Description
These Mediterranean Brie Cracker Sandwich Bites are a delightful appetizer combining creamy Brie cheese, savory olive pâté, fresh basil, and juicy cherry tomatoes stacked between crispy Ritz crackers. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, they come together quickly with a warm, melty cheese center and fresh, vibrant toppings for a balanced bite.
Ingredients
Olive Pâté
- 1 cup pitted black olives
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Sandwich Bites
- 48 Ritz crackers
- 5 ounces Brie, room temperature
- 24 small basil leaves
- 24 slices cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the Olive Pâté: Blend the pitted black olives and extra virgin olive oil in a blender or with an immersion blender until the mixture is creamy and uniform. Set this olive pâté aside for later use.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for warming the Brie-topped crackers.
- Arrange Crackers for Baking: Place 24 Ritz crackers upside-down on a 9×13-inch baking sheet. Optionally, line the sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Slice the Brie: Cut the Brie cheese into 24 slices, each about 1-inch wide and a quarter-inch thick, to fit nicely on each cracker.
- Add Brie to Crackers: Place one slice of Brie onto each of the 24 crackers arranged on the baking sheet.
- Bake the Crackers: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the Brie is warm and partially melted for that perfect gooey texture.
- Add Olive Pâté: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Spoon a small amount of the prepared olive pâté evenly onto the center of each Brie slice on the crackers.
- Top with Basil and Tomato: Place one small basil leaf and one slice of cherry tomato on top of the olive pâté on each cracker.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Finish by placing the remaining 24 crackers on top of the tomato slices to form bite-size sandwich crackers. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature Brie for easier slicing and melting.
- Optional: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- The sandwiches are best served immediately after assembly to enjoy the contrast of warm cheese and fresh toppings.
- Can be prepared ahead by making the olive pâté and slicing the Brie, then baked and assembled just before serving.
- For a saltier bite, consider lightly spraying or brushing crackers with a bit of olive oil before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
