Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches Recipe

Introduction

Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are a delightful, bite-sized appetizer perfect for any gathering. These buttery, crispy crackers sandwich melted cheese and deli meat, then bake to golden perfection. Simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser, they bring classic flavors to your party table.

Ingredients

• 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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Place half of the Ritz crackers, salted side down, on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Step 3: Add a small piece of ham and a piece of cheese to each cracker on the sheet.
4. Step 4: Top each with another Ritz cracker, salted side up, to form little sandwiches.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and honey or brown sugar if using.
6. Step 6: Brush the tops of each sandwich with the butter mixture evenly.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 7–9 minutes, or until cheese melts and tops turn golden brown.
8. Step 8: Let the sandwiches cool for 2–3 minutes before serving warm. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Try different deli meats like turkey or roast beef and cheeses such as provolone or pepper jack for variety.
• Add a thin layer of cream cheese or a spread to keep moist fillings from making crackers soggy.
• For a sweet twist, use peanut butter and Nutella or marshmallow fluff with chocolate for dessert sandwiches.
• Brush tops with melted butter mixed with garlic powder or herbs for an extra flavor boost.
• Make both savory and sweet versions for a diverse party platter that appeals to all guests.
• Use Town House or Club crackers as substitutes, but Ritz offers the best buttery flavor and crispness.
• Freeze unbaked sandwiches layered on a tray for up to a month; bake straight from frozen with extra time.

Storage

Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 3 days, though they may soften. To re-crisp, bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. Sweet versions should be kept cool or refrigerated to prevent fillings from melting.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sandwiches a few hours before serving and keep them refrigerated. Bake or serve cold depending on the filling just before guests arrive for the best texture and flavor.

Can I serve them cold?

Absolutely. Cold sandwiches work well, especially with creamy spreads or no-bake fillings like peanut butter, chicken salad, or ham with cream cheese.

Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches Recipe

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Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are a delightful and easy appetizer featuring flaky Ritz crackers filled with melted cheese and deli meat, brushed with a savory buttery glaze, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for parties, game days, or casual gatherings, these bite-sized sandwiches offer a crispy exterior with a warm, flavorful filling. Both savory and sweet versions can be made to satisfy a variety of taste preferences.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 mini sandwiches 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Crackers & Fillings

• 48 Ritz crackers (about 2 sleeves)
• 12 slices deli ham, cut into quarters
• 6 slices cheddar or Swiss cheese, cut into quarters

Butter Glaze

• 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)

Optional Seasonings & Additions

• Additional garlic powder, onion powder, or everything bagel seasoning for sprinkling
• Fillings such as cream cheese, turkey, roast beef, chicken, smoked salmon, prosciutto, peanut butter, Nutella, marshmallow fluff, caramel, or fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Assemble the sandwiches: Arrange half of the Ritz crackers on the baking sheet, salted side down. Place a small piece of ham and a quartered slice of cheese on each cracker. Top each with another cracker, salted side up, gently pressing to form a mini sandwich.
3. Mix the glaze: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds if using, garlic powder, and honey or brown sugar if you prefer a hint of sweetness. Stir well to combine.
4. Brush and season: Lightly brush the tops of each sandwich with the butter glaze mixture. For savory sandwiches, sprinkle additional optional seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or everything bagel seasoning. Skip seasonings for sweet versions or dust with cinnamon sugar instead.
5. Bake until golden: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 7–9 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese melts and the crackers become a deeper golden brown. Avoid overbaking to prevent burning.
6. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the sandwiches to cool for 2–3 minutes to set. Serve warm or at room temperature, arranged neatly on a platter and optionally garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of honey for an attractive presentation.
7. For no-bake version (optional): Assemble crackers with soft fillings like cream cheese and ham or peanut butter and jelly. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving for a crisp, firm texture without baking.

Notes

• Make both savory and sweet versions to offer guests a variety of flavor options at parties.
• Prepare sandwiches a few hours ahead and store refrigerated; bake or serve just before guests arrive for best quality.
• To avoid sogginess from wet fillings, layer cheese or deli meat between moist ingredients and the cracker as a moisture barrier.
• You can substitute Ritz crackers with other buttery, crisp round crackers like Town House or Club crackers.
• Freeze unbaked sandwiches in a single layer for up to one month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes of cooking time.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature up to 24 hours or refrigerated for up to 3 days, re-crisping by baking at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes if needed.
• Sweet sandwiches should be kept cool or refrigerated to prevent fillings like chocolate or cream from melting.

Keywords: Ritz cracker sandwiches, party appetizers, baked crackers, finger food, game day snacks, savory bites, easy party food