, 2026January 7, 2026

Introduction

These Santa’s Belt Cheese Crackers are a festive and flavorful holiday appetizer that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Crisp whole wheat crackers are topped with melted sharp cheddar and a creamy roasted red pepper dip, then decorated to resemble Santa’s iconic belt. Perfect for parties or cozy gatherings!

A close-up of three round crackers on a white plate with a white marbled texture surface. Each cracker has three layers: the bottom layer is a light brown cracker with small holes, the middle layer is a creamy, chunky spread with a pale orange color, and the top layer is a square slice of yellow cheddar cheese. On the center of the cheese slice, there is a small boat-shaped decoration made of two yellow pieces, a small red piece in the middle, and black pieces framing the red one. The focus is on the front cracker with the other two blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

24 whole wheat crackers, round or square
4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, sliced into 24 small squares
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
1 tbsp mayonnaise
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Pinch of salt
24 thin strips of black olives
24 small squares of yellow bell pepper or cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Step 2: Arrange the crackers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on each cracker.
Step 3: Bake the cheese-topped crackers for 4-5 minutes, until the cheese just melts but does not bubble. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
Step 4: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped roasted red peppers, mayonnaise, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Blend until smooth.
Step 5: Spoon or pipe a dollop of the roasted red pepper dip onto the center of each cheese-topped cracker.
Step 6: Place one thin black olive strip across each cracker to mimic Santa’s belt.
Step 7: Top each olive strip with a small square of yellow bell pepper or cheddar cheese to create the belt buckle.
Step 8: Arrange the finished crackers on a platter and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

Use a piping bag for a neater dip application and more festive presentation.
Try different types of cheese, such as gouda or pepper jack, for a twist on flavor.
For a vegan version, substitute cream cheese and cheddar with plant-based alternatives and use vegan mayonnaise.

Storage

Store any leftover crackers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the crackers may soften over time, it’s best to assemble the dip and decoration just before serving. Reheat cheese-topped crackers in a warm oven briefly before adding the dip if desired.