Crispy Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches loaded with ham, Swiss cheese, and a buttery Dijon glaze—the easiest party snack you’ll ever make!
You ever have one of those days where your brain just quits on you? Like, you’re fully functioning, moving around, but the moment you need to make a decision—poof. Nothing. That was me, standing in my kitchen, staring into my fridge like it was gonna whisper a game-changing appetizer idea.
We had guests coming over. I had zero plan. All I knew was that I needed something quick, because the idea of anyone arriving to find me flailing around the kitchen like a cooking show gone wrong? Not happening.
So, I grabbed what I had—Ritz crackers, some ham, a few slices of Swiss, and a half-empty bottle of Dijon. Threw it all together, popped it in the oven, and hoped for the best. And the best is exactly what happened.
These little sandwiches? GONE in minutes. I’m talking blink and you’ll miss them levels of good. And now? They’re a party staple. A mandatory snack for every gathering. And honestly? I kinda love how something so simple turned out to be the thing everyone talks about.
Why You’ll Love This Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches Recipe?
- Minimal effort, maximum payoff. If you can stack crackers, you can make these.
- Crispy, cheesy, buttery magic. A perfect mix of textures.
- The ultimate crowd-pleaser. People will hover over the tray for seconds.
- Easy to customize. Switch up the cheese, the meat, or even the sauce.
- Perfect for literally anything. Game night, a party, or just a Tuesday snack attack.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s break it down—every ingredient does some heavy lifting here.
- Ritz Crackers – The buttery, crispy base that holds it all together. No substitutions. Other crackers just don’t have that melt-in-your-mouth magic.
- Deli Ham – Thinly sliced works best. If you like a little sweetness, honey ham is a good move.
- Swiss Cheese – It melts beautifully and gives that perfect mild, nutty flavor. Not a Swiss fan? No worries—cheddar, provolone, or gouda will work, too.
- Butter – Because of course we’re brushing butter over the tops. What kind of world would it be if we didn’t?
- Dijon Mustard – A little tang, a little sharpness—it balances the richness.
- Worcestershire Sauce – The secret weapon. Adds a deep, umami kick. Don’t skip it.
- Garlic Powder – No explanation needed. Garlic makes everything better.
- Poppy Seeds & Dried Minced Onion – These give the sandwiches that little extra something. A bit of texture, a touch of flavor, and a fancy-looking finish.
Pro Tip: Want an even cheesier bite? Add two slices of cheese per sandwich. You’re welcome.
How To Make Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches?
These come together fast, so make sure your oven’s preheated and you’re ready to roll.
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Set your oven to 350°F. Line up 24 Ritz crackers on a baking sheet like tiny golden soldiers.
Step 2: Build the Sandwiches
Take your ham slices and fold them into small squares so they fit perfectly on each cracker. Do the same with your Swiss cheese. Then, top each one with another Ritz cracker to form a mini sandwich.
Step 3: Whip Up That Buttery Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Melted butter
- Dijon mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic powder
Now, grab a spoon and drizzle it over the sandwiches. Try not to drool.
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Step 4: Sprinkle & Bake
Top everything off with poppy seeds and minced onion, because we’re fancy like that. Then bake for 10-12 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melty.
Step 5: Serve & Watch Them Disappear
Give them a minute or two to cool (if you can wait), then serve warm. But fair warning: these will be gone before you even sit down.
Storage Options:
Let’s be real—you probably won’t have leftovers. But on the off chance you do:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat at 325°F for about 5 minutes.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to a month. Reheat at 350°F for 10-12 minutes straight from frozen.
Variations and Substitutions:
There are so many ways to play with this recipe. Here are a few:
- Bacon Cheddar – Swap Swiss for cheddar and add a crispy bacon piece. Game over.
- Spicy Kick – Add sriracha or spicy mustard to the butter sauce.
- Turkey & Havarti – Replace ham with turkey and use creamy Havarti.
- Pickle Lovers’ Delight – Add a thin pickle slice inside before baking. Trust me.
What to Serve with Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches?
They’re great alone, but if you want to go all in, try these pairings:
- Tomato Soup – Because cheesy sandwiches + tomato soup = perfection.
- A Light Side Salad – A little freshness balances out all the buttery goodness.
- White Wine or Beer – Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or a crisp lager all work.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble them a few hours ahead, cover them, and keep them in the fridge. When ready, drizzle with butter sauce and bake.
Can I use a different cracker?
Technically, yes. But Ritz crackers have that perfect buttery crunch. Other crackers just aren’t the same.
Can I make these without meat?
100%! Try roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, or even a slice of avocado.
So there you have it—the easiest, most addictive party snack you’ll ever make. These Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are crispy, cheesy, buttery, and stupidly good. Whether it’s game night, a party, or just a you need a snack now situation, they’ll never let you down.
Now, let’s be honest—how fast did yours disappear? Let me know in the comments! And hey, maybe make a double batch next time.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 48 Ritz crackers
- 8 slices deli ham
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 tbsp. melted butter
- 2 tsps. Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
- 1/2 tsp dried minced onion
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Arrange 24 Ritz crackers in a baking dish measuring 9x13 inches.
- Place ham strips and cheese squares, on top of each cracker. Then add another cracker on top.
- Combine melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, and garlic powder together in a mixing bowl.
- Drizzle the sauce over the sandwiches in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle poppy seeds and minced onion on top.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or, until golden brown.
- Serve the sandwiches warm.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
