๐ฅช Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches
Makes 24 mini sandwiches | Prep: 10 min | Bake: 10–12 min | Total: ~25 min
๐ Ingredients
For the Sandwiches:
48 Ritz crackers (yes, 48 — two per sandwich!)
8 slices deli ham, cut into quarters (24 pieces)
8 slices Swiss cheese, cut into quarters (24 pieces)
For the Savory Butter Sauce:
4 tbsp (¼ cup) unsalted butter, melted
2 tsp Dijon mustard (adds tang and helps emulsify)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (umami depth!)
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp poppy seeds (for that classic look and crunch)
½ tsp dried minced onion (or onion powder in a pinch)
๐ Optional Upgrade: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for heat
๐ฉ๐ณ Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prep & Preheat
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2️⃣ Cut Ham & Cheese
Lay out ham and Swiss cheese slices.
Use a sharp knife to cut each slice into 4 equal squares (you’ll get 24 total of each).
๐ก Pro Tip: Slightly dampen the knife to prevent cheese from sticking!
3️⃣ Assemble the Sandwiches
Place 24 Ritz crackers on the baking sheet.
Top each with:
1 piece ham
1 piece cheese
Cap with another Ritz cracker to form a mini sandwich.
4️⃣ Make the Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together:
Melted butter
Dijon mustard
Worcestershire sauce
Garlic powder
Poppy seeds
Dried onion
๐ง Tip: Whisk well so poppy seeds don’t settle.
5️⃣ Brush Generously
Use a pastry brush to coat the top of each sandwich with the butter mixture.
Cover completely — this is what makes them golden and crispy!
6️⃣ Bake to Perfection
Bake 10–12 minutes, until:
Crackers are golden brown
Cheese is fully melted inside
Aromas fill your kitchen (and lure people into the room!)
7️⃣ Serve Warm & Fresh
Let cool 1 minute — hot cheese burns!
Serve immediately while warm, crispy, and irresistible.
๐ Presentation Pro Move: Arrange on a tiered tray with toothpicks or cocktail forks.
๐ถ️ Variations & Pro Hacks
๐ง Cheese Swaps: Try cheddar, provolone, pepper jack, or cream cheese for fun twists
๐ Meat Options: Swap ham for turkey, roast beef, salami, or even peanut butter (yes, really — a Southern twist!)
๐ฑ Vegetarian? Skip meat and double up on cheese or use spinach-artichoke spread
๐ฅ Spicy Kick: Add a few drops of hot sauce to the butter mix or use spicy brown mustard
๐ง Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble unbaked sandwiches on the tray, cover, refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving!
❄️ Freeze Before Baking? Yes! Freeze assembled sandwiches on a tray, then store in a bag. Bake from frozen (+2–3 mins)
๐ง Why These Get So Crispy (Without Getting Soggy)
The secret is the butter-mustard glaze:
Butter browns the crackers for deep flavor
Mustard and Worcestershire help the sauce cling without soaking in
Poppy seeds and onion add texture and visual charm
And because they bake quickly at moderate heat, the cheese melts without leaking out — keeping every bite intact.
❤️ Final Thought: Sometimes, Simple Is Everything
In a world of fancy charcuterie boards and gourmet canapรฉs, there’s something deeply comforting about a recipe that says:
“You don’t need much to make people happy.”
These little sandwiches aren’t trying to be fancy. They’re here to do one thing — deliver buttery, cheesy, nostalgic joy in every bite.
So whether you're feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to a taste of childhood…
Turn on the oven, open the Ritz box, and let the party begin. ๐๐