Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches
Crispy, buttery, and irresistibly savory, these Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are the kind of appetizer that disappears the moment they hit the table.
Layers of smoky deli ham and melty Swiss cheese are tucked between golden Ritz crackers, then brushed with a rich, flavorful glaze of butter, Dijon, and spices before being baked to perfection.
Each bite delivers crunch, warmth, and comfort—simple ingredients elevated into a crowd-pleasing snack. Whether for game day, holidays, or casual gatherings, these little sandwiches bring big flavor and instant nostalgia.
Why People Will Love Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches:
Irresistible crunch meets melty comfort – the contrast of crisp Ritz crackers with gooey cheese and savory ham creates the perfect bite.
A glaze that transforms simplicity – the buttery Dijon mixture with hints of garlic, onion, and poppy seeds elevates these sandwiches beyond ordinary finger food.
Nostalgic yet elevated – familiar flavors of ham, cheese, and crackers take on a new life, reminding people of childhood snacks while impressing at any party.
Quick to prepare, hard to resist – just minutes in the oven deliver golden, flavor-packed bites that vanish as soon as they’re served.
Perfect for sharing – bite-sized and crowd-friendly, they’re designed for gatherings, making everyone feel welcomed with a warm, savory treat.
Key Ingredient:
Ritz Crackers – buttery, crisp, and slightly salty, they form the golden shell that makes these sandwiches irresistible.
Deli Ham – smoky and savory, it adds hearty depth and balances the richness of the cheese and glaze.
Swiss Cheese – creamy and tangy, it melts into the filling, creating gooey layers that bind the flavors together.
Butter – the base of the glaze, bringing richness and helping the crackers bake to a glossy, golden finish.
Dijon Mustard & Worcestershire Sauce – a duo that adds tang, sharpness, and umami, transforming a simple snack into something bold and complex.
Garlic Powder, Dried Onion & Poppy Seeds – subtle aromatics and crunch that give each bite a savory lift and visual appeal.
Expert Tips:
Cut the fillings with precision – slicing ham and cheese into neat quarters ensures every sandwich is uniform, with no overhang to burn or slide off during baking.
Layer thoughtfully – place ham directly on the bottom cracker to shield it from cheese moisture, helping maintain that signature Ritz crunch.
Brush, don’t soak – when applying the butter glaze, coat the tops generously but evenly; too much liquid will soften the crackers instead of crisping them.
Bake just until golden – keep a close eye during the last few minutes. Overbaking risks drying out the cheese or burning the glaze, while perfect timing yields gooey centers and crisp tops.
Serve warm for maximum impact – these sandwiches shine when the cheese is melty and the glaze still fragrant. Prepare them close to serving time or reheat briefly in the oven to recapture that just-baked magic.
Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches
Ingredients
48 Ritz crackers – for the crunchy sandwich base and top
8 slices deli ham – cut into quarters to fit perfectly between crackers
8 slices Swiss cheese – quartered for melty, savory layers
4 tablespoons butter, melted – forms the rich glaze
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard – adds tangy depth to the butter mixture
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – for savory umami flavor
½ teaspoon garlic powder – subtle aromatic seasoning
1 teaspoon poppy seeds – for a nutty crunch and visual appeal
½ teaspoon dried minced onion – adds a hint of sweetness and texture
Instructions
Preheat the oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Prepare the fillings – Cut the deli ham and Swiss cheese into quarters so each piece fits neatly between the crackers. You should have 24 small squares of ham and 24 of cheese.
Assemble the sandwiches – Arrange 24 Ritz crackers on the prepared baking sheet. Top each with a piece of ham and a piece of cheese, then place another cracker on top to form mini sandwiches.
Mix the butter glaze – In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, poppy seeds, and dried minced onion until well combined.
Brush the sandwiches – Using a pastry brush, coat the tops of each sandwich generously with the butter mixture, ensuring every cracker is evenly covered.
Bake – Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the crackers turn golden brown.
Serve – Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm and enjoy these bite-sized party favorites.
Important Notes When Making Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches:
Cracker choice matters – stick with Ritz or another buttery-style cracker; thinner or less sturdy crackers may burn or collapse under the glaze and filling.
Ham and cheese flexibility – while Swiss and ham create the classic flavor, you can swap in cheddar with turkey, provolone with roast beef, or even pepper jack with salami for new twists.
Balance the glaze – Dijon and Worcestershire bring depth, but too heavy a hand can overpower the delicate Ritz flavor; whisk well and taste before brushing.
Bake, don’t microwave – reheating in the oven restores crispness, while microwaving makes the crackers soft and chewy.
Best enjoyed fresh – these are at their peak warm from the oven, but if preparing ahead, assemble the sandwiches and refrigerate. Brush with glaze and bake just before serving.
Serving size strategy – they’re bite-sized and addictive, so plan for at least 3–4 sandwiches per guest at parties; they disappear fast.
How To Enjoy Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches After Cooking:
Pause before serving – let the sandwiches rest for 1–2 minutes after baking; this allows the cheese to settle slightly while keeping the crackers crisp.
Take in the aroma – notice the buttery scent from the glaze mingling with the savory notes of ham, cheese, and garlic—it’s a preview of the flavor to come.
Pick up with care – they’re small, but warm; hold them gently so the top cracker stays pressed to the gooey filling.
First bite, slow and deliberate – savor the crackle of the Ritz giving way to melty cheese, smoky ham, and the buttery glaze with hints of mustard and onion.
Pair thoughtfully – enjoy them with a cold soda, crisp beer, or even a sparkling water; the bubbles cut through the richness beautifully.
Share generously – these sandwiches are meant for gatherings; passing them around warm from the tray adds to their charm and comfort.
Enjoy the aftertaste – the buttery finish and lingering poppy seed crunch invite you back for another bite, making them nearly impossible to resist.
Nutrition Information:
Per sandwich (1 Ritz Cracker Party Sandwich; recipe makes 24):
Calories: 92 kcal | Total Fat: 6.2 g | Saturated Fat: 2.8 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2.3 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.7 g | Cholesterol: 12 mg | Sodium: 240–280 mg (depending on ham, cheese, and cracker brand) | Total Carbohydrates: 6.7 g | Dietary Fiber: 0.3 g | Sugars: 1.2 g | Protein: 3.4 g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use different meats or cheeses?
Yes. While ham and Swiss are classic, you can easily substitute turkey, roast beef, or salami, and swap in cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for variety.
Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble them a few hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. For the best texture, wait to brush with the butter glaze and bake just before serving.
How do I keep the crackers from getting soggy?
Place the ham directly on the bottom cracker before the cheese—this creates a barrier so moisture from the cheese doesn’t soften the base cracker while baking.
Can I reheat leftovers?
Yes, but avoid the microwave, which makes crackers chewy. Reheat in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.
Are these good for large gatherings?
Definitely. The recipe yields 24 sandwiches, but it can easily be doubled or tripled. Plan on at least 3–4 sandwiches per guest—they disappear quickly!
How finely should I cut the ham and cheese?
Cut each slice into quarters so they fit neatly between the crackers. Keeping them uniform ensures even baking and prevents the filling from spilling out.
When should I apply the butter glaze?
Brush the glaze on right before baking. If applied too early, the crackers may absorb excess moisture and lose their crispness.
Can I bake them at a higher temperature to speed things up?
It’s not recommended. Higher heat may burn the glaze before the cheese melts properly. Stick with 350°F (175°C) for golden, evenly baked sandwiches.
How do I keep the tops from sliding off during baking?
Press the top cracker down gently before brushing with the glaze. The melted cheese will act as glue once baked, keeping the sandwiches intact.
Can I prepare the butter glaze in advance?
Yes. You can mix the glaze a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just warm it slightly before brushing so it spreads easily.