Ritz Cracker Ham and Cheese Sandwiches Recipe

These irresistible Ritz Cracker Ham and Cheese Sandwiches transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Buttery crackers sandwich delicious layers of deli ham and melty Swiss cheese, all topped with a savory butter glaze that takes them to the next level. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser for parties, game days, or when you need a quick and satisfying snack that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Quick: From start to finish, these tasty sandwiches come together in just 20 minutes – perfect for when hunger strikes without warning!
• Crowd Pleaser: Watch these disappear at your next gathering – kids and adults alike can’t resist this perfect combination of flavors and textures.
• Versatile: Serve them as party appetizers, after-school snacks, or alongside soup for a complete meal. They’re delicious warm or at room temperature!
• Simple Ingredients: Everything needed is likely already in your pantry and refrigerator – no special shopping trip required.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ritz Crackers: The star of the show! Their buttery, flaky texture creates the perfect base and top for these mini sandwiches. The slightly sweet flavor pairs beautifully with the savory fillings.
• Deli Ham: Provides that satisfying protein and savory flavor. Choose a quality ham for the best results – I prefer one that’s not too thick or too thin.
• Swiss Cheese: Melts beautifully and offers that distinctive nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with ham. Make sure to get thin slices that will melt quickly.
• Butter: Adds richness to the topping and helps the crackers get that beautiful golden edge. Always use salted butter here for that extra flavor boost.
• Dijon Mustard: Gives the butter mixture a tangy zip that cuts through the richness of the cheese and crackers.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Just a touch adds incredible depth of flavor with its unique umami quality.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses the butter mixture with gentle garlic flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients.
• Poppy Seeds: Optional but recommended! They add a subtle crunch and nutty flavor, plus they make the sandwiches look more appealing.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are some delicious twists on the classic:

• Change the Meat: Try turkey, roast beef, pepperoni, or even bacon instead of ham.
• Switch the Cheese: Cheddar, pepper jack, provolone, or American cheese work beautifully.
• Add Some Veggies: Thin cucumber slices, roasted red peppers, or a small piece of lettuce can add freshness and crunch.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture for a kick.
• Go Sweet: Make a dessert version with chocolate, marshmallow, and graham crackers for mini s’mores sandwiches.

How to Make Ritz Cracker Ham and Cheese Sandwiches

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Area

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Arrange the Base Crackers

Place 48 Ritz crackers on the prepared baking sheet with their flat sides facing up. Make sure to leave a little space between each cracker.

Step 3: Layer the Fillings

Top each cracker with a square of ham followed by a square of Swiss cheese. Try to center them as much as possible so they don’t hang over the edges too much.

Step 4: Complete the Sandwiches

Crown each stack with another Ritz cracker, placing it flat side down to create a sandwich. Press very gently to secure everything together.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until completely combined and smooth.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch

Brush the butter mixture over the tops of the sandwiches, making sure to coat each one evenly. Sprinkle with poppy seeds for that extra special touch.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is wonderfully melty and the crackers turn slightly golden around the edges.

Step 8: Cool Slightly and Serve

Allow the sandwiches to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set just enough so they’re easier to handle.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cut Ingredients to Size: Take time to cut the ham and cheese to match the cracker size for the neatest presentation.
• Don’t Skip the Parchment: It prevents sticking and makes transferring these delicate sandwiches much easier.
• Watch Carefully While Baking: These can go from perfectly golden to overdone quickly, so keep an eye on them after the 8-minute mark.
• Make the Butter Mixture Ahead: You can prepare the flavored butter up to 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just warm slightly before using.
• Assemble Just Before Baking: For the crispiest results, don’t assemble too far in advance or the crackers may soften.

How to Serve

These versatile little sandwiches pair beautifully with so many options:

Perfect Pairings:

• Serve alongside a bowl of tomato soup for a comforting lunch
• Add to a party spread with fresh veggies and dip
• Include on a charcuterie board for an unexpected treat
• Offer as a snack with cold beverages during game day

Presentation Ideas:

• Arrange on a tiered serving platter for an impressive display
• Serve in individual portions in paper cups for easy grabbing at parties
• Skewer with cocktail picks for a fun finger food

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled sandwiches in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. The crackers will soften somewhat but will still be delicious.

Freezing

These sandwiches can be frozen before baking. Arrange on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, brush with the butter mixture and bake from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

For best results, reheat refrigerated sandwiches in a 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as this will make the crackers soggy.

FAQs

Can I prepare these sandwiches ahead of time?
You can assemble the sandwiches up to 4 hours ahead and store them in the refrigerator before baking. However, for the crispiest results, it’s best to brush with the butter mixture just before baking. If you need to prepare further in advance, I recommend cutting the ham and cheese to size and storing separately, then assembling just before baking.

How do I keep the crackers from getting soggy?
The key is to bake them soon after assembly and to serve them promptly once they’re out of the oven. If making for a party, consider baking in batches so there are always fresh, crispy sandwiches available. The butter mixture creates a bit of a barrier that helps protect the crackers for a short time.

Can I make these without the butter topping?
Absolutely! While the butter mixture adds wonderful flavor, you can certainly make a simpler version by just assembling the crackers, ham, and cheese, then baking until the cheese melts. They’ll still be delicious, just with a different flavor profile.

Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?
Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free crackers for the Ritz. Just keep in mind that different crackers may require slight adjustments to baking time, so watch them carefully. Also check that your deli ham is gluten-free, as some processing methods include gluten-containing ingredients.

Final Thoughts

These Ritz Cracker Ham and Cheese Sandwiches are simple proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create something truly special. With just a handful of everyday items and a few minutes of your time, you can transform ordinary crackers into an extraordinary treat that brings smiles all around. Whether you’re looking for an easy appetizer, a kid-friendly snack, or just a little something to satisfy your savory cravings, these little sandwiches deliver big flavor in every bite. Give them a try and watch how quickly they become a requested favorite!

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