Ritz Cracker Party Sandwich
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our full disclosure policy.
These baked Ritz Cracker party sandwiches are the perfect blend of salty, cheesy, and savory. With layers of deli ham and Swiss cheese tucked between buttery crackers and brushed with a flavorful mustard glaze, they’re easy to make and always disappear fast.
Easy Ritz Cracker Sandwiches
It’s no secret that appetizers are my favorite food group, and these baked Ritz Cracker party sandwiches are definitely up there. They’re quick to make, and the mix of cheese, ham, and that buttery mustard glaze just works. I’ve made them more times than I can count.
They’re especially good for game days when I want a few easy options. I usually serve them with my Mini Football Cheese Balls and Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups. The recipe is easy to scale depending on how many people you’re feeding, but honestly, I’ve never once had any left over.
Ingredients Baked Ritz Cracker Sandwiches
- Ritz crackers – Buttery crackers that form the top and bottom of each sandwich.
- Deli ham – Thin slices of savory meat for the filling.
- Swiss cheese – Melts well and adds a mild cheese flavor.
- Unsalted butter – Base for the glaze that helps everything brown.
- Dijon mustard – Adds a bit of tang to the glaze.
- Worcestershire sauce – Brings in a salty, umami flavor.
- Garlic powder – Adds a light garlic taste.
- Poppy seeds – Sprinkled on top for texture and a classic look.
How to Make Ritz Cracker Sandwiches
- Prep – Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Assemble the bottoms – Place half of the Ritz crackers, flat side up, on a 9×13-inch baking sheet.
- Layer the filling – Top each cracker with a slice of ham folded to fit, then a piece of Swiss cheese.
- Add the tops – Place the remaining crackers on top to form sandwiches.
- Make the glaze – In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and poppy seeds.
- Brush and top – Spoon or brush the glaze over the tops of the cracker sandwiches.
- Bake – Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are lightly golden.
Variations and Substitutions
- Cheese swaps – Try cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack instead of Swiss for a different flavor.
- Different deli meats – Turkey or roast beef work well in place of ham.
- Vegetarian option – Skip the meat and add a slice of tomato, sautéed mushrooms, or extra cheese instead.
- Cracker options – If you don’t have Ritz, any buttery round cracker can be used, but texture and flavor may vary.
- Add a sweet element – A thin layer of fig jam or honey mustard inside each sandwich adds a sweet contrast.
- Spice it up – Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce to the glaze for extra heat.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overload the filling – Keep the ham and cheese neatly within the edges of the cracker so the sandwiches stay intact.
- Keep an eye on the oven – These bake quickly; pull them once the cheese is melted and the tops are lightly golden.
- Serve warm – These are best right out of the oven while the cheese is still gooey and the glaze is fresh.
Want to be the first to know when the next easy party recipe is published? Sign up for our newsletter updates below.
More Easy Party Food Ideas
Check out these simple appetizer recipes.
Did you love these Ritz cracker sandwiches? Please leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments below.
Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 48 Ritz crackers
- 8 slices deli ham torn into three pieces each (24 pieces total)
- 6 slices Swiss cheese cut into four squares each (24 pieces total)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place 24 Ritz crackers, flat side up, on a 9×13-inch baking sheet.
- Fold each piece of ham and place it on a cracker. Top with a slice of Swiss cheese.
- Place the remaining 24 crackers on top to form sandwiches.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and poppy seeds.
- Spoon or brush the butter mixture over the tops of each sandwich.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are lightly golden.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Sandwiches are best served warm, but can be kept in a low oven if prepping ahead.
- Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes, or until heated through. The crackers will soften slightly after refrigeration, but will crisp up a bit again when reheated.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated based on automated calculations and should be considered as an approximation. These estimates are provided as a courtesy. Please use your own brand’s nutritional values to verify accuracy.