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.

4. Arrange on a plate and serve right away for the best texture.

Finished southern tomato bites plated for serving

Variations & Tips

Use the best tomatoes: Since there are only three ingredients here, ripe summer tomatoes make all the difference. If you can get backyard or farmers market tomatoes, this snack will taste even better.

Keep the crackers crisp: Assemble these just before serving so the tomato juices don’t soften the crackers. If you need a little head start, slice the tomatoes and soften the cream cheese ahead of time, then put everything together at the last minute.

Try a flavored cream cheese: Chive, garden vegetable, or whipped cream cheese can give these bites a little extra personality without making the recipe any harder.

Tomato bites made with herbed cream cheese

Make them party-friendly: For a larger gathering, arrange the crackers on a tray and set out the cream cheese and tomato slices assembly-line style. It’s an easy way to make a bunch quickly without fussing in the