Aussie Bikkies With Cheese and Onion: A Culinary Time Machine

Some of my earliest food memories revolve around visiting my Nan’s house. The aroma of eucalyptus trees lining the driveway was always the first sign that adventure awaited. But even more enticing than the promise of her sprawling garden was the guarantee of afternoon tea, and almost without fail, perched amongst the scones and teacakes, there would be a plate of these humble Aussie bikkies. Maybe it was the crunch of the cracker, the sharpness of the onion, or the strangely satisfying processed cheese that made them so appealing. But more likely it was the sense of comfort and connection that came with sharing this simple snack with someone I loved.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 2 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 8 crackers
• 50g cheddar cheese
• 1 small brown onion

Equipment Needed

• Knife
• Chopping Board
• Serving Plate

Instructions

1. Begin by carefully slicing the cheddar cheese into thin, even pieces. The thinner the slice, the easier it is to eat atop the cracker, preventing any awkward cheese-pulling situations.
2. Next, peel the small brown onion. Using a sharp knife, slice it thinly. Aim for consistent slices to ensure even flavour distribution across all the crackers.
3. Now comes the assembly. Take each cracker and place a slice of onion on top.
4. Finally, top each onion slice with a slice of cheddar cheese.
5. Arrange the completed bikkies artfully on a serving plate and serve immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a bolder onion flavour, consider using a red onion instead of a brown onion. Just be aware that red onions can be quite potent. If you find them too strong, soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow their bite.
• If you’re feeling adventurous, try caramelizing the onions before adding them to the crackers. This will add a touch of sweetness and depth to the flavour profile. To caramelize onions, cook them slowly in a pan with a little butter or oil over low heat until they are soft, golden brown, and intensely sweet. This will take about 20-30 minutes.
• While the recipe calls for cheddar cheese, feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties. A sharp provolone, a creamy brie (rind removed), or even a crumbly blue cheese would all be delicious alternatives.
• To prevent the crackers from becoming soggy, assemble the bikkies just before serving. If you need to prepare them in advance, store the sliced cheese and onion separately and assemble them right before serving.
• For an extra touch of flavour, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as chives, parsley, or thyme. A pinch of red pepper flakes would also add a nice kick.
• If you want to elevate this simple snack, a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a dollop of chutney can work wonders.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Aussie bikkies are best served immediately after assembly to prevent the crackers from becoming soggy. They make a perfect appetizer for casual gatherings, a quick snack for unexpected guests, or a nostalgic treat for afternoon tea.

While they are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftover assembled bikkies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, the crackers will likely become soft, so it’s best to consume them as soon as possible.

It is not recommended to freeze these bikkies, as the texture of the crackers and cheese will be significantly altered.

To reheat leftover bikkies (though not ideal), you can briefly microwave them for a few seconds to soften the cheese. Be careful not to overheat them, as the crackers can become rubbery.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	109.4 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	55 kcal	51%
Total Fat	6.2 g	9%
Saturated Fat	2.2 g	10%
Cholesterol	6.6 mg	2%
Sodium	177.6 mg	7%
Total Carbohydrate	10.7 g	3%
Dietary Fiber	0.5 g	1%
Sugars	1.6 g	6%
Protein	2.7 g	5%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Substitute regular crackers with gluten-free crackers. There are many great gluten-free options available that maintain a similar crunch and texture.
• Vegan: Use vegan cheese alternatives and ensure your crackers are vegan-friendly (some contain honey or dairy). There are many plant-based cheddar-style cheeses on the market that melt and taste similar to traditional cheddar.
• Spicy Kick: Add a thin slice of jalapeno or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• Gourmet Upgrade: Use artisanal crackers, aged cheddar, and caramelized onions for a more sophisticated version.
• Herb Infusion: Mix finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into softened cream cheese and spread it on the crackers before adding the onion and cheddar.
• Sweet and Savory: Add a thin slice of apple or pear for a contrasting sweetness.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of onion?
A: Absolutely! Red onions offer a sharper flavour, while sweet onions provide a milder, sweeter taste. You can even try using shallots for a more delicate onion flavour.

Q: What’s the best way to slice the onion to avoid tears?
A: Chilling the onion in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before slicing can help reduce tearing. Also, use a sharp knife and avoid cutting through the root end of the onion.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: While it’s best to assemble them just before serving to prevent soggy crackers, you can slice the cheese and onion in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Q: What kind of crackers work best?
A: Plain crackers with a neutral flavor are ideal, as they allow the cheese and onion to shine. Water crackers, cream crackers, or even plain biscuits work well.

Q: Can I add other toppings?
A: Of course! Feel free to experiment with other toppings like a drizzle of balsamic glaze, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a dollop of chutney.

Final Thoughts

There’s a certain charm in the simplicity of these Aussie bikkies. They aren’t fancy, but they are undeniably comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy snack or a nostalgic trip down memory lane, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses, onions, and toppings to create your own unique version. And most importantly, share them with someone you love – because food is always better when shared. Let me know what you think in the comments below and tell me about your favorite childhood snacks!