Cheesy Pickle Ritz Appetizer Bites -

Name: Cheesy Pickle Ritz Appetizer Bites
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 12 min
Ingredients: 18 Ritz crackers; 18 Grillo's pickle chips; 5 Havarti cheese slices (quartered); Everything But the Bagel Seasoning (to taste)

These cheesy pickle Ritz appetizer bites are the perfect easy appetizer, party snack, and pickle snack for pickle lovers. Ready in under 15 minutes!

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A stack of pickle crackers on a cutting board in front of a bowl.

Pickle lovers will devour these cheesy pickle Ritz appetizer bites!

They’re one of our favorite new pickle snacks, appetizer recipes, and easy party food ideas!

Crunchy, savory, and tangy, these dill pickle crackers feature Grillo’s pickle chips for a punch of garlic in every bite.

You’ll definitely want to add these cracker bites to your arsenal of easy appetizers and party snacks finger foods!

You’ll love this recipe because its:

Quick and easy to make. You’ll only need 4 ingredients and less than 15 minutes to make these yummy cracker bites.
Perfect for pickle lovers. These simple crisps highlight the flavor of pickles in the most delicious savory bite.
Easy to scale up. You can easily double or triple this recipe for parties, game days, and gatherings.

Ingredients Needed for The Pickle Ritz Appetizer Bites

A bag of slices cheese, a sleeve of Ritz crackers, Grillo's pickles and Everything But the Bagel seasoning on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Ritz Crackers – Ritz crackers create the perfect buttery, sturdy base for these bites. Their light crunch holds up well in the oven while balancing the tanginess of the pickles and the richness of the cheese.
Grillo’s Pickles Classic Dill Pickle Chips – Dill pickle chips are the star of this recipe. They add bold, tangy flavor and a satisfying contrast to the creamy cheese and crisp cracker.
Havarti Cheese – Havarti melts smoothly and evenly, creating a creamy topping that brings everything together. Its mild flavor pairs well with the sharpness of the pickles without overpowering them.
Everything But The Bagel Seasoning – This seasoning adds extra texture and savory flavor with minimal effort. A light sprinkle enhances the cheesy topping and gives the bites a little crunch and depth.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

A pile of crackers with cheesy and pickle slices with Everything But the Bagel seasoning on a wooden cutting board.

Preheat your oven to 350°.

Place 18 dill pickle chips on paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Collage showing the process to make cheesy crackers with pickle slices.

While the pickles are drying, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place 18 Ritz crackers on the pan with an inch or so between each cracker.

Cut 5 slices of Havarti cheese into fourths.

Top each cracker with a pickle slice and a quarter slice of Havarti cheese.

Place the tray in the oven and bake for 7 minutes.

Pickle crackers on a parchment paper lined sheet pan.

When the 7 minutes are up, remove the baking sheet and top the crackers with Everything But the Bagel Seasoning to taste.

Let the crackers cool for a couple of minutes to allow the cheese to set, serve warm, and enjoy!

Close-up of pickle cracker bites on a wooden cutting board.

Recipes Tips and Variations

A woman holds a cheesy pickle cracker over a bowl of crackers and a tub of pickles.

Tips and Tricks

Dry the pickles well. Excess moisture can make the crackers soft instead of crisp.
Don’t overbake. Once the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, they’re ready.
Leave space between crackers. This allows heat to circulate evenly so each bite bakes consistently.
Let them cool briefly. Giving the cheese a couple of minutes to set makes them easier to serve and eat.

Variations

Cheese swaps: Try Swiss, provolone, mozzarella, or sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Cracker options: Club crackers or buttery round crackers work well if you don’t have Ritz.
Pickle varieties: Use bread and butter pickles for a sweet-savory twist or spicy pickles for heat.
Seasoning alternatives: Garlic powder, dill weed, or a light sprinkle of paprika also work great.

Serve These With:

These pickle Ritz appetizer bites pair perfectly with other party snacks and finger foods like:

A wooden tray of cooked shrimp with green garnish and a bowl of dipping sauce.

Closeup of puff pastry sausage rolls on a wooden cutting board with a bowl of pepper jelly.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

These are best served fresh from the oven, but you can prep the crackers, dried pickles, and cheese ahead of time and assemble right before baking.

How do I keep the crackers from getting soggy?

Patting the pickle chips dry is the key step. Removing moisture makes all the difference.

Can I reheat leftovers?

Yes. Reheat briefly in the oven or air fryer to re-crisp the crackers. Avoid the microwave, which can make them soft.