33 Ways to Use Up Those Crackers in Your Pantry

Updated on Sep. 17, 2024

Crackers are a fantastic ingredient because they can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. If you have half a sleeve of saltines or a handful of goldfish crackers lingering in your pantry, here are 40 excellent places to put them to work!

Now Trending

1/33

Dijon Scalloped Potatoes

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My family loves this creamy and colorful recipe for cheesy potatoes. It has both sweet and white potatoes, lots of rich, buttery flavor and a pretty, golden-crumb topping. —Carolyn Putnam, Norwalk, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 293 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 524mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
2/33

Cheddar-Veggie Appetizer Torte

Total Time 55 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: A line forms quickly behind this quichelike torte at family gatherings. The wedges are easy to eat as finger food, and it's delicious hot or cold. — Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 slice: 175 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 244mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
3/33

Banana Split Cake

Total Time 30 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: One day a friend showed me how to make a traditional icebox cake with just cream and graham crackers. I make it extra special with the fruit. Now everyone at your potluck can have a banana split with no fuss! —Shelly Flye, Albion, Maine
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 405 calories, 15g fat (11g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 372mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
4/33

Dipped Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

Total Time 25 min
Servings 15 sandwich cookies
From the Recipe Creator: You’ll love to give tins of these chocolate-coated cookies to your lucky friends. The shortcut holiday recipe is almost too simple to believe! Here's how to make peanut butter cookies without eggs. —Jackie Howell, Gordo, Alabama
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich cookie: 151 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 103mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
5/33

Summer Squash Mushroom Casserole

Total Time 45 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This rich, creamy squash and zucchini casserole, with its crunchy topping would make a wonderful dish to take to summer potlucks and picnics, or to pair up with a wide variety of entrees. You'll love the buttery flavor of these "comfort veggies!" —Jennifer Wallace, Canal Winchester, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 234 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 564mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
6/33

Saltine Toffee

Total Time 25 min
Servings 2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator: Everyone loves these salty-sweet treasures—their flavor is simply irresistible. The bark is like brittle, but better. Get ready for a new family favorite! —Laura Cox, Brewster, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts: 1 ounce: 171 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 119mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
7/33

Bacon-Cheddar Potato Croquettes

Total Time 40 min
Servings about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Instead of throwing out leftover mashed potatoes, use them to make this potato croquette recipe. The little baked balls are yummy with ranch dressing, barbecue sauce or Dijon mayonnaise for dipping. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 46 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 112mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
8/33

Haystack Meal

Total Time 25 min
Servings 2 casseroles (6 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator: Served as the main dish at our family reunion buffet, this flavorful layered taco-style dish was a true crowd-pleaser. Folks were pleasantly surprised to find a rice layer, and everyone enjoys the creamy cheese sauce. —Jill Steiner, Hancock, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 888 calories, 55g fat (24g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 1746mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 41g protein.
9/33

Best Ever Mac & Cheese

Total Time 50 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: To make this amazing mac, I make a sauce loaded with three different cheeses to toss with the noodles. When baked, it's gooey goodness with a crunchy topping that...don't get me started! —Beth Jacobson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 762 calories, 43g fat (25g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 1138mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein.
10/33

Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Total Time 55 min
Servings 16 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: After sampling this flavor at an ice cream stand, I kept trying to duplicate it until it was just right. This blueberry cheesecake ice cream is a hit! —Melissa Symington, Neche, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 459 calories, 30g fat (18g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 252mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
11/33

Feta-Dill Chicken Burgers

Total Time 25 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I found fresh ground chicken at the butcher and gave it a whirl on our new grill. The result is these saucy burgers. Everybody went nuts—including my sister-in-law, an amazing cook! —Wendy Boughton, Victoria, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts: 1 burger: 414 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 608mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
12/33

Artichoke Egg Casserole

Total Time 50 min
Servings 9 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This is a great recipe for a brunch. I serve it with fresh stir-fried asparagus, a fruit salad and croissants. —Marilyn Moores, Indianapolis, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 304 calories, 22g fat (11g saturated fat), 229mg cholesterol, 497mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein.
13/33

Giant Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwich

Total Time 50 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I created this giant peanut butter cookie cake for my husband, adding light and low-fat products to the cookie dough. It was so fantastic that I fixed it with conventional ingredients for guests. Since it can be made ahead of time and frozen, it cuts stress for busy hostesses. And really, who doesn't love peanut butter ice cream? —Joann Belack, Bradenton, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 slice: 663 calories, 44g fat (18g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 554mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
14/33

Meat Loaf

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Mom made the best meat loaf, and now I do too. When I first met my husband, he wasn't a meat loaf guy, but this recipe won him over. —Michelle Beran, Claflin, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 366 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 135mg cholesterol, 1086mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 0 fiber), 26g protein.
15/33

16/33

Kentucky Hot Brown

Total Time 35 min
Servings 2 servings
From the Recipe Creator: The Kentucky Hot Brown is the best sandwich you will ever eat with a knife and fork. This epic open-faced delight has thick slices of bread, turkey, bacon, tomato and cheese, all bathed in a rich, irresistible sauce. —Kristina Vanni, North Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 1073 calories, 52g fat (28g saturated fat), 289mg cholesterol, 1822mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 93g protein.

17/33

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Total Time 35 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: I like to dunk these appetizer meatballs in blue cheese or ranch salad dressing. If I make them for a meal, I often skip the dressing and serve with blue cheese polenta on the side. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 meatball: 33 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 338mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.

18/33

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 14 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I said I’d take dessert to a holiday party so I tried this recipe. I’m sure you’ll agree it tastes as luscious as it looks! —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 slice: 574 calories, 39g fat (18g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
19/33

Bacon & Sun-Dried Tomato Phyllo Tarts

Total Time 50 min
Servings 45 tartlets
From the Recipe Creator: Frozen mini phyllo tart shells are so convenient and easy to use. Just add a savory filling featuring sun-dried tomatoes and bacon, then pop them in the oven.—Patricia Quinn, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts: 1 tartlet: 58 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 59mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.

20/33

Old-Fashioned Salisbury Steak

Total Time 25 min
Servings 4 servings
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 229 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 556mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch.

21/33

Carrot Casserole

Total Time 45 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Whenever I make this dish, people rave about how good it is. One friend told me, "I don't usually eat carrots, but this is delicious!" That made my day.
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 154 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.

22/33

Makeover Swiss Chicken Supreme

Total Time 45 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Stephanie Bell asked our test kitchen to lighten her family-favorite recipe. Even though this makeover recipe is slimmed down, it is still supreme. It has 560 fewer calories, 81 percent less fat and nearly 75 percent less sodium. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken breast half : 291 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 587mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
23/33

Crispy Beer-Battered Fish

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: A local restaurant made a similar breading for shrimp po' boys, but we think this version's better. I serve the beer battered fish with a ranch dressing and hot sauce mixture as a dip. —Jenny Wenzel, Gulfport, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts: 1 fillet: 513 calories, 27g fat (3g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 775mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein.
24/33

Walnut Balls

Total Time 55 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Most of my family members don't eat meat, so I've made these appetizers for special occasions ever since a friend shared the recipe with me. The moist bites and tangy sauce are always well received. —Bonnie Young, Desert Hot Springs, California
Nutrition Facts: 4 pieces: 265 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 585mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
25/33

S'more Sandwich Cookies

Total Time 35 min
Servings about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Capture the taste of campfire s'mores in your kitchen. Graham cracker crumbs added to chocolate chip cookie dough bring out the flavor of the fireside favorite. Melting the cookies' marshmallow centers in the microwave makes them simple to assemble. —Abby Metzger, Larchwood, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich cookie: 221 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 145mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
26/33

Pineapple Casserole

Total Time 45 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When I make pineapple casserole, I double the amount —because guests frequently request a second helping for dessert! Sweet-tangy fruit is even better combined with savory cheddar cheese and buttery cracker crumb topping. —Catherine Ann Goza, Leland, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 514 calories, 22g fat (10g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 465mg sodium, 71g carbohydrate (48g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
27/33

S'mores Crescent Rolls

Total Time 25 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Here’s how to score indoor s’mores: Grab crescent dough and Nutella. Invite the kids to help with this rolled-up version of the campfire classic. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 roll: 201 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 256mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
28/33

No-Turn Omelet

Total Time 55 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: It's a snap to put together this colorful casserole. I like to make it a day ahead, then refrigerate and bake the next morning. With ingredients such as sausage, eggs, cheese and peppers, it tastes like a strata—except it uses crackers rather than the traditional bread cubes. —Helen Clem Creston, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 272 calories, 18g fat (8g saturated fat), 213mg cholesterol, 767mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 18g protein.
29/33

Chicken Strips

Total Time 20 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I recently made this recipe of Mom's for my in-laws and they told me it was the "best fried chicken ever." Slicing the chicken breasts into strips cuts down on cooking time and ensures every piece is crunchy and evenly coated. Serve the homemade chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce. —Genny Monchamp, Redding, California
Nutrition Facts: 4 ounces cooked chicken: 388 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 704mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
30/33

Scalloped Corn

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This comforting casserole features sunny corn kernels tucked into a creamy custard. My mom got this recipe and many other excellent ones from her mother. By the time this crowd-pleasing corn dish left the table, my father, sister, brothers and I would have almost scraped it clean. —Sandy Jenkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 236 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 296mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
31/33

Cashew Chicken Casserole

Total Time 50 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I especially like this dish because I can get it ready the day before I need it. It's easy to whip up with common pantry items, including macaroni, canned soup and saltine crackers. —Julie Ridlon, Solway, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 464 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 1095mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.

32/33

I Want S'more Muffins

Total Time 35 min
Servings 6 muffins
From the Recipe Creator: The s'more flavors in these fun muffins with marshmallow creme in the middle are sure to bring back fond childhood memories. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 287 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 279mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.

33/33

Sweet Potato Casserole

Total Time 1 hour 10 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Prepare this comforting side dish with the popular marshmallow topping or choose from streusel, fruit or crunchy toppings. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 282 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 227mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.