Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are the ultimate bite-sized, crowd-pleasing snack—think flaky crackers, savory ham, gooey Swiss cheese, and a buttery Dijon glaze, all in one irresistibly poppable package. Unbelievably simple to prepare and always the first to disappear at any gathering, these little sandwiches are my go-to whenever I want something quick, festive, and guaranteed to win hearts (and empty platters!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Easy: You’ll have these Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches in the oven in no time—minimal prep, maximum payoff.
- Customizable for Any Taste: Swap meats or cheeses to fit your guests’ preferences or what you have on hand (there’s always a way to make everyone happy!).
- Perfect for Parties: These bite-sized sandwiches are made for sharing, and they disappear almost faster than you can serve them!
- Sweet, Salty, Cheesy Bliss: The buttery cracker, melty Swiss, and that punch of Dijon create a flavor combo you won’t soon forget.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches is in their simplicity—each ingredient contributes something delicious, from salty richness to gooey texture. Don’t be fooled by the short list: every piece plays a flavor-packed role in these party-perfect bites!
- Ritz crackers: Their signature buttery crispness is the backbone of every little sandwich.
- Deli ham: Adds that savory, slightly sweet bite—tear it into pieces so every sandwich gets the perfect layer.
- Swiss cheese: For creamy meltiness and just enough nutty tang to make things interesting.
- Butter (melted): The star of the glaze—helps all those flavors soak in and get nice and golden on top.
- Dijon mustard: Offers a mild heat and tangy zip that makes these sandwiches totally addictive.
- Worcestershire sauce: Infuses a subtle, savory depth that takes the glaze from good to great.
- Garlic powder: A little goes a long way, adding warmth and savory aroma to every bite.
- Poppy seeds: That classic crunchy finish—plus they look so festive sprinkled on top.
- Dried minced onion: For a sweet onion pop and a bit of texture in the topping.
Variations
The best part about Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches is how easy they are to tweak. Don’t be afraid to mix things up—they’re every bit as delicious with your favorite meats, cheeses, or even a vegetarian twist. Let your pantry and your cravings be your guide!
- Turkey & Cheddar: Swap in sliced turkey and sharp cheddar for a comforting deli-inspired combo.
- Veggie Style: Omit the meat completely and add roasted red peppers or sautéed mushrooms for a tasty vegetarian option.
- Spicy Kick: Add a thin slice of jalapeño or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper to each sandwich before baking for a little heat.
- Sweet & Savory: A dab of cranberry sauce under the ham turns these into mini holiday party stars.
How to Make Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F—this ensures your sandwiches bake evenly and melt like a dream. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange half of your Ritz crackers, flat side down, so they’re ready to be topped.
Step 2: Pile on the Ham and Cheese
Tear the deli ham into strips and gently ruffle or fold a piece onto each cracker base. Top each one with a slice of Swiss cheese cut down to just the right size so nothing escapes during baking (about a one-inch square works perfectly).
Step 3: Sandwich, Glaze, and Sprinkle
Top each stack with a second Ritz cracker to form mini sandwiches—press lightly so everything holds together. Whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, and garlic powder, then pour that glorious glaze evenly over your sandwiches. Shower the tops generously with poppy seeds and dried minced onion for the finishing touch.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Gooey
Pop your baking dish in the oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and the tops are golden brown. Serve them up warm and watch them disappear in record time!
Pro Tips for Making Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches
- Butter Soak Secret: Use a pastry brush to coax the buttery glaze into every nook, ensuring even coverage and maximum flavor in every bite.
- Size Matters: Cut the Swiss cheese smaller than the cracker to prevent oozy, drippy messes—this keeps things tidy and bite-sized.
- Make Ahead Magic: You can assemble the sandwiches up to several hours in advance—just add the glaze right before baking for best results.
- Oven Position: Bake in the middle of the oven so tops get golden but the bottoms don’t over-brown—perfection every time!
How to Serve Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches
Garnishes
If you want to make your Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches extra eye-catching, try a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives over the hot sandwiches right before serving. The herbs add a pop of color and just the right amount of freshness to balance the buttery, cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
Pair these little gems with crisp veggie sticks and a creamy ranch dip, a bright fruit salad, or even a tangy coleslaw for a refreshingly crunchy contrast. They’re also delicious alongside a bowl of warm soup or a crisp, simple green salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches on a tiered serving tray for a playful, elegant look, or arrange them in concentric circles on a big platter for parties. For an extra-special touch, skewer each with a colorful party pick or toothpick—it keeps fingers clean and makes them easy to grab!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (don’t count on it!), cool your sandwiches completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This ensures the crackers stay as crisp as possible and the flavors stay bright.
Freezing
You can freeze these after assembling, but before baking, by placing them on a tray to freeze, then transferring to a zip-top bag for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator and add the butter glaze and toppings before baking as instructed.
Reheating
To revive leftover Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches, arrange them on a baking sheet and heat at 325°F for 7–9 minutes. This brings back that irresistible crispness and melts the cheese all over again, making them taste freshly made.
FAQs
-
Can I make Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the sandwiches a few hours ahead and refrigerate them (covered) until ready to bake. Wait to pour the butter glaze and add the toppings until right before baking for the crispiest finish.
-
What other cheese works well in these sandwiches?
So many options! Try cheddar, provolone, pepper jack, or even mozzarella for a fun cheesy twist. Just make sure to cut the cheese to cracker size so each sandwich stays neat and gooey.
-
How do I keep the crackers from getting soggy?
Bake the sandwiches shortly after glazing, and avoid letting them sit in the butter mixture for too long before going into the oven. Serving them fresh and warm gives the best texture—crispy, not soggy!
-
Can these be served at room temperature?
They’re at their very best warm from the oven, but they’re still satisfying at room temperature. Just know that the cheese won’t be quite as melty, so if possible, use the oven to reheat just before serving at your gathering.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never experienced the melt-in-your-mouth joy of Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches, now’s your moment! They’re pure comfort, absolutely effortless, and always the life of the party. Give them a try the next time you entertain (or just crave something snacky and special)—your taste buds and your guests will thank you!
Print
Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 10m
- Cook Time: 10m
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are the perfect appetizer for any gathering. Crisp Ritz crackers filled with savory ham and Swiss cheese, baked to perfection with a flavorful buttery mustard sauce.
Ingredients
Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches:
- 48 Ritz crackers
- 8 slices deli ham
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
Mustard Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon dried minced onion
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the sandwiches: Place half of the Ritz crackers in a 9×13-inch baking dish, flat side down. Tear the ham into small strips and place on each cracker. Cut the cheese into 1-inch pieces and place one on each cracker with ham. Top with another cracker to form a sandwich.
- Make the mustard butter sauce: In a bowl, combine melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Pour the mixture evenly over the cracker sandwiches.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle poppy seeds and minced onion evenly over the top of the sandwiches.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese has melted and the tops are golden brown, about 10-12 minutes.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
