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Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches (Easy, Cheesy, and Crowd-Pleasing!)

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These Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are the ultimate easy appetizer or snack! They're a fun and flavorful twist on classic ham and cheese sandwiches, using buttery Ritz Crackers as the "bread." I love how these little sandwiches are incredibly simple to make, with just a few ingredients and minimal prep time. They're perfect for parties, game days, potlucks, or any gathering where you need a crowd-pleasing snack that disappears fast.

Why You'll Love These Ritz Cracker Sandwiches

  • Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly simple and requires no cooking skills.
  • Buttery and Crispy: The Ritz Crackers provide a buttery and crispy base for the savory fillings.
  • Flavorful: The combination of ham, Swiss cheese, and a Dijon-Worcestershire butter topping is delicious.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: These mini sandwiches are always a hit at parties and gatherings.
  • Kid-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these fun and tasty snacks.
Ingredients for Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches, including Ritz Crackers, ham, cheese, and butter.

Ingredients for Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

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) Specific brand mentioned
  • Thinly sliced deli ham (Meat)
  • Swiss cheese (Dairy)

Topping

  • Unsalted butter (Fat)
  • Dijon mustard (Condiment)
  • Worcestershire sauce (Condiment)
  • Salt (Seasoning)
  • Poppy seeds (Seeds)
  • Dried onion flakes (Spice)

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

Variations

I love these Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches 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 butter crackers or wheat crackers.
  • Add Everything Bagel Seasoning
Assembling the Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches in a baking dish.

How to Make Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

Let me show you how incredibly simple it is to make these Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches:

Preheat Oven

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

Assemble Sandwiches

  1. I place 24 RITZ® Crackers in the bottom of a 13x9 inch baking dish, flat side down.
  2. I place another 24 RITZ® Crackers in the bottom of another 13x9 inch baking dish.
  3. I tear the ham gently with my hands to create tiny strips (they do not need to be perfect) and lay a lightly folded slice on each RITZ® Cracker.
  4. I cut the cheese into 1-inch pieces and place one piece of cheese on top of the ham.
  5. I top each mini sandwich with another RITZ® Cracker, rounded side up.

Make Butter Topping

  1. I place the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave until melted, about 45 seconds.
  2. I gently whisk in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and salt.

Top and Bake

  1. I pour the butter mixture evenly over the mini sandwiches, dividing the mixture evenly between the two pans.
  2. I sprinkle the poppy seeds and the dried onion flakes evenly over the top.
  3. I bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops of the Ritz Crackers are lightly golden brown.

Serve

  1. serve warm

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Party Sandwiches

Here are my secrets for making these sandwiches truly exceptional:

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

How to Serve

These Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches 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 Ritz Cracker Party Sandwich, showing the melted cheese and ham.

Make Ahead and Storage

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

FAQs about Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

  • Can I use a different type of cracker?
    • Yes, you can use any type of cracker you like, but Ritz Crackers are recommended for their buttery flavor and crispy texture.
  • Can I make these without the ham?
    • Yes, you can omit the ham or substitute it with another type of deli meat.
  • Can I use a different type of cheese?
    • Yes, you can.

Enjoy these easy, cheesy, and incredibly delicious Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches! They're a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion.

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A close-up of a Ritz Cracker Party Sandwich, showing the melted cheese and ham.

Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

  • Author: Caoimhe Byrne
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 48 mini sandwiches 1x
  • Category: Appetizer, Snack
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

These RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches are a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing appetizer. Salty RITZ® Crackers are layered with ham and Swiss cheese, then baked with a buttery, savory topping for a delicious and satisfying bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 96 RITZ® Crackers (about 3 sleeves)
  • ½ pound thinly sliced deli ham
  • ⅓ pound thinly sliced Swiss cheese
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons poppy seeds

 

  • 1 teaspoon dried onion flakes (or minced dried onion)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare Baking Dishes: You will need two 13x9-inch baking dishes. No greasing is necessary.
  3. Arrange Bottom Crackers: Place 24 RITZ® Crackers, flat side down, in a single layer in the bottom of each of the two 13x9-inch baking dishes (48 crackers total for the bottom layer).
  4. Prepare Ham: Tear the thinly sliced deli ham into small, irregular strips.
  5. Layer Ham: Divide the torn ham evenly among the crackers, placing a lightly folded portion of ham on top of each cracker.
  6. Prepare Cheese: Cut the Swiss cheese slices into approximately 1-inch squares or pieces.
  7. Layer Cheese: Place one piece of Swiss cheese on top of the ham on each cracker.
  8. Add Top Crackers: Top each mini sandwich with another RITZ® Cracker, rounded side up.
  9. Make Butter Topping: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter completely (about 45 seconds in the microwave).
  10. Whisk in Seasonings: Whisk the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and salt into the melted butter until well combined.
  11. Pour Topping: Pour the butter mixture evenly over the assembled mini sandwiches in both baking dishes, making sure to distribute it as evenly as possible.
  12. Sprinkle Toppings: Sprinkle the poppy seeds and dried onion flakes evenly over the tops of the sandwiches in both dishes.
  13. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops of the RITZ® Crackers are lightly golden brown.
  14. Serve: Transfer the baked party sandwiches to a serving platter and serve warm.

 

Notes

  • RITZ® Crackers: Use regular RITZ® Crackers for this recipe.
  • Ham: You can use any type of deli ham you prefer, such as Black Forest, honey 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 sandwiches 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 party sandwiches are great for appetizers, snacks, or a light meal.
  • Variations: Add a thin slice of tomato.

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