Looking for an appetizer that’s simple, elegant, and utterly addictive? These Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are everything you could want in a snack—salty, buttery, cheesy, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, throwing a game-day party, or just craving a savory treat to enjoy with a movie, these little sandwiches are guaranteed to disappear fast.
They’re incredibly versatile—you can fill them with cheese, ham, turkey, or even a creamy chicken salad mixture. The combination of crispy Ritz crackers, melted cheese, and warm filling makes these mini sandwiches both comforting and crave-worthy. Plus, they’re easy enough for kids to help make!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s a reason these Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are a hit wherever they go:
- Simple ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples to make them.
- Quick prep: From start to finish, they’re ready in under 20 minutes.
- Crowd-pleaser: Everyone—kids and adults alike—loves their buttery, cheesy flavor.
- Customizable: You can swap fillings depending on your mood or what you have in the fridge.
These bite-sized delights are perfect for holidays, game nights, picnics, or even as a quick snack during busy days. Once you make them, you’ll find yourself craving them again and again.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of delicious Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches:
- 1 box of Ritz crackers (about 48 crackers)
- 8 oz (225 g) deli ham or turkey, thinly sliced
- 6 oz (170 g) cheddar or Swiss cheese, sliced into small squares
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional for a touch of texture and flavor)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional for a hint of sweetness)
Optional Variations
You can customize these sandwiches endlessly:
- Ham & Swiss: The classic combo that’s rich and savory.
- Turkey & Cheddar: Perfect for a milder flavor with a little sharpness from the cheese.
- Pepperoni Pizza Style: Use mini pepperoni slices and mozzarella cheese for a fun twist.
- Bacon Ranch: Combine cooked bacon bits with a little ranch dressing and cheddar.
- Sweet & Savory: Try cream cheese and strawberry jam for a surprising but delicious mix.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Arrange half of the Ritz crackers on the baking sheet, flat side up. Place a small piece of cheese on each cracker, followed by a folded slice of deli ham or turkey.
Top each with another cracker to form a little sandwich.
Step 2: Make the Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, and honey. This buttery glaze is the secret to making these sandwiches so flavorful and golden.
Step 3: Brush and Bake
Use a pastry brush or spoon to drizzle the butter mixture generously over the tops of the cracker sandwiches. Make sure each one is lightly coated—the butter will soak in and add amazing flavor.
Bake the sandwiches in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the tops are golden brown. Keep an eye on them—they cook quickly!
Step 4: Serve Warm
Remove from the oven and let cool for just a minute before serving. These little bites are best enjoyed warm, when the cheese is perfectly gooey and the crackers still crisp.
Tips & Tricks 🍴
- Don’t overbake: Ritz crackers brown fast. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes.
- Use fresh crackers: Stale crackers won’t have the same crunch.
- Add extra flavor: Sprinkle with a little Parmesan or dried herbs before baking.
- Keep them warm: If you’re serving at a party, keep them warm in a low oven (around 200°F) until ready to serve.
- Make ahead: You can assemble the sandwiches a few hours ahead, refrigerate them, and brush with butter just before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches pair beautifully with dips, soups, or festive drinks. Here are some serving ideas to elevate your spread:
- Dips: Serve alongside honey mustard, ranch, or a creamy cheese dip.
- Soups: They’re perfect with tomato soup, potato chowder, or chicken noodle soup.
- Boards: Arrange them on a charcuterie board with fruits, nuts, and pickles for a classy presentation.
- Beverages: Enjoy them with sparkling lemonade, iced tea, or a fruity mocktail.
These sandwiches make a wonderful addition to holiday tables, potlucks, or any get-together where finger food is a must.
Storage and Reheating
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese melts again. Avoid microwaving—they’ll lose their crunch.
- Freeze: You can freeze the assembled (but unbaked) sandwiches for up to a month. Bake directly from frozen for 12–14 minutes.
Nutrition Information (Approx. per Sandwich)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Fat: 8 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of these Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches lies in the contrast of textures and flavors. The buttery crunch of the crackers, the melty cheese, and the savory fillings all come together to create an appetizer that’s both nostalgic and gourmet. The butter glaze adds depth and ensures the crackers turn perfectly golden while baking.
Even better, this recipe is practically foolproof—you can double or triple it effortlessly to feed a crowd. No matter what combination of fillings you choose, they’ll taste fantastic.
Final Thoughts
These Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are proof that the simplest ingredients can create the most delightful bites. They’re crunchy, cheesy, buttery, and satisfying in every way—perfect for parties, holidays, or even as a quick after-school snack.
They’ll disappear faster than you can make them, so be sure to whip up an extra batch! Once you taste that perfect blend of warm cheese, savory filling, and crispy cracker, you’ll understand why this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser every single time. 🧀✨
