Mama sets these out on the porch every summer and we devour the whole plate before dinner even starts. Takes just 3 ingredients for the ultimate afternoon snack.

These southern 3-ingredient fresh tomato bites are the kind of simple snack that disappears almost as fast as you can make them. They’re especially perfect in summer when tomatoes are sweet, juicy, and practically begging to be shown off with something creamy and something crisp. This is one of those porch-snacking recipes that feels nostalgic and effortless at the same time, with just enough Southern charm to make a plate of crackers and tomatoes feel special.

Serve these as an afternoon snack, a light appetizer before a cookout, or alongside iced tea, lemonade, or a cold glass of sweet tea on a hot day. They also fit right in on a party spread with pimento cheese, deviled eggs, fresh fruit, and a simple veggie tray, and they pair especially well with grilled chicken or burgers if you want to set them out before dinner.

Southern 3-Ingredient Fresh Tomato Bites

Servings: 6

Ingredients

24 buttery round crackers

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

2 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced into thin rounds

Directions

1. Wash and dry the tomatoes well, then slice them into thin rounds. If the slices seem very juicy, lightly pat them with a paper towel so the crackers stay crisp.

2. Spread or dollop a small amount of softened cream cheese onto each cracker.

3. Top each cracker with a tomato slice, pressing very gently so it stays in place.