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Ham and Swiss Cracker Melts (Easy, Cheesy, and Crowd-Pleasing!)

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These Ham and Swiss Cracker Melts are the perfect easy appetizer or snack! They're a fun and flavorful twist on classic ham and cheese, using buttery Ritz crackers as the base, and topped with a savory Dijon-Worcestershire butter mixture. I love how these little bites are incredibly simple to make, with just a few ingredients and minimal prep time. They're perfect for parties, game days, potlucks, or any time you need a quick and delicious snack that everyone will love.

Why You'll Love These Cracker Melts

  • Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and requires no cooking skills.
  • Buttery and Crispy: The Ritz crackers provide a buttery and crispy base for the savory toppings.
  • Flavorful: The combination of ham, Swiss cheese, and the Dijon-Worcestershire butter topping is delicious.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: These cracker melts are always a hit at parties and gatherings.
  • Kid-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these cheesy, savory bites.
Ingredients for Ham and Swiss Cracker Melts, including Ritz crackers, ham, Swiss cheese, and butter.

Ingredients for Ham and Swiss Cracker Melts

Here's what you'll need to make these easy appetizers. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Main Ingredients

  • Ritz crackers (Crackers)
  • Deli ham, thinly sliced (Meat)
  • Swiss cheese (Dairy)

Topping

  • Butter, melted (Fat)
  • Dijon mustard (Condiment)
  • Worcestershire sauce (Condiment)
  • Garlic powder (Spice)
  • Poppy seeds (Seeds)
  • Dried minced onion (Spice)

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Variations

I love these Ham and Swiss Cracker Melts as is, but here are a few ideas for variations:

  • Different Cheese: Use cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack cheese instead of Swiss.
  • Add Turkey: Use a combination of ham and turkey, or just turkey.
  • Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture.
  • Different Crackers: Use other types of crackers, like Town House crackers or wheat crackers.
  • Add herbs
Assembling the Ham and Swiss Cracker Melts in a baking dish.

How to Make Ham and Swiss Cracker Melts

Let me show you how incredibly simple it is to make these Ham and Swiss Cracker Melts:

Preheat Oven

  1. I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C).

Assemble Crackers

  1. I arrange half of the Ritz crackers (24 crackers) in a 9x13-inch baking dish, flat side down.

Add Ham and Cheese

  1. I tear the ham slices into small strips and place a piece on top of each cracker.
  2. I cut the Swiss cheese into small, 1-inch squares and place one piece on top of the ham.

Top with Crackers

  1. I top each mini sandwich with another Ritz cracker, rounded side up.

Prepare the Butter Mixture

  1. In a small bowl, I combine the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, poppy seeds and minced onions.
  2. I stir well.

Pour and Sprinkle

  1. I pour the butter mixture evenly over the top of the cracker sandwiches.
  2. I sprinkle the poppy seeds and dried minced onion evenly over the crackers.

Bake

  1. I bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the cracker tops are golden brown.

Serve

  1. Serve warm

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Cracker Melts

Here are my secrets for making these cracker melts truly exceptional:

  • Use Ritz Crackers: Ritz crackers have a buttery flavor and a crispy texture that's perfect for these melts.
  • Thinly Sliced Ham: Thinly sliced deli ham works best for layering.
  • Don't Overbake: Bake the cracker melts just until the cheese is melted and the crackers are lightly golden brown.
  • Serve Warm: These melts are best served warm, when the cheese is melted and gooey.

How to Serve

These Ham and Swiss Cracker Melts are perfect for:

  • Appetizers: A great appetizer for parties, game days, or potlucks.
  • Snacks: A quick and easy snack any time of day.
  • Lunch: A fun and flavorful lunch option.
A close-up of a Ham and Swiss Cracker Melt, showing the melted cheese and ham.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can assemble the cracker melts ahead of time and store them, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Leftover melts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

FAQs about Ham and Swiss Cracker Melts

  • Can I use a different type of cheese?
    • Yes, you can use any type of cheese you like, such as cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack.
  • Can I make these without the ham?
    • Yes, you can omit the ham or substitute it with another type of deli meat, like turkey or roast beef.
  • Can I use a different type of cracker?
    • Yes, you can

Enjoy these easy, cheesy, and incredibly delicious Ham and Swiss Cracker Melts! They're a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion.

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A close-up of a Ham and Swiss Cracker Melt, showing the melted cheese and ham.

Ham and Swiss Cracker Melts

  • Author: Caoimhe Byrne
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cracker melts 1x
  • Category: Appetizer, Snack
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

These Ham and Swiss Cracker Melts are a quick, easy, and delicious appetizer or snack. Salty Ritz crackers are layered with deli ham and Swiss cheese, then topped with a savory butter mixture and baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 48 Ritz crackers (or similar buttery crackers)
  • 8 slices deli ham
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
  • ½ teaspoon dried minced onion (or onion flakes)

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  • Arrange Bottom Crackers: Arrange half of the Ritz crackers (24 crackers) in a single layer, flat side down, in a 9x13-inch baking dish. No greasing is necessary.

  • Prepare Ham: Tear or roughly chop the deli ham slices into smaller, bite-sized pieces.

  • Prepare Cheese: Cut the Swiss cheese slices into smaller squares or pieces (approximately 1-inch squares) that will fit on top of the crackers.

  • Assemble Melts:

    • Place a portion of the torn/chopped ham on top of each cracker in the baking dish.
    • Top the ham with a piece of Swiss cheese.
    • Place another Ritz cracker on top of the cheese, rounded side up, to form mini sandwiches.

  • Make Butter Topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Whisk until well combined.

  • Pour Topping: Pour the butter mixture evenly over the assembled cracker sandwiches, making sure to distribute it as evenly as possible.

  • Sprinkle Toppings: Sprinkle the poppy seeds and dried minced onion evenly over the tops of the cracker sandwiches.

  • Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the cracker tops are lightly golden brown.

  • Serve: Serve the cracker melts warm.

Notes

  • Ritz Crackers: Use regular Ritz crackers or a similar buttery cracker.
  • Ham: You can use any type of deli ham you prefer, such as honey ham, black forest ham, or smoked ham.
  • Cheese: Swiss cheese is traditional, but you can substitute other cheeses, such as cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack.
  • Make-Ahead: You can assemble the cracker melts ahead of time and store them, covered, in the refrigerator until ready to bake. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
  • Serving Suggestions: These cracker melts are great for appetizers, snacks, or a light meal.
  • Storage

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