Description

This Savory Tomato and Cracker Delight is a fresh, vibrant appetizer perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Featuring juicy diced tomatoes seasoned with herbs, garlic, and a touch of vinegar, spooned over crisp crackers and finished with various cheese options, this recipe offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Whether served cool or lightly warmed with melted cheese, it’s a quick, no-fuss snack that delivers both freshness and richness.

Ingredients

Scale

For the 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)

For the Crackers and Cheese

24 plain or lightly salted crackers (such as water crackers, butter crackers, or saltines)
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)

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Instructions

Prepare the tomato topping: Wash and dry the tomatoes thoroughly. Core them and cut into small, even cubes about 1/4-inch pieces so they sit nicely on the crackers.
Drain excess liquid: Place the diced tomatoes in a fine-mesh strainer set over a bowl and let extra liquid drain for 5–10 minutes. Gently shake to release excess juice to prevent sogginess.
Season the tomatoes: Transfer drained tomatoes to a mixing bowl. Add finely diced red onion, minced garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Then sprinkle in sea salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil or fresh basil. Add chopped parsley and, if desired, sugar to soften acidity.
Add optional savory and spicy ingredients: Stir in chopped capers and olives if using for briny notes, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Toss and rest: Gently toss everything until tomatoes are well coated but not crushed. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Let mixture rest for 10–15 minutes at room temperature to meld flavors.
Prepare the crackers: Choose between no-bake or warm options. For no-bake, arrange crackers in a single layer on a serving platter. For warm option, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place crackers on parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with melted butter if desired, sprinkle a pinch of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on each, and bake 4–5 minutes until cheese melts and crackers smell fragrant. Cool 2–3 minutes.
Add cheese layer if not baked with cheese: Place a small pinch of shredded mozzarella or crumbled feta on each cracker. Keep cheese moderate to allow easy eating.
Spoon tomato mixture onto crackers: Use a small spoon to place a heaping teaspoon of the tomato mixture atop each cracker. Avoid adding excess liquid to keep crackers crisp. Distribute evenly for colorful, generous topping.
Finish toppings: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese 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 presentation.
Serve immediately: Arrange topped crackers attractively on a clean platter. Serve right away for maximum crispness, or keep at room temperature and serve within 15–20 minutes to prevent softening.
Make-ahead tips: Up to 4–6 hours ahead, prepare tomato mixture, cover and refrigerate. Refresh with olive oil, salt, and herbs before serving. Up to 1 hour ahead, pre-toast crackers with or without cheese and cool completely, store loosely covered at room temperature, and assemble close to serving time.

Notes

Drain tomatoes well to prevent crackers from becoming soggy.
The tomato mixture can rest to enhance the flavor melding but avoid long delays once crackers are topped.
Use firm yet ripe tomatoes for best texture and flavor.
The cheese layer is optional and can be used as a base under the tomatoes or sprinkled on top.
For a warm variation, lightly toasting crackers with cheese adds a melted, fragrant component.
Use fresh herbs if available for brighter flavor.
Adjust seasoning to taste after resting the tomato mixture.
Best served immediately to maintain crispness of crackers.
Make-ahead tomato topping can be refrigerated for convenience but assemble just before serving.