Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches
Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for any gathering, from casual game days to festive holiday celebrations. These delectable mini sandwiches offer a delightful combination of savory flavors and delightful textures, making them an irresistible snack. Having made them countless times for parties, I can attest to how quickly these little bites vanish, leaving guests asking for the recipe. So let’s dive into what makes these sandwiches special and how you can whip them up effortlessly.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
These Ryder Cracker Party Sandwiches are not just simple to prepare; they’re adaptable and budget-friendly too! Ideal for entertaining, they come together in under 30 minutes and require minimal ingredients. Whether you’re hosting friends for a casual get-together or looking for a fuss-free snack for the kids, these sandwiches come to the rescue. Plus, the combination of gooey melted cheese and savory deli ham sandwiched between buttery Ritz crackers is bound to win over even picky eaters.
"These Ritz Cracker sandwiches are so easy and tasty! They were the hit of my party, and my kids ask for them every week!" – A satisfied home chef review.
How This Recipe Comes Together
Making Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches is a breeze! The process is straightforward, allowing you to assemble and bake with ease. First, you’ll preheat your oven and prepare your baking sheet. Then it’s simply a matter of layering your ingredients between the Ritz crackers, brushing on a tangy glaze, and baking until golden and melty.
Here’s a quick step-by-step overview:
- Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet.
- Assemble your sandwiches with ham and cheese between Ritz crackers.
- Combine the buttery glaze and brush it on.
- Bake and enjoy as the cheese melts to perfection!
What You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients is quick and easy. Here’s what you’ll need to create these tasty party sandwiches:
- 48 Ritz crackers (about 2 sleeves)
- 12 slices deli ham (cut into quarters)
- 6 slices cheddar or Swiss cheese (cut into quarters)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional for a sweet glaze)
Feel free to swap out deli ham for turkey or even a vegetarian option using roasted veggies or your favorite cheese!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Assemble your sandwiches: Place half of the Ritz crackers, salted side down, on the prepared sheet. Top each with a small square of ham and a piece of cheese. Complete with another cracker, salted side up.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and honey (if you desire a touch of sweetness).
- Brush the tops of each sandwich with the butter mixture.
- Bake for 7–9 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and the tops are golden brown.
- Let them cool for 2–3 minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm as an appetizer, or pair them with a fresh salad for a light meal. They also make a fantastic addition to any game day spread or holiday buffet. For added flair, consider serving them on a decorative platter and garnishing with fresh parsley or sliced olives.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you happen to have any leftovers (though they’re usually gone in a flash!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until warmed through. For longer storage, these sandwiches can be frozen—just wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for better melting when baking.
- Experiment with different types of cheese or deli meats for varied flavors.
- For an extra crunch, sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Creative Twists
Feel free to get creative! You could swap out the ham for turkey, add some sliced pickles for a zing, or even use a spicy mustard to kick up the flavor. For vegetarian options, consider grilled veggies or hummus. The beauty of these sandwiches is in their adaptability!
Your Questions Answered
What’s the prep time?
The prep time is about 10 minutes, and baking takes 7–9 minutes.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble them ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
How do I store leftovers safely?
Keep them sealed in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze if you need to store them longer.
With their quick preparation and delightful flavors, Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are sure to become a staple in your entertaining repertoire. Whether you serve them at a party or simply as a snack for the family, you’ll love how easy and delicious they are!
Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches
Ingredients
Sandwich Ingredients
- 48 crackers 48 Ritz crackers about 2 sleeves
- 12 slices 12 slices deli ham cut into quarters
- 6 slices 6 slices cheddar or Swiss cheese cut into quarters
Butter Glaze
- 4 tablespoons 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon ½ teaspoon poppy seeds optional
- ¼ teaspoon ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar optional for a sweet glaze
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Assemble your sandwiches: Place half of the Ritz crackers, salted side down, on the prepared sheet. Top each with a small square of ham and a piece of cheese. Complete with another cracker, salted side up.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and honey (if you desire a touch of sweetness).
- Brush the tops of each sandwich with the butter mixture.
- Bake for 7–9 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and the tops are golden brown.
- Let them cool for 2–3 minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm!
