A Better, Bite-Sized Lunch

As a defiant response to Sad Desk Lunches, the Food52 team works to keep our midday meals both interesting and pretty. Each week, we'll be sharing our happiest desk lunches -- and we want to see yours, too. This post is brought to you by Triscuit.

Today: Don't spread office rumors -- spread your lunch on crackers.

We are all too familiar with the inevitable lunchtime deadlines, when a fork and napkin are more of a nuisance than they are worth and a two-handed sandwich is too much effort. On these afternoons, we turn to the cracker, a humble, crunchy vehicle for effortless desk-side lunches. Not only are crackers great when you need to pull off a last minute lunch, but they are also great for sharing. See coworkers in need of a snack? Pass over a cracker or two.

All you need for cracker lunchtime success are two things: small jars to pack your spreads and a spreader to keep at your desk. Once you're outfitted with the necessary equipment, take inspiration from these spreads and pack a lunch you can look forward to all morning:

Greek Salad Cracker: This cracker masterpiece involves cucumber slices, olive tapenade, and feta. Just slice your cucumber the night before and bring a little butter knife to spread your tapenade. Stack in this order: cracker, cucumber slice, spread of tapenade, and feta crumble (if you choose to use it).

Hummus Cracker: We love hummus. Whether classic, beet, or sweet pea, we'll take them all. But simply dipping a cracker in your favorite hummus sometimes just won't do. Top your cracker with a smear of hummus and place a roasted red pepper on top for a great lunch with hardly any night-before prep.

Pesto Cracker: If you are craving an Italian lunch, try slapping a little pesto on your cracker and topping it with see-through-thin slices of prosciutto. Done and done.

Grilled Cheese Cracker: While this name might be a little deceptive, we can’t get enough of these grill-free, grilled-cheese-inspired crackers. All you need is a jar of pimento cheese and a bag of baby lettuce. Top your cheesy cracker with a few leaves of spinach or arugula to make it ever so slightly greener.

MVP Cracker: This one is easy and always pleasing. Just smash up an avocado in a bowl, drizzle in a little olive oil, and spoon the creamy mix onto your cracker. Top with some finishing salt and pepper. The avocado can be smashed at work, too, making this is a super last-minute lunch.

Photo by Mark Weinberg

Our friends at Triscuit have more ideas for your next snack. Get inspired on Pinterest.