Crackers and...

Creative dips, spreads and toppings that put a fresh twist on the old cheese-and-crackers standby.

If you haven’t perused the cracker aisle in awhile, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. All kinds of varieties await, from Culinary Circle Multigrain Entertainment Crackers and Sesame Water Crackers to Cub Foods Rosemary & Olive Oil Woven Wheats and Wild Harvest Organic Wheat Thin Crackers. And even the plainest crackers can become divine hors d’oeuvres when they’re paired with our suggestions below. The best part: No one will know how easy they were to make unless you tell them!

Mash avocados with salsa for a quick guacamole-style dip.
Mix softened cream cheese (regular or fat-free), chopped canned artichoke hearts tossed with mashed garlic, and grated Parmesan to make a fast artichoke dip.
Make a yogurt dill dip with plain yogurt, fresh chopped dill, a garlic clove and salt to taste.
Stir blue cheese chunks, finely chopped onion, salt and pepper into low-fat plain yogurt for a lighter cheese dip.

Spreads

Mix a tangy spread of cream cheese, a little lemon juice and capers. Spread on crackers and top with thin slices of smoked salmon and cucumbers.
Spread pesto on crackers and top with a thin shave of Parmesan.
Top crackers with store-bought tapenade and a dab of goat cheese.
Store-bought cheeseballs are a cinch if you’re pinched for time.

Toppings

Top crackers with refried beans, salsa and olives for a Mexican-style twist.
Layer crackers with fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced tomatoes and basil leaves.
Top graham crackers with plain Greek yogurt, a drizzle of honey and a fresh raspberry. For kids and the young-at-heart, peanut butter on a whole-wheat cracker never fails to please.
Make a curried tuna salad topping by adding curry powder and golden raisins to tuna salad.

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