Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few ingredients to make these easy party sandwiches.
For the Sandwiches
2 sleeves Ritz crackers
8 ounces thinly sliced deli ham
8 ounces sliced Swiss or cheddar cheese
For the Butter Topping
½ cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon poppy seeds, optional
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, optional
That's it!
A short ingredient list, but plenty of flavor.
What Kind of Cheese Should You Use?
Swiss cheese is a classic choice because its slightly nutty flavor pairs beautifully with ham.
Cheddar is another great option if you prefer a stronger, richer cheese flavor.
You can also experiment with:
Pepper Jack
Provolone
Colby Jack
Havarti
Monterey Jack
Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong with melty cheese here!
What Tools Do You Need?
You don't need any special equipment.
Baking sheet or baking dish
Parchment paper
Small mixing bowl
Pastry brush
Measuring spoons
Small spoon or spatula
A pastry brush makes it especially easy to spread the buttery topping evenly over all the sandwiches.
Ingredient Substitutions and Add-Ins
One of my favorite things about these Ritz cracker sandwiches is how easy they are to customize.
Swap the Ham
Not a ham fan? No problem.
Try:
Sliced turkey
Deli chicken
Cooked bacon
Roast beef
Cooked bacon is especially delicious with cheddar!
Change the Cheese
Use whatever melts well and happens to be sitting in your refrigerator.
Swiss, cheddar, pepper Jack, provolone, and Monterey Jack are all delicious choices.
Add Some Heat
Want a little kick?
Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the butter mixture, or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Add Pickles
A tiny slice of dill pickle tucked inside each sandwich adds a wonderful tangy crunch.
Ham, cheese, and pickle? Yes, please!
Make Them Extra Savory
Try adding a little smoked paprika or Italian seasoning to the butter topping.
Just be careful not to overpower the delicate Ritz cracker flavor.
How to Make Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches
These couldn't be much easier!
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
You can also arrange the sandwiches in a baking dish if you prefer them to fit snugly together.
Step 2: Build the Sandwiches
Place half of the Ritz crackers on the prepared baking sheet.
Cut or fold the ham and cheese into pieces small enough to fit comfortably on each cracker.
Place a small piece of ham and cheese on top of each cracker.
Then cover each one with another Ritz cracker.
Now you have your tiny sandwiches!
Step 3: Make the Buttery Topping
In a small bowl, combine:
Melted butter
Dried parsley
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Poppy seeds, if using
Dijon mustard, if using
Stir until everything is well combined.
The smell of that buttery mixture alone will have you ready to eat these!
Step 4: Arrange the Sandwiches
Arrange the little sandwiches close together on your prepared baking sheet or in a baking dish.
Keeping them close together helps them stay upright and makes it easier to brush the topping over all of them.
Step 5: Brush With Butter
Generously brush the buttery mixture over the tops of the Ritz cracker sandwiches.
Try to distribute the mixture evenly so each sandwich gets plenty of that delicious garlic-and-herb flavor.
Step 6: Bake
Place the sandwiches in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10–12 minutes.
They're ready when the cheese is melted, the sandwiches are warm, and the crackers are lightly toasted.
Keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time so the crackers don't become overly browned.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Let the sandwiches cool for just a couple of minutes before serving.
And then watch what happens.
One disappears.
Then another.
And suddenly someone asks, "Are there any more?"
That's your cue to make another batch! 😂
What to Serve With Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches
These little sandwiches are perfect as part of a larger appetizer spread.
Serve them alongside:
Vegetable trays
Fresh fruit
Potato chips
Pretzels
Pickles
Olives
Deviled eggs
Chicken wings
Meatballs
Dips and spreads
For a holiday party, arrange them on a platter with fresh herbs, colorful vegetables, or additional crackers around the edges.
They make a very inviting presentation without requiring much extra work.
Tips for Making the Best Ritz Cracker Sandwiches
Don't Overfill Them
Because Ritz crackers are delicate, a small amount of ham and cheese is usually all you need.
Too much filling can make the sandwiches difficult to handle.
Cut the Filling to Fit
Trim or fold the ham and cheese so they stay inside the cracker rather than hanging over the edges.
This also makes the finished sandwiches look much neater.
Don't Skip the Butter Topping
The sandwiches are tasty without it, but the buttery topping is what really takes them to another level.
It adds flavor and helps create those lightly toasted, golden edges.
Watch the Baking Time
Ritz crackers can brown quickly.
You're looking for warm sandwiches, melted cheese, and lightly toasted crackers—not deeply browned crackers.
Serve Them Warm
They're at their best shortly after coming out of the oven, when the cheese is still wonderfully melty.
Can You Make Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches Ahead of Time?
Yes!
You can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time and keep them covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake them.
For the best results, prepare the butter mixture separately and brush it over the sandwiches shortly before baking.
This helps prevent the crackers from becoming too soft before they go into the oven.
How to Store Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers—which may be the hardest part of this recipe—place them in an airtight container and refrigerate.
They can be reheated in the oven or toaster oven until warm.
I recommend avoiding prolonged microwave reheating because the crackers can lose some of their texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cracker?
Yes. Ritz crackers are ideal because of their buttery flavor and delicate texture, but you can experiment with other round buttery crackers.
Keep in mind that different crackers may bake differently, so watch them carefully.
Can I use turkey instead of ham?
Absolutely. Thinly sliced deli turkey works very well.
You can pair turkey with Swiss, cheddar, or provolone for a delicious variation.
Can I make these with bacon?
Yes! Cooked bacon makes a fantastic substitute for the ham.
Try bacon with cheddar or pepper Jack for a particularly flavorful combination.
Do I have to use poppy seeds?
No. Poppy seeds are completely optional.
They add a little texture and visual appeal, but the sandwiches will still be delicious without them.
Is Dijon mustard necessary?
No, but it adds a subtle tanginess to the butter topping.
If you don't have Dijon mustard or don't enjoy its flavor, simply leave it out.
Can I add hot sauce?
Absolutely! Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the melted butter mixture for a spicy version.
Can I make these for a large party?
Definitely. This is one of the reasons I love this recipe!
You can easily prepare multiple batches and bake them as needed so guests can enjoy them warm.
Conclusion
These Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are proof that great party food doesn't have to be complicated.
With buttery Ritz crackers, savory ham, melty cheese, and a flavorful garlic-herb butter topping, every little sandwich packs plenty of flavor into one tiny bite.
They're quick to assemble, easy to customize, and perfect for everything from holiday gatherings to game-day parties and casual family get-togethers.
Just remember: if you're serving these to a crowd, you might want to make more than you think you'll need.
Because one thing is almost guaranteed...
These tiny sandwiches are going to disappear FAST! 🧈🧀🥪
If you make them, leave a review and share a photo on Pinterest. I always love seeing how you put your own spin on these little party bites!
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