I’ve got the cutest, brand new little appetizer for you to ring in the new year with loved ones.
These guava paste and cheese crackers are an ode to Puerto Rico, where my mom and her family are from. I basically grew up on these little bites of goodness and this Puerto Rican-inspired snack is stacked up with delicious, sweet and savory toppings and yummy textures that all come together to “wow” anyone at your NYE party (or any party really!). Guava paste is SUCH a fun, unique ingredient to use, so stock up, stack these crackers, and get ready to devour.
I jazzed these crackers up with a few more ingredients than what you’ll traditionally find on guava cheese crackers, and included tons of different ways to make them your own. Everyone will love these!
What is guava paste?
If you’ve never had guava paste before, get ready to fall in love. It’s basically guava fruit and sugar condensed into a deliciously sweet, sliceable slab of jelly, but with more of a thick jam texture. It’s used in Latin American and Caribbean cooking in recipes like empanadas and turnovers, and is delicious paired with savory ingredients like cheese!
Ingredients in these guava cheese crackers
These cute little cracker bites really have just 3 core ingredients, plus extras that I used to jazz up the cheese crackers I grew up on. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Crackers: we’re using my favorite Crunchmaster Multi-Seed Original crackers, which have a lovely crunch, are naturally gluten-free, and hold up all of the toppings well.
- Cheese: I love using slices of havarti, white cheddar, or pepper jack.
- Guava paste: a little cube of guava paste adds the perfect sweetness and punch of fruit paired with the cheese.
- Prosciutto: I like to add a slice of prosciutto to each cracker, too, for another savory component.
- To garnish: top each cracker with chopped pistachios and a drizzle of honey for the perfect crunch and extra sweetness!
Customize your cheese and guava paste crackers
Feel free to get creative or swap with what you have on hand! Here are some ways you can customize these crackers:
- Choose the base: I love the ease of using Crunchmaster crackers, but you could also pile everything onto crostini.
- Pick your cheese: these little crackers are often made with a soft, spreadable cheese like cream cheese, brie, or goat cheese, so feel free to try one of those! I personally prefer slices of harder cheese for their texture. Queso fresco would also be delicious.
- Pick your meat: feel free to try these out with little slices of salami, or you can omit the meat altogether to keep the crackers vegetarian.
Can I make them dairy-free or nut-free?
- To make dairy-free: simply add slices or a spread of your favorite dairy-free cheese.
- Keep them nut-free: simply omit the pistachios.
Add a kick of heat
If you want to add a little spicy twist to these guava and cheese crackers:
- Use a spicy cheddar or pepper jack cheese
- Drizzle them with hot honey instead of regular honey
- And/or garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes
Want to serve a larger crowd?
This recipe makes 16 cheese and guava paste crackers, and people typically eat about 2-4 of them (maybe more — they’re that good!). I suggest doubling the recipe if you’re serving more than 8 people.
More appetizers you’ll love
- Fig & Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Bites
- Apple & Brie Crostini with Hot Honey
- Matt’s Olive Cheese Bread
- Garlic Herb Cheese Dip with Honey & Chili Crisp
- Roasted Grape & Brie Crostini with Honey + Sea Salt
Get all of my appetizer recipes here!
I hope you love these cheese and guava paste crackers! If you make them, be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked them. Enjoy, xo!
Cheese & Guava Paste Crackers
Ingredients
- 16 Crunchmaster Multi-Seed Original crackers
- 4 ounces havarti, white cheddar, or pepper jack cheese (from the block)
- 5 ounces canned guava paste (I use Goya brand)
- 2 oz. prosciutto, torn into 16 small pieces
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped pistachios
- Honey for drizzling
Instructions
- Cut cheese into small squares: Slice the cheese into ¼-inch slices, then cut the slices into 1x1-inch squares.
- Cut guava paste into small squares: Slice the paste into ¼-inch slices, then cut the slices into 1x1-inch squares.
- Top each cracker with a small piece of prosciutto, a square of cheese, and a square of guava paste. Place on a serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios and drizzle on as much honey as you’d like before diving in! Serves 4 people (4 crackers per person).
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by: Eat Love Eats
These were so good and fun to make and eat! I think 6 per person is a better estimate 🙂
So happy to hear that! Noted on the servings, too 🙂