Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches Recipe

There’s a reason Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches disappear instantly at any get-together: they’re golden, melty, just-salty-enough bundles of joy that beg to be savored (and devoured!). Perfect for parties, game days, or even an indulgent movie night, these little sandwiches combine buttery Ritz crackers, savory ham, gooey Swiss cheese, and a zippy, buttery sauce—making every bite irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a few kitchen staples to create something seriously crave-worthy. Each ingredient in Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches has a golden purpose—contributing crunch, creaminess, or savory depth that makes every bite special.

• Ritz Crackers: Their signature buttery flavor and crispy texture create the perfect sandwich “buns.”
• Deli Ham: Tear it up for easy layering; its saltiness balances the sweet richness of the crackers.
• Swiss Cheese: Melts beautifully and brings a nutty, creamy note to each sandwich.
• Butter (melted): Brings everything together and adds lusciousness to the top layer.
• Dijon Mustard: Delivers a hint of sharpness that cuts through the richness—don’t skip it!
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a deep, savory punch that gives the butter sauce irresistible umami.
• Garlic Powder: Just a dusting provides subtle warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
• Poppy Seeds: Sprinkle over the top for crunch, flavor, and that classic bakery sandwich look.
• Dried Minced Onion: Toasts as the sandwiches bake and adds a gentle sweetness and texture.

Variations

The beauty of Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches is how easily you can reinvent them. Change things up to suit picky eaters, dietary needs, or to surprise your guests with fun new flavors—all with just a quick swap or two!

• Turkey & Cranberry: Use sliced deli turkey and a dab of cranberry sauce for a holiday-inspired twist.
• Italian Flair: Try peperoni or salami instead of ham and swap Swiss for provolone or mozzarella.
• Vegetarian Version: Sub in roasted veggies or a slice of tomato and some baby spinach for a satisfying meatless bite.
• Spicy Kick: Add a thin slice of jalapeño or use pepper jack cheese for those who like a little heat.

How to Make Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Crackers

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Arrange half of your Ritz crackers, flat side down, in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lining them up neatly ensures your sandwiches will stack easily and bake evenly.

Step 2: Layer on the Ham and Cheese

Tear the deli ham into bite-sized strips, then fold and pile each piece on top of the crackers. Cut your Swiss cheese into 1-inch squares and set one piece atop each mound of ham, ensuring every sandwich gets melty, cheesy goodness in every bite.

Step 3: Top and Build Your Mini Sandwiches

Place the remaining crackers on top, flat-side down, pressing gently to create adorable little sandwiches. Get the kids involved—assembling these is half the fun!

Step 4: Make the Flavored Butter Sauce

Melt your butter and mix in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. This sauce infuses every sandwich with flavor—drizzle or brush it generously over the tops, letting it seep into every nook and cranny.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Bake

Finish with a generous sprinkle of poppy seeds and dried minced onion across the tops, then slide your baking dish into the oven. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the cracker tops turn mouthwateringly golden-brown.

How to Serve Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

Garnishes

Add an extra sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs, like parsley or chives, once your Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches emerge from the oven. Not only do they give an appealing burst of color, but they also add freshness to every bite.

Side Dishes

Set your sandwiches alongside crisp veggies and ranch for dipping, a pile of kettle chips, or a light salad tossed in vinaigrette. These simple sides let the rich, buttery flavors of the sandwiches shine and make your snack spread feel complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your sandwiches in a spiral or concentric circles for eye-catching appeal, or thread them onto skewers for easy “party pops.” For holidays, place them on a platter shaped like a football, heart, or tree, depending on your theme—it’s a guaranteed conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches keep well! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just make sure they’ve cooled to room temperature first, so they don’t get soggy from condensation.

Freezing

For longer storage, assemble the sandwiches up to the point of baking, then freeze them in a single layer on a tray before transferring to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready, bake from frozen and add an extra couple of minutes to the baking time, watching for that signature golden top.

Reheating

To get that just-baked crunch back, reheat leftovers in a 325°F oven for about 5–7 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the crackers won’t stay crisp—so the oven or a toaster oven is your best friend here!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Once you try these Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches, they’re bound to become your go-to for gatherings and celebrations of all kinds. Simple to make, impossible to resist, and so much fun to share—give them a whirl for your next party or cozy night in, and watch the smiles (and the requests for seconds!) roll in.

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