Tomato Cream Cheese Cracker Bites (Print Version)

Crisp buttery crackers topped with herbed cream cheese, ripe tomato slices, basil, and a tiny balsamic finish.

# Ingredients:

For the herb cream cheese

01 - 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
02 - 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives or basil
03 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

For the cracker bites

05 - 24 buttery round crackers
06 - 2 medium Roma or Campari tomatoes, sliced into 24 thin rounds
07 - 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, used lightly
08 - 1 teaspoon olive oil, optional
09 - 1 tablespoon thinly sliced basil or chives, for garnish
10 - 2 teaspoons balsamic glaze, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes, or until it spreads easily without tearing a cracker.
02 - Wash and dry the tomatoes. Slice them into thin rounds with a serrated knife, then blot both sides gently with paper towels.
03 - Stir the softened cream cheese with chives or basil, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
04 - Arrange the crackers in a single layer. Spread each one with a thin layer of cream cheese, covering most of the surface.
05 - Top each cracker with one tomato slice. Add a tiny pinch of salt, herbs, and a light drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze if using.
06 - Transfer to a platter and serve within 15-20 minutes for the crispest texture.

# Notes:

01 - Best assembled right before serving.
02 - Prep the cream cheese and tomato slices ahead, then build the platter at the last minute.
03 - Use firm small tomatoes for tidy slices and less juice.

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