ntroduction: Why Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches?
When you think “party sandwiches,” you often picture mini rolls, finger sandwiches, or sliders. But Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches take a nostalgic shortcut — using buttery Ritz crackers as the “bread” — layering on meat, cheese, then baking or toasting with a flavorful glaze. The result: bite‑size, crunchy, cheesy, savory sandwiches that are easy to prepare and always a hit.
These sandwiches combine the salty, flaky texture of Ritz crackers with classic deli fillings and a buttery, seasoned topping. They’re perfect for potlucks, game days, brunch spreads, holiday gatherings, or any time you want a crunchy little savory bite.
Many home cooks and recipe sites share versions of this classic. For example, Gift of Hospitality offers a version using ham, Swiss, a butter glaze with Dijon mustard and Worcestershire, topped with poppy seeds. Gift of Hospitality
Others like Salty Side Dish offer a simpler version with a Dijon garlic butter topping. Salty Side Dish
What follows is a composite “best of” approach — start with a base recipe (ham + Swiss + glaze), then use the many optional variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
When you think “party sandwiches,” you often picture mini rolls, finger sandwiches, or sliders. But Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches take a nostalgic shortcut — using buttery Ritz crackers as the “bread” — layering on meat, cheese, then baking or toasting with a flavorful glaze. The result: bite‑size, crunchy, cheesy, savory sandwiches that are easy to prepare and always a hit.
These sandwiches combine the salty, flaky texture of Ritz crackers with classic deli fillings and a buttery, seasoned topping. They’re perfect for potlucks, game days, brunch spreads, holiday gatherings, or any time you want a crunchy little savory bite.
Many home cooks and recipe sites share versions of this classic. For example, Gift of Hospitality offers a version using ham, Swiss, a butter glaze with Dijon mustard and Worcestershire, topped with poppy seeds. Gift of Hospitality
Others like Salty Side Dish offer a simpler version with a Dijon garlic butter topping. Salty Side Dish
What follows is a composite “best of” approach — start with a base recipe (ham + Swiss + glaze), then use the many optional variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
Overview: What You Will Make & Yield
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You’ll make “mini sandwich stacks”: Ritz cracker bottom, meat, cheese, Ritz cracker top.
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Then you’ll pour / brush a buttery, mustardy glaze over the top, sprinkle seasonings (poppy seeds, onion flakes, etc.), and bake until melted & golden.
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Yield: about 48 mini sandwich bites (using two 13×9 pans or one large pan) in a standard recipe.
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You’ll make “mini sandwich stacks”: Ritz cracker bottom, meat, cheese, Ritz cracker top.
-
Then you’ll pour / brush a buttery, mustardy glaze over the top, sprinkle seasonings (poppy seeds, onion flakes, etc.), and bake until melted & golden.
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Yield: about 48 mini sandwich bites (using two 13×9 pans or one large pan) in a standard recipe.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need & Why
Here is a base recipe with optional adjustments and substitutes.
Here is a base recipe with optional adjustments and substitutes.
Base Ingredients
Ingredient Quantity Purpose / Notes Ritz Crackers 96 (approx. 3 sleeves) 48 bottom + 48 top crackers Gift of Hospitality+1 Deli ham ½ pound, thin slices Tear or fold to fit over crackers Gift of Hospitality+1 Swiss cheese ~⅓ pound Swiss (or other meltable cheese) Cut or tear into small pieces to fit on crackers Gift of Hospitality+1 Unsalted butter 5 tablespoons (or ~4 Tbsp in some versions) Melted, forms the base of glaze Gift of Hospitality+2easy.makingourlifematter.com+2 Dijon mustard 2 teaspoons Adds tang and depth to glaze Gift of Hospitality+2cooks.com+2 Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon Adds umami complexity Gift of Hospitality+1 Salt ~¼ teaspoon To balance flavors in glaze Gift of Hospitality Poppy seeds 2 teaspoons Classic topping for visual contrast & mild nuttiness Gift of Hospitality+2cooks.com+2 Dried onion flakes (or minced dried onion) 1 teaspoon Adds onion flavor and texture on top Gift of Hospitality+1
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ritz Crackers | 96 (approx. 3 sleeves) | 48 bottom + 48 top crackers Gift of Hospitality+1 |
| Deli ham | ½ pound, thin slices | Tear or fold to fit over crackers Gift of Hospitality+1 |
| Swiss cheese | ~⅓ pound Swiss (or other meltable cheese) | Cut or tear into small pieces to fit on crackers Gift of Hospitality+1 |
| Unsalted butter | 5 tablespoons (or ~4 Tbsp in some versions) | Melted, forms the base of glaze Gift of Hospitality+2easy.makingourlifematter.com+2 |
| Dijon mustard | 2 teaspoons | Adds tang and depth to glaze Gift of Hospitality+2cooks.com+2 |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 teaspoon | Adds umami complexity Gift of Hospitality+1 |
| Salt | ~¼ teaspoon | To balance flavors in glaze Gift of Hospitality |
| Poppy seeds | 2 teaspoons | Classic topping for visual contrast & mild nuttiness Gift of Hospitality+2cooks.com+2 |
| Dried onion flakes (or minced dried onion) | 1 teaspoon | Adds onion flavor and texture on top Gift of Hospitality+1 |
Equipment & Prep Notes
You’ll need:
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Two 13×9 inch baking pans (or one if your pan is large enough)
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Mixing bowls
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Microwave or small saucepan (to melt butter)
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Spoon or whisk for mixing glaze
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Spatula or tongs
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Oven preheated to 350 °F (175 °C)
Prep steps to keep things organized:
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Tear or cut the ham into small bite‑sized strips or pieces.
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Cut or tear cheese slices into ~1‑inch squares or pieces to roughly match cracker size.
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Lay out the bottom layer of crackers in the pans ready for assembly.
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Melt and mix your glaze ingredients before filling sandwiches, so it’s ready to pour.
You’ll need:
-
Two 13×9 inch baking pans (or one if your pan is large enough)
-
Mixing bowls
-
Microwave or small saucepan (to melt butter)
-
Spoon or whisk for mixing glaze
-
Spatula or tongs
-
Oven preheated to 350 °F (175 °C)
Prep steps to keep things organized:
-
Tear or cut the ham into small bite‑sized strips or pieces.
-
Cut or tear cheese slices into ~1‑inch squares or pieces to roughly match cracker size.
-
Lay out the bottom layer of crackers in the pans ready for assembly.
-
Melt and mix your glaze ingredients before filling sandwiches, so it’s ready to pour.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
Here is a detailed walk-through.
Here is a detailed walk-through.
Step 1: Preheat & arrange bottom crackers
Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
Place 24 Ritz crackers, flat side down, in each 13×9 pan (you’ll use two pans given the usual yield), arranged in 4 rows of 6 (or the best fit for your pan). That’s your bottom layer. Gift of Hospitality+2cooks.com+2
Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
Place 24 Ritz crackers, flat side down, in each 13×9 pan (you’ll use two pans given the usual yield), arranged in 4 rows of 6 (or the best fit for your pan). That’s your bottom layer. Gift of Hospitality+2cooks.com+2
Step 2: Layer ham and cheese
Tear or fold deli ham into bite‑sized bits and place one piece on each bottom cracker.
Cut the Swiss cheese (or your chosen cheese) into small squares or pieces and place one on top of each ham portion. Some versions place multiple ham slices or fold a bit. go.makingourlifematter.com+2The Lazy Dish+2
Tear or fold deli ham into bite‑sized bits and place one piece on each bottom cracker.
Cut the Swiss cheese (or your chosen cheese) into small squares or pieces and place one on top of each ham portion. Some versions place multiple ham slices or fold a bit. go.makingourlifematter.com+2The Lazy Dish+2
Step 3: Top with the second cracker layer
Place another Ritz cracker on top of each stack (round side up). Now each “sandwich” has cracker + ham + cheese + cracker. Be gentle to avoid tearing the bottom cracker. go.makingourlifematter.com+2cooks.com+2
Place another Ritz cracker on top of each stack (round side up). Now each “sandwich” has cracker + ham + cheese + cracker. Be gentle to avoid tearing the bottom cracker. go.makingourlifematter.com+2cooks.com+2
Step 4: Prepare the glaze / butter mixture
Melt the butter (e.g. in microwave or on stove). In that melted butter, whisk in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and optionally garlic powder or garlic if desired. Some versions also use garlic powder. The Painted Apron+3go.makingourlifematter.com+3cooks.com+3
Once mixed, pour the butter glaze evenly over the assembled sandwiches in the pans. Try to get the butter in all nooks, but don’t drown them. Gift of Hospitality+2go.makingourlifematter.com+2
Melt the butter (e.g. in microwave or on stove). In that melted butter, whisk in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and optionally garlic powder or garlic if desired. Some versions also use garlic powder. The Painted Apron+3go.makingourlifematter.com+3cooks.com+3
Once mixed, pour the butter glaze evenly over the assembled sandwiches in the pans. Try to get the butter in all nooks, but don’t drown them. Gift of Hospitality+2go.makingourlifematter.com+2
Step 5: Add toppings (poppy seeds, onion flakes)
Sprinkle poppy seeds and dried onion flakes (or minced dried onion) over the top of the sandwiches to add flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Gift of Hospitality+2go.makingourlifematter.com+2
Sprinkle poppy seeds and dried onion flakes (or minced dried onion) over the top of the sandwiches to add flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Gift of Hospitality+2go.makingourlifematter.com+2
Step 6: Bake
Place pans in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese melts, the crackers are lightly golden, and the tops look crisp. Keep an eye so the cheese doesn’t bubble over too much or the crackers burn. Gift of Hospitality+2cooks.com+2
Place pans in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese melts, the crackers are lightly golden, and the tops look crisp. Keep an eye so the cheese doesn’t bubble over too much or the crackers burn. Gift of Hospitality+2cooks.com+2
Step 7: Rest & Serve
Remove from oven. Let the sandwiches rest for a few minutes (2–3 min) so the butter and filling settle. Then transfer to serving platters or trays.
Serve while still warm for best texture — the cheese should be melty, and crackers crunchy. Some wait until just warm, but not cold.
Remove from oven. Let the sandwiches rest for a few minutes (2–3 min) so the butter and filling settle. Then transfer to serving platters or trays.
Serve while still warm for best texture — the cheese should be melty, and crackers crunchy. Some wait until just warm, but not cold.
Tips & Tricks to Make Them Better
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Even layers: Use consistent cracker layout so each bite is uniform.
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Don’t overfill: If you pile too much ham or cheese, sandwiches may burst or butter may pool.
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Butter distribution: Try to get the butter mixture under the top cracker to help hold things together.
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Alternate meats/cheeses: You can substitute turkey, roast beef, salami, or use cheddar, Colby, provolone, or pepper jack instead of Swiss. The Lazy Dish+1
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Season the butter: Adding garlic powder, onion powder, or hot sauce gives extra kick.
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Make-ahead prep: You can assemble sandwiches ahead (without butter drizzle) and store covered in the fridge. When ready to serve, pour the glaze and bake. Gift of Hospitality notes this. Gift of Hospitality
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Watch baking time closely: Because crackers crisp quickly, don’t overbake. 10–12 min is the usual range.
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Serving warm vs room temp: They’re best warm, with melty cheese; at room temp they still work, especially at parties.
-
Even layers: Use consistent cracker layout so each bite is uniform.
-
Don’t overfill: If you pile too much ham or cheese, sandwiches may burst or butter may pool.
-
Butter distribution: Try to get the butter mixture under the top cracker to help hold things together.
-
Alternate meats/cheeses: You can substitute turkey, roast beef, salami, or use cheddar, Colby, provolone, or pepper jack instead of Swiss. The Lazy Dish+1
-
Season the butter: Adding garlic powder, onion powder, or hot sauce gives extra kick.
-
Make-ahead prep: You can assemble sandwiches ahead (without butter drizzle) and store covered in the fridge. When ready to serve, pour the glaze and bake. Gift of Hospitality notes this. Gift of Hospitality
-
Watch baking time closely: Because crackers crisp quickly, don’t overbake. 10–12 min is the usual range.
-
Serving warm vs room temp: They’re best warm, with melty cheese; at room temp they still work, especially at parties.
Variations & Customization Ideas
Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are a versatile format. Here are many ways to tweak or change them to suit your audience or pantry.
Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are a versatile format. Here are many ways to tweak or change them to suit your audience or pantry.
Alternative Proteins & Cheeses
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Turkey + cheddar
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Roast beef + provolone
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Salami + pepper jack
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Chicken salad or tuna salad (use lighter butter glaze)
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Vegetarian: hummus + roasted veggie + cheese
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Turkey + cheddar
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Roast beef + provolone
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Salami + pepper jack
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Chicken salad or tuna salad (use lighter butter glaze)
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Vegetarian: hummus + roasted veggie + cheese
Imaginative Toppings & Seasonings
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Sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning instead of poppy seeds
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Italian seasoning or oregano
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Crushed red pepper flakes for heat
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Finely diced bell pepper in the butter glaze
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Use honey mustard or spicy mustard instead of Dijon in the glaze
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Sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning instead of poppy seeds
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Italian seasoning or oregano
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Crushed red pepper flakes for heat
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Finely diced bell pepper in the butter glaze
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Use honey mustard or spicy mustard instead of Dijon in the glaze
Breakfast or Sweet Variation
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Swap ham + cheese for slices of apple + cheddar, then drizzle with honey + butter glaze
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Spread cream cheese and jam between crackers, skip baking or use gentle heat just to warm
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Swap ham + cheese for slices of apple + cheddar, then drizzle with honey + butter glaze
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Spread cream cheese and jam between crackers, skip baking or use gentle heat just to warm
Mini or Muffin-Size
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Use smaller pans or mini muffin pans for even smaller bite sizes
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Use crisp snack crackers or smaller cracker brands if you don’t want standard Ritz size
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Use smaller pans or mini muffin pans for even smaller bite sizes
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Use crisp snack crackers or smaller cracker brands if you don’t want standard Ritz size
Serving & Presentation Ideas
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Serve on large platters lined with parchment paper
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Garnish platter edges with fresh herbs or parsley sprigs for color
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Pair with side dips: mustard, aioli, ranch — even though they’re flavorful on their own
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Add small pickles, olives, or pepperoncini on toothpicks between sandwiches for palate refreshers
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Label varieties if making multiple kinds (e.g. “turkey & cheddar,” “ham & Swiss,” “spicy version”)
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Serve on large platters lined with parchment paper
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Garnish platter edges with fresh herbs or parsley sprigs for color
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Pair with side dips: mustard, aioli, ranch — even though they’re flavorful on their own
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Add small pickles, olives, or pepperoncini on toothpicks between sandwiches for palate refreshers
-
Label varieties if making multiple kinds (e.g. “turkey & cheddar,” “ham & Swiss,” “spicy version”)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I halve this recipe?
A: Yes — for 24 mini sandwiches, use half the crackers, meat, cheese, and butter mixture. Gift of Hospitality
Q: Can I use different meat and cheese combinations?
A: Absolutely — many sources suggest swapping in roast beef, turkey, cheddar, Colby jack, etc. The Lazy Dish+2The Painted Apron+2
Q: Can I assemble ahead and bake later?
A: Yes. You can layer the sandwiches and then, when ready, pour the butter glaze and bake. They’ll still turn out nicely. Gift of Hospitality
Q: What if I don’t have poppy seeds or onion flakes?
A: Those are optional garnish touches. You can skip them or use alternatives like sesame seeds or dried herbs.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for a short time, but they work best warm. Reheat gently in oven or air fryer to re-crisp.
Q: Can I halve this recipe?
A: Yes — for 24 mini sandwiches, use half the crackers, meat, cheese, and butter mixture. Gift of Hospitality
Q: Can I use different meat and cheese combinations?
A: Absolutely — many sources suggest swapping in roast beef, turkey, cheddar, Colby jack, etc. The Lazy Dish+2The Painted Apron+2
Q: Can I assemble ahead and bake later?
A: Yes. You can layer the sandwiches and then, when ready, pour the butter glaze and bake. They’ll still turn out nicely. Gift of Hospitality
Q: What if I don’t have poppy seeds or onion flakes?
A: Those are optional garnish touches. You can skip them or use alternatives like sesame seeds or dried herbs.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for a short time, but they work best warm. Reheat gently in oven or air fryer to re-crisp.
Sample Full Recipe (Printable Style)
Here’s a clean version you can follow step by step.
Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches
Makes ~48 mini sandwiches
Ingredients
-
96 Ritz crackers (bottom + top)
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½ lb deli ham, thin slices
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~⅓ lb Swiss cheese (or your choice)
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5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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¼ teaspoon salt
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2 teaspoons poppy seeds
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1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
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(Optional) ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
-
In two 13×9 pans, place 24 Ritz crackers in each bottom layer, flat side down.
-
Tear or fold ham into small bits and place one portion on each bottom cracker.
-
Cut or tear cheese slices and place one piece on each ham portion.
-
Top with a second Ritz cracker (rounded side up).
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Melt butter, whisk in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt (and optional garlic powder).
-
Pour butter mixture evenly over the sandwich stacks.
-
Sprinkle poppy seeds and dried onion flakes over the top.
-
Bake 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted and tops are golden.
-
Let rest a few minutes, then serve warm.
Here’s a clean version you can follow step by step.
Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches
Makes ~48 mini sandwiches
Ingredients
-
96 Ritz crackers (bottom + top)
-
½ lb deli ham, thin slices
-
~⅓ lb Swiss cheese (or your choice)
-
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
-
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
-
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
-
¼ teaspoon salt
-
2 teaspoons poppy seeds
-
1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
-
(Optional) ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
-
In two 13×9 pans, place 24 Ritz crackers in each bottom layer, flat side down.
-
Tear or fold ham into small bits and place one portion on each bottom cracker.
-
Cut or tear cheese slices and place one piece on each ham portion.
-
Top with a second Ritz cracker (rounded side up).
-
Melt butter, whisk in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt (and optional garlic powder).
-
Pour butter mixture evenly over the sandwich stacks.
-
Sprinkle poppy seeds and dried onion flakes over the top.
-
Bake 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted and tops are golden.
-
Let rest a few minutes, then serve warm.
Why This Recipe Works (Flavor & Texture Rationale)
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Ritz crackers bring buttery flakiness and salty crunch — perfect as a “bread” substitute.
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Ham + Swiss cheese offer classic deli flavor — mild, melty, and complementary.
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Butter + Dijonnaise + Worcestershire mixture acts as a flavorful glaze that seeps into the cracks, adds moisture, and integrates flavors.
-
Poppy seeds & onion flakes bring visual appeal and little bursts of texture/flavor on top.
-
Baking rather than raw serving fuses flavors, melts cheese just right, and crisps the top cracker without sogginess.
-
Ritz crackers bring buttery flakiness and salty crunch — perfect as a “bread” substitute.
-
Ham + Swiss cheese offer classic deli flavor — mild, melty, and complementary.
-
Butter + Dijonnaise + Worcestershire mixture acts as a flavorful glaze that seeps into the cracks, adds moisture, and integrates flavors.
-
Poppy seeds & onion flakes bring visual appeal and little bursts of texture/flavor on top.
-
Baking rather than raw serving fuses flavors, melts cheese just right, and crisps the top cracker without sogginess.
Scaling, Nutrition, & Tips for Big Batches
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To double: use 4 pans or one very large pan; double butter mixture and toppings accordingly.
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Nutrition: Each mini sandwich is modest in calories (~60–70 kcal), though this changes with cheese/meat choice and butter amount.
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For large parties: assemble sandwiches early without butter, then pour butter and bake just before serving — keeps crackers crisp.
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Use light meats or cheeses (turkey, low-fat cheddar) and reduce butter slightly for lighter versions.
If you like, I can send you a PDF / printable card version of this recipe, or help you pick side dishes and drinks that go well with these sandwiches. Would you like me to send that?
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To double: use 4 pans or one very large pan; double butter mixture and toppings accordingly.
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Nutrition: Each mini sandwich is modest in calories (~60–70 kcal), though this changes with cheese/meat choice and butter amount.
-
For large parties: assemble sandwiches early without butter, then pour butter and bake just before serving — keeps crackers crisp.
-
Use light meats or cheeses (turkey, low-fat cheddar) and reduce butter slightly for lighter versions.
If you like, I can send you a PDF / printable card version of this recipe, or help you pick side dishes and drinks that go well with these sandwiches. Would you like me to send that?
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