If you’ve ever found yourself standing in the kitchen before a get-together, wondering what snack could please everyone without taking hours to make — this one’s for you. Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are the definition of easy entertaining: buttery, salty, sweet, savory, crunchy, creamy — all in one perfect bite. I still remember the first time I made these little sandwiches for a holiday game night. I watched as people reached for “just one,” only to come back moments later with a small tower on their plates. That’s when I knew I had a keeper recipe on my hands.

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about Ritz crackers. Their golden, buttery crunch reminds many of childhood snacks, but this recipe transforms them into something that feels elevated — perfect for parties, potlucks, or even an easy appetizer before dinner. Whether you’re layering them with creamy cheese and ham, peanut butter and chocolate, or spicy chicken salad, Ritz crackers become the perfect vehicle for fun flavor combinations.

The beauty of these party sandwiches lies in their versatility. You can make them savory or sweet, bake them hot and melty, or serve them cold and crisp. They’re easy to assemble ahead of time and look adorable on a platter — like gourmet bites without the effort. I love arranging them in neat rows on a tray lined with parchment paper, then brushing them with melted butter and baking until golden. The result? A tray of warm, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth sandwiches that disappear faster than you can blink.

Whether you’re planning a game day spread, a casual holiday gathering, or a movie night at home, these bite-sized sandwiches are a guaranteed hit. They’re affordable, fuss-free, and endlessly customizable — the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again.

Why You’ll Love It

• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Buttery Ritz crackers pair perfectly with both sweet and savory fillings, making everyone at the party happy.

• Quick and Easy: No cooking skills needed! Just layer, brush with butter, and bake.

• Customizable: Use ham and cheese, turkey and cranberry, or even Nutella and peanut butter — it all works.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble them a few hours ahead and bake when guests arrive.

• Perfect for Any Occasion: Holidays, birthdays, picnics, or game nights — they fit right in.

Ingredient Notes & Details

Here’s what you’ll need to make the best Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches:

• Ritz Crackers: The star of the show. Use the classic buttery kind for the perfect crisp texture. You can substitute with any round butter cracker, but the original Ritz flavor truly stands out.

• Cheese: Sliced cheddar, Swiss, or provolone melt beautifully. For a creamy center, use cream cheese or a cheese spread.

• Deli Meat: Thinly sliced ham, turkey, roast beef, or chicken all work. If you prefer something lighter, try smoked salmon or prosciutto.

• Butter: Melted butter brushed over the tops gives these sandwiches that irresistible golden finish. Add a sprinkle of garlic powder or dried herbs for extra flavor.

• Optional Add-Ons: Mustard, mayonnaise, honey, cranberry sauce, or pickles — anything that adds moisture and flavor to your filling.

• Sweet Variation Ingredients: For dessert-style sandwiches, use peanut butter, Nutella, marshmallow fluff, or caramel with a sprinkle of sea salt.

Pro Tip: If serving these at a party, make both savory and sweet versions! Arrange them on separate trays and label them so guests can choose their favorite flavor combo.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Gather all your ingredients so assembly goes smoothly.

2. Assemble the Sandwiches:
   Lay out half of the Ritz crackers, flat side up. Place a small piece of cheese or a dollop of your chosen filling on each one. Top with a matching cracker, flat side down, to create a mini sandwich.

3. Brush with Butter:
   Melt about 3 tablespoons of butter and brush the tops of each sandwich lightly. This not only helps them crisp up but adds that signature golden shine.

4. Add Seasoning (Optional):
   For savory sandwiches, sprinkle a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or everything bagel seasoning over the top. For sweet versions, skip the seasoning or dust with a touch of cinnamon sugar.

5. Bake Until Golden:
   Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the crackers turn a deeper shade of golden brown. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

6. Cool Slightly and Serve:
   Allow the sandwiches to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving platter. Serve warm or at room temperature.

7. For No-Bake Version:
   Simply assemble with fillings like cream cheese and ham, peanut butter and jelly, or Nutella and banana slices. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving for a firm, crisp texture.

Serving Suggestion: Arrange your sandwiches neatly on a platter, and garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of honey for a picture-perfect presentation.

FAQ

1. Can I make Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them a few hours before your event, then cover and refrigerate. Bake or serve just before guests arrive for the best texture.

2. Can I serve them cold?
Absolutely. Cold sandwiches are perfect for creamy spreads or no-bake fillings like peanut butter, chicken salad, or ham and cream cheese.

3. What cheese works best?
Cheddar and Swiss are classic, but any good melting cheese will work. For something richer, try pepper jack or gouda.

4. How do I keep them from getting soggy?
If you’re using moist fillings, like tomato or mayo, layer a slice of cheese or deli meat between the wet ingredients and the cracker. It creates a moisture barrier and keeps everything crisp.

5. Can I use a different type of cracker?
Yes, but make sure it’s buttery and crisp. Town House or Club crackers are decent substitutes, but Ritz’s iconic flavor makes the biggest difference.

6. Can I freeze them?
You can freeze unbaked sandwiches for up to a month. Place them in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to serve, bake straight from frozen — just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Storage Tips

Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 3 days — just note that they’ll soften over time. To re-crisp, bake in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes.

If you’ve made a sweet version, keep them in a cool place or refrigerate to prevent chocolate or cream fillings from melting.

Variations

• Ham & Swiss Melt: Classic and savory — perfect with a touch of Dijon mustard between the layers.

• Turkey & Cranberry: Ideal for holidays! Add a little cream cheese and leftover cranberry sauce.

• Pepperoni Pizza Bites: Layer pepperoni, mozzarella, and a dab of pizza sauce for a fun twist.

• Buffalo Chicken: Combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and cream cheese for a zesty bite.

• Peanut Butter & Chocolate: Spread peanut butter on one side and chocolate on the other for an irresistible dessert sandwich.

• S’mores Style: Use marshmallow fluff and a square of chocolate for a campfire-inspired treat.

Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

This Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches recipe is an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer—flaky Ritz crackers filled with melted cheese and deli meat, brushed with a buttery seasoning, and baked until golden. A simple, savory bite perfect for parties and game day!

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Prep Time: 15minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10minutes minutes

Servings: 24

Ingredients

• 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

Instructions

• Preheat the oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Assemble the sandwiches:
• Place half the Ritz crackers, salted side down, on the sheet.
• Add a small square of ham and a piece of cheese to each.
• Top with another cracker, salted side up, to make little sandwiches.
• Mix the glaze: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and honey (if using).
• Brush and bake:
• Brush the tops of each sandwich with the butter mixture.
• Bake for 7–9 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the tops turn golden.
• Serve warm: Let them cool for 2–3 minutes before serving. Perfect for parties or game days!