INTRODUCTION
Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are small, tasty bites that you can make fast. They use simple ingredients and give a lot of joy at a party. These little sandwiches are salty, cheesy, and melt in the mouth. They work well for kids and adults. If you like easy snacks that please a crowd, this recipe will fit the bill. For a sweet and salty twist that uses crackers in a different way, you can read a note about a popular cracker toffee to spark new ideas.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love these sandwiches because they are quick to make. They need few ingredients that you may already have at home. The taste mixes salty cracker, sliced ham, and melted cheese. A light butter glaze adds flavor and a little shine. The recipe is very flexible. You can change the ham, cheese, or topping to match your taste. They bake fast, so you can make a large tray in less than 15 minutes. These bites also stay warm and soft for a short time, so they travel well to potlucks and parties.
HOW TO MAKE Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches
This method is simple. First, gather your ingredients and tools. Then make the sandwiches and brush them with the butter mix. Bake until the cheese melts and the tops turn golden. The steps below are easy to follow even if you are new to cooking. You will find tips inside to keep the crackers crisp and the cheese gooey. For a fun spin, try a sweet glaze like the one used in some cracker candy recipes for contrast with the savory fillings, similar to how people mix sweet and salty in other snacks like cracker toffee treats.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small bowl for the butter mix
- Pastry brush or spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Oven mitts
Ingredients You’ll Need :
48 Ritz crackers (about 2 sleeves), 12 slices deli ham (cut into quarters), 6 slices cheddar or Swiss cheese (cut into quarters), 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted), 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon poppy seeds (optional), ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional, for a sweet glaze)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
Preheat the oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Assemble the sandwiches: Place half the Ritz crackers, salted side down, on the sheet. Add a small square of ham and a piece of cheese to each. Top with another cracker, salted side up, to make little sandwiches.
Mix the glaze: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and honey (if using).
Brush and bake: Brush the tops of each sandwich with the butter mixture. Bake for 7–9 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the tops turn golden.
Serve warm: Let them cool for 2–3 minutes before serving. Perfect for parties or game days!
HOW TO SERVE Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches
Serve these sandwiches warm. They taste best when the cheese is soft and slightly melty. Place them on a large platter so guests can grab them easily. You can add small toothpicks to keep the sandwiches together and make them easy to pick up. Offer a few dipping sauces on the side. Mustard, honey mustard, and a mild ranch dressing work well. For a festive table, arrange them around a bowl of pickles or olives. If you want a sweet and savory option, serve a small pot of jam or chutney nearby to pair with the ham and cheese.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches
Short term storage: Keep leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They will soften after cooling and refrigeration. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. Watch them closely so the crackers do not burn.
Freezing: These sandwiches do not freeze well once fully baked, because the crackers become very soft. If you want to save time, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked sandwiches. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to one month. When ready, bake from frozen but add a couple of extra minutes to the bake time and watch until the cheese melts.
Thawing and reheating: If frozen, bake while still frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes. Let cool for a minute or two before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve with mustard and ketchup for kids.
- Add sliced pickles or a dill spear on the side for a salty, tangy bite.
- Pair with raw veggie sticks like carrots and celery to balance richness.
- Offer a small bowl of sweet jam, like apricot or fig, for guests who like a sweet contrast.
- For a brunch board, add these sandwiches next to fruit, nuts, and sliced bread.
You can also try pairing them with a simple salad for a light meal. If you want to explore other recipes that pair crackers and sweet glazes, you may enjoy reading more about how crackers are used in dessert snacks such as saltine cracker toffee.
VARIATIONS
- Cheese choice: Swap cheddar for Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack for heat.
- Meat swap: Use turkey, roast beef, or a slice of salami instead of ham.
- Vegetarian: Replace the meat with a thin slice of tomato or a small piece of roasted pepper.
- Spicy twist: Add a tiny smear of sriracha or a slice of pickled jalapeño under the cheese.
- Sweet glaze: Increase the honey or use brown sugar in the glaze for a candy-like top.
- Seed mix: Substitute sesame seeds for poppy seeds for a nutty top.
- Mini slider style: Use slider rolls instead of crackers for a bigger bite.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the sandwiches and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. If you need to make them a day ahead, store the assembled sandwiches in an airtight container and bake just before serving.
Q: Can I use unsalted crackers?
A: You can, but the classic flavor comes from the salted side of Ritz crackers. If you use unsalted crackers, add a pinch of salt to the glaze or to the ham.
Q: What if I do not have poppy seeds?
A: Poppy seeds are optional. You can leave them out or use sesame seeds instead.
Q: How can I make them gluten free?
A: Use a gluten-free cracker that is similar in size and texture to Ritz. Make sure the deli meat and other ingredients are labeled gluten free.
Q: Are these safe for kids?
A: Yes. They are small, soft, and usually easy to chew. Cut any large slices into smaller pieces if you are serving small children.
Q: Can I make a larger batch at once?
A: Yes. This recipe scales up well. Use more baking sheets and bake in batches so the oven heat stays steady.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches
Assemble the sandwiches up to a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. If you want to make them hours ahead, brush with the butter glaze right before baking. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked sandwiches on a tray until they are solid, then move them to a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. When ready to serve, bake from frozen and add a few extra minutes to the bake time. If transporting to a party, pack the baked sandwiches in an insulated container to keep them warm for a short time.
Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place half the Ritz crackers, salted side down, on the sheet. Add a small square of ham and a piece of cheese to each. Top with another cracker, salted side up, to make little sandwiches.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and honey (if using).
- Brush the tops of each sandwich with the butter mixture.
- Bake for 7–9 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the tops turn golden.
- Let them cool for 2–3 minutes before serving.