Go Back

Dill Pickle Cheese Ritz Bites

Crispy, cheesy, tangy, and creamy! These bite-sized appetizers feature cheese-crusted Ritz crackers sandwiching a zesty, herbaceous cream cheese spread and a thick slice of juicy dill pickle.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Servings: 12 bites
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 95
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cracker Base
  • 24 Ritz crackers Or similar buttery round crackers
  • 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese Finely shredded
Filling
  • 4 oz Cream cheese Softened to room temperature
  • 1 tbsp Fresh dill Finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp Onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper Freshly cracked
  • 12 slices Dill pickle chips Thick cut, thoroughly patted dry

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Paper towels
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Place the dill pickle slices between layers of paper towels and press firmly to absorb as much moisture as possible. This prevents soggy crackers.
  3. Arrange the 24 crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Place about 1 teaspoon of shredded cheddar cheese onto the center of each cracker.
  4. Bake for 5 to 8 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown around the edges. Remove from oven and let cool completely on the pan.
  5. In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, chopped fresh dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
  6. To assemble, take one cooled cheesy cracker and flip it over. Spread about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture onto the plain side.
  7. Place a dry pickle slice onto the cream cheese. Spread a tiny dab of cream cheese onto the plain side of a second cheesy cracker, and place it on top of the pickle (cheese side facing out) to create a sandwich.
  8. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Garnish the top of each bite with a small sprig of fresh dill. Serve immediately for maximum crispness.

Notes

To prep ahead, bake the cheese crackers and mix the cream cheese spread up to 2 days in advance. Store the crackers at room temp and the spread in the fridge. Assemble right before serving so the crackers stay crunchy.