Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches
Introduction
These Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. Think of them as a bite-sized, cracker version of classic ham and Swiss sliders—crispy, buttery, cheesy, and bursting with savory flavor. With flaky Ritz crackers, melty Swiss cheese, and tender ham all baked under a buttery poppy seed topping, these little sandwiches disappear fast. They’re perfect for parties, holidays, game day, or anytime you need an easy appetizer that makes people ask for the recipe.
History & Inspiration
Slider-style sandwiches became wildly popular thanks to their convenience and irresistible flavor combinations. The classic ham-and-cheese slider gained fame at potlucks and gatherings, especially with buttery mustard toppings. Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are a modern twist on that idea—swapping bread for buttery crackers to create a lighter, crispier bite while keeping all the familiar flavors people love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Made with just a handful of ingredients
-
Quick to assemble and bake
-
Perfect finger food for parties
-
Sweet, savory, buttery, and cheesy
-
Always a hit with kids and adults alike
Ingredients
-
48 Ritz crackers
-
8 slices deli ham
-
8 slices Swiss cheese
-
4 tablespoons butter, melted
-
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
-
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
-
½ teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
-
½ teaspoon dried minced onion
Cooking Method Overview
This recipe uses a simple oven-baked method, allowing the crackers to crisp while the cheese melts and the butter mixture soaks into every bite. No frying, no fuss—just easy baking with big flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Build the Base
Place half of the Ritz crackers flat-side down in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 3: Add Ham and Cheese
Tear the deli ham into small strips and fold pieces onto each cracker.
Cut Swiss cheese into 1-inch squares and place one piece on top of the ham.
Top each stack with another Ritz cracker to form mini sandwiches.
Step 4: Make the Butter Topping
In a small bowl, stir together:
-
Melted butter
-
Dijon mustard
-
Worcestershire sauce
-
Garlic powder
Pour the mixture evenly over the cracker sandwiches.
Step 5: Add the Final Touch
Sprinkle poppy seeds and dried minced onion evenly over the top.
Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
Step 7: Serve
Serve warm and watch them disappear!
Benefits of This Recipe
-
No complicated prep
-
Perfect make-ahead appetizer
-
Balanced flavors: buttery, salty, cheesy
-
Easy to scale up for large gatherings
-
Uses affordable, pantry-friendly ingredients
Variations & Customizations
-
Swap Swiss for cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack
-
Use turkey instead of ham
-
Add a pinch of brown sugar to the butter topping
-
Make them spicy with a dash of hot sauce
-
Add sesame seeds for extra crunch
Who Will Love These
-
Party hosts
-
Appetizer lovers
-
Holiday entertainers
-
Game day snack fans
-
Anyone who loves sliders and finger foods
Storage & Reheating
-
Best served fresh
-
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days
-
Reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispness
Final Conclusion
Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are proof that simple ingredients can create unforgettable flavor. Crispy crackers, melty cheese, savory ham, and that buttery poppy seed topping make these irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a fun snack, this recipe delivers big flavor in every bite—and once you try them, they’ll become a go-to favorite.
