These RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches are a delightful addition to any gathering, perfect for game day or casual get-togethers. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to enjoy, while the combination of savory ham and creamy Swiss cheese ensures they will be a hit with everyone. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply need a quick snack, these mini sandwiches deliver on flavor and fun!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation – With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these tasty sandwiches in no time.
- Crowd-Pleaser – The familiar taste of RITZ® Crackers paired with ham and cheese is sure to satisfy your guests.
- Versatile Serving Options – Serve them warm right out of the oven or prepare them ahead for later—either way, they’re delicious!
- Simple Ingredients – Made with just a handful of accessible ingredients, this recipe is as easy as it gets.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a game day buffet or a casual family dinner, these mini sandwiches fit right in.
Tools and Preparation
To make your RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches, you’ll need some essential tools in the kitchen. Being prepared will help streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish (13×9 inch)
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish – Ideal for holding multiple layers of delicious sandwiches, providing even cooking.
- Microwave-safe bowl – Perfect for melting butter quickly without fuss.
- Whisk – Ensures that your butter mixture is well combined for an even distribution over the sandwiches.
Ingredients
These two-bite mini sandwiches are the perfect addition to your game day buffet!
For the Sandwiches
- 96 RITZ® Crackers (about 3 sleeves)
- ½ lb thinly sliced deli ham
- ⅓ lb thinly sliced swiss cheese
For the Butter Mixture
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
How to Make RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. This step is crucial to ensure that your sandwiches bake evenly.
Step 2: Assemble the Base
Place 24 RITZ® Crackers in the bottom of one baking dish, flat side down. Do the same with another 24 crackers in a second dish.
Step 3: Add Ham and Cheese
Tear the ham into small strips and place a folded slice on each cracker. Next, cut the swiss cheese into 1-inch pieces and place one piece on top of each slice of ham. Cap each mini sandwich with another RITZ® Cracker, rounded side up.
Step 4: Prepare the Butter Mixture
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter, about 45 seconds should do. Then whisk in the dijon mustard, worcestershire sauce, and salt.
Step 5: Combine and Season
Evenly pour the melted butter mixture over all mini sandwiches in both pans. Sprinkle with poppy seeds and dried onion flakes, ensuring an even coating.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden Brown
Bake for about 10–12 minutes or until you see that the cheese has melted and tops are lightly golden brown.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Transfer your delicious mini sandwiches to a serving platter and enjoy while they’re warm!
How to Serve RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches
RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches are delightful, bite-sized treats that can brighten any gathering. Whether it’s game day, a family get-together, or a festive party, these mini sandwiches are sure to impress your guests.
Pair with Dips
- Creamy Spinach Dip – This rich dip complements the savory flavors of the sandwiches.
- Hummus – A healthy option that adds a nice contrast to the buttery crackers.
- Guacamole – The creamy texture of guacamole pairs well with the crunch of RITZ® Crackers.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley – Adds a fresh touch and vibrant color to your platter.
- Basil Sprigs – Offers a fragrant aroma and enhances the visual appeal.
- Chives – Their mild onion flavor works perfectly with the sandwiches.
Serve on Festive Platters
- Charcuterie Board – Arrange the sandwiches alongside meats, cheeses, and fruits for a stunning display.
- Tiered Serving Tray – Create an elegant look by stacking the sandwiches on different levels.
- Colorful Paper Plates – For casual gatherings, bright plates can add fun to your presentation.
How to Perfect RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches
Making RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches is easy, but there are ways to elevate them further. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out perfect every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Always opt for fresh deli meats and cheeses for maximum flavor.
- Don’t Overfill – Avoid overstuffing the sandwiches; too much filling can make them difficult to eat.
- Monitor Baking Time – Keep an eye on them in the oven; remove when cheese is bubbly and crackers are golden brown.
- Experiment with Flavors – Try different cheeses or condiments to create unique variations of these sandwiches.
Best Side Dishes for RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches
RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some tasty options that will complement your mini sandwiches perfectly.
- Veggie Platter – A colorful assortment of fresh vegetables served with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Fruit Skewers – Easy-to-eat pieces of fruit on skewers add sweetness and color to your spread.
- Potato Salad – A classic side dish that provides a hearty balance to the lightness of the sandwiches.
- Caprese Salad Bites – Skewer mozzarella balls, tomatoes, and basil for a refreshing side.
- Chips and Salsa – Crunchy tortilla chips paired with zesty salsa add a delightful crunch to your meal.
- Stuffed Mini Peppers – These sweet peppers filled with cream cheese or feta offer a tasty bite-sized option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final outcome. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Skipping the butter mixture: This step adds flavor and moisture. Make sure to pour it evenly over all sandwiches for the best taste.
- Overloading with ingredients: While it’s tempting to add more ham or cheese, stick to the recommended amounts. Too much filling can lead to messy sandwiches that fall apart.
- Not preheating the oven: Ensure your oven is fully heated before baking. This helps achieve that perfect golden brown texture on the crackers.
- Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on your mini sandwiches as they bake. Overcooking can make them dry, while undercooking may leave the cheese unmelty.
- Using stale crackers: Freshness matters! Always check the expiration date on your RITZ® Crackers for the best flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches
- Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- These can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat one sandwich at a time for about 20-30 seconds. Check that it’s warm but not soggy.
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet over medium heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches?
RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches are bite-sized sandwiches made with deli ham and Swiss cheese layered between delicious RITZ® Crackers.
Can I customize my RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the ham and Swiss cheese for turkey, roast beef, or different cheeses based on your taste.
How do I serve RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches?
These sandwiches are best served warm right out of the oven but can also be enjoyed at room temperature during parties or gatherings.
Are RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches suitable for kids?
Yes! These mini sandwiches are perfect for kids’ parties and easy for little hands to grab and eat.
Final Thoughts
RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches are a delightful addition to any gathering, offering a combination of flavors that everyone loves. Their versatility allows you to customize them according to your preferences, making them suitable for various occasions. Try this recipe today and impress your guests with these tasty bites!
RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches
RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for game day, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers. These delightful mini sandwiches combine savory deli ham and creamy Swiss cheese between crisp RITZ® Crackers, creating an irresistible bite-sized treat that everyone will love. With just 15 minutes of preparation and simple ingredients, you can whip up these tasty snacks in no time. Serve them warm from the oven or prepare them ahead—either way, they promise to add fun and flavor to any occasion!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 mini sandwiches (12 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 96 RITZ® Crackers
- ½ lb thinly sliced deli ham
- ⅓ lb thinly sliced Swiss cheese
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Place half the RITZ® Crackers in a baking dish, flat side down.
- Layer strips of ham and pieces of Swiss cheese on top, then cap with remaining crackers.
- Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl; whisk in mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and salt.
- Drizzle the butter mixture over sandwiches and sprinkle with poppy seeds and onion flakes.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 mini sandwiches (56g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
