These elegant bites are a great way to start your feast.

Dane Tashima; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Can you keep a secret?

These seemingly forgettable cheese-and-crackerappetizerswere actually one of my favorite recipes in ourThanksgivingissue.

Southern Living Spicy Pear-and-Cheddar Bites on a tray ready to serve

Credit:Dane Tashima; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Im always looking for a small bite to serve guests before dinner that wont fill them up.

24largeround buttery crackers(from 1 [6.1-oz.)

pkg., such as Cabaret by Breton)

2(8-oz.

)blocks smoked sharp white Cheddar cheese, thinly sliced into 2- x 1-in.

planks (about 24 slices)

2small(7 oz.

Line 2 large rimmed baking sheets using parchment paper.

Arrange crackers in a single layer on prepared baking sheets, and brush evenly with olive oil mixture.

Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 6 minutes.

Transfer crackers to a platter or board.

Top each cracker with a cheese slice and a pear slice.

Spoon 1/2 teaspoon pepper jelly over top of each pear slice; garnish with thyme.