This post has been sponsored by RITZ. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Inspired by my recent travels to New Zealand, these RITZ Cracker, Brie, and Jam bites are the perfect combination of salty, sweet, and savory and take just minutes to prepare.
One of my favorite parts of traveling the world is finding inspiration from local cuisine. New Zealand was no exception. After spending three weeks driving around the South Island of this French Polynesian island back in February I returned home having sampled all the local favorites. From fancier fare such as braised lamb shanks and tender venison medallions to meaty pies and sandwiches, I tried as much as possible.
It wasn’t long into our trip before I learned about the chicken and brie sandwich.
To be honest, there was nothing outwardly special about these sandwiches. Except, of course, that I could always count on the gas station, local café, dairy, bakery, or market to have them. Just like the well-known meaty pies, these sandwiches were everywhere. Of course, there were other sandwiches, too. Ham or roast beef were typically the other options. However, there was always one chicken option and 95% of the time it was a chicken sandwich with thick slices of brie cheese, raspberry or apricot jam, lettuce, and tomato.
Now, if you guys are thinking, “Eww, gas station food?” I totally get it. That was my initial reaction since here in the USA many gas stations don’t offer such fresh (yes FRESH) food.
New Zealand is different. These sandwiches were so totally legit.
I am a huge fan of sandwiches. From super stacked to super boring, a sandwich is almost always a good idea.
Unless, of course, you’re having people over and you’d rather not deal with the awkwardness of sitting down to an entire lunch, or maybe it’s 3 pm and lunch is over but you still need to feed these people! Then, there’s always the question of if there’s bread in the house? Is the bread fresh or moldy? Ok, maybe I’m the only person that has this problem.
Or you’re that lucky mom (or dad!) who has a 4-year-old who hates sandwiches, but loves all things that are bite size and “fun”.
Oh wait, that’s me.
Well, I have good news for you guys! I have come up with the very best bite-size, breadless solution, to my favorite New Zealand chicken and brie gas station sandwich. Introducing the RITZ Cracker, Brie, and Jam Bites!
After returning from New Zealand I had a lot of grocery shopping to do. I browsed the aisles of my local Kroger Store (Ralphs) and picked up all the essentials and all the ingredients I would need to make the best homemade chicken and brie sandwich. I was clearly in denial about our adventures being over.
While walking through the cracker aisle I realized, “WAIT A MINUTE! I’ve got this all wrong. Leave the sandwich in New Zealand, you’re going to make something different at home.”
I grabbed about six boxes of RITZ Crackers (jk, I only grabbed 3) and decided I would turn this humble, unoriginal New Zealand sandwich into the perfect snack combination of salty, sweet, and savory, that can be enjoyed anytime.
I discovered instantly that RITZ Crackers were the perfect base for the brie, jam, and chicken. They’re a little buttery, a little salty, super sturdy, and still crispy. Basically, when in doubt I remember that it’s always important to have RITZ Crackers on hand for last-second entertaining needs.
You guys, let me tell you a little something about these fun and delicious RITZ Cracker, Brie, and Jam Bites-
- They are SOOO good! Like, insanely good.
- Since everything can be prepared ahead of time and RITZ Crackers come in nicely sealed packages, they literally take just minutes to make.
- Easily customize with your favorite jam or cheese!
- They’re great for ALL occasions- playdates, girls nights, holiday parties, EVERYTHING.
Basically, these little bites of fun are my new go-to for just about everything. They also remind me of one of New Zealand, so that makes them extra special.
RITZ Cracker, Brie, and Jam Bites
Ingredients
- 24 RITZ Crackers
- .5 pound Brie Cheese - sliced
- .5 cup Raspberry or Apricot Jam
- 1 chicken breast - cooked and chopped into small chunks
- 2 tablespoon fresh rosemary - chopped fine
Instructions
- Lay out the RITZ Crackers on a clean work surface. Top each cracker with a slice of brie (roughly the same size as the cracker), one teaspoon of apricot or raspberry jam, a piece of chicken, and a sprinkle of fresh rosemary.
Video
Jessica's Notes
Nutritional Information
(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)
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