Looking for an incredibly easy, undeniably delicious, and utterly addictive appetizer that’s guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering? These Ritz Party Sandwiches are your new secret weapon! Imagine crispy Ritz crackers sandwiching savory ham and melty Swiss cheese, all drizzled with a buttery, tangy, and garlicky sauce, then baked to golden perfection. They’re quick to assemble, bake up beautifully, and disappear in minutes. Perfect for game day, holiday parties, or just a fun snack, these mini sandwiches are pure crowd-pleasing magic.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’m always on the lookout for appetizer recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimum effort, and these Ritz Party Sandwiches fit the bill perfectly. What I love most is the way the classic buttery Ritz cracker transforms when baked—it becomes even crispier and more intensely flavored, providing the perfect base for the savory fillings.

The combination of salty ham, mild Swiss cheese, and that incredibly flavorful butter-Dijon-cream cheese sauce is simply irresistible. The dried minced onion on top adds a fantastic savory crunch and aromatic depth. They’re the ultimate bite-sized comfort food, guaranteed to be devoured by kids and adults alike. Plus, the minimal prep and quick bake time mean you can whip up a batch (or two!) in no time, making them ideal for last-minute entertaining.

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Ingredients:

• 48 Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve plus a few from another, depending on brand)
• 8 slices deli ham (thinly sliced, such as Black Forest or honey ham)
• 8 slices Swiss cheese (or your favorite mild cheese)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (half of an 8 oz block)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried minced onion
• Optional: Green onion pieces or fresh chives, chopped (for garnish/extra flavor)

Swaps and Notes

• Ritz Crackers: The buttery, flaky nature of Ritz crackers is key here, but other similar buttery crackers could work in a pinch.
• Deli Ham: Any thinly sliced deli ham works well. Turkey, roast beef, or even pepperoni could offer variations.
• Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese melts beautifully and has a mild, nutty flavor that complements the ham. Provolone, Muenster, or mild cheddar would also be delicious.
• Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth sauce. Full-fat cream cheese works best.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred to control the overall saltiness.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy, sharp note that balances the richness. Yellow mustard could be substituted but will have a different flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a crucial layer of savory, umami depth. Don’t skip it!
• Garlic Powder/Dried Minced Onion: These add great savory flavor without adding excess moisture. Onion powder can be substituted for dried minced onion.
• Optional Fresh Herbs: Green onion or chives add a fresh, pungent bite and color.

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Instructions:

Making these addictive Ritz Party Sandwiches is incredibly quick and easy.

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Arrange Bottom Crackers: Arrange half of the Ritz crackers (24 crackers) in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish, placing them flat side down.
3. Add Ham: Take each slice of deli ham and rip it into small strips or pieces. Fold the ham strips and place a small portion on top of each cracker. You want enough to cover the cracker loosely.
4. Add Cheese & Top Crackers: Slice the Swiss cheese into roughly 1-inch square pieces. Place one cheese piece on top of each ham-topped cracker. Then, cover each with another Ritz cracker to form mini sandwiches. You’ll now have 24 assembled mini cracker sandwiches in your dish.
5. Make the Drizzle: In a small bowl, combine the 4 tablespoons of melted butter, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 4 oz softened cream cheese, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well combined. If using, stir in the optional chopped chives & green onion now. Drizzle this savory, creamy mixture evenly over all the cracker sandwiches in the baking dish.
6. Add Final Seasoning: Evenly sprinkle the 1/2 teaspoon of dried minced onion over the tops of all the cracker sandwiches.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the tops of the crackers are golden brown, about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to prevent burning.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven and let them cool for just a minute or two (the cheese will be hot!). Serve warm and watch them disappear!

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Pro Tip:

For ultimate party ease, arrange the Ritz crackers and toppings on your baking sheet just before guests arrive, then drizzle and bake right when you’re ready to serve. The slight warmth and freshness make all the difference. Also, ensure your cream cheese is truly softened for a smooth drizzle that doesn’t clump.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Ritz Party Sandwiches are the perfect party appetizer, snack, or light bite.

• Party Appetizer: Serve on a platter for game day, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. They pair well with other easy appetizers.
• Dipping Sauces: While they’re flavorful on their own, a side of honey mustard or even a light ranch dressing can be a fun addition.
• Cheesy Spreads: For a truly indulgent appetizer spread, serve alongside other cheesy favorites like my This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers or This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes.
• Mini Sandwiches: These are like elevated mini ham and cheese sliders. If you love that concept, you might also enjoy my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

These sandwiches are definitely best enjoyed fresh from the oven, when the crackers are crispy and the cheese is gooey.

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days, but the crackers will lose their crispness.
• Reheating: Reheat in a toaster oven or oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through and crisped up slightly. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make them soggy.
• Prep Ahead: You can pre-assemble the sandwiches (crackers, ham, cheese, top cracker) and store them covered in the fridge for a few hours. Whisk the drizzle ingredients together and keep them separate. Drizzle and bake just before serving.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the cheesy, savory, and easy preparation of these party sandwiches, you’ll definitely want to explore some of these other fantastic recipes:

• For another fantastic cheesy dip that’s a certified crowd-pleaser, check out This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers.
• If you’re a fan of easy, shareable cheesy bites, don’t miss How I Turned a Classic Sandwich Into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip.
• For an elegant yet effortless appetizer, consider This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests.
• And for another deliciously cheesy and satisfying mini sandwich, try Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.

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Final Thoughts

These Ritz Party Sandwiches are a testament to the fact that incredibly delicious appetizers don’t need to be complicated. With their perfect balance of crispy, savory, and cheesy goodness, they’re an instant hit at any gathering and are so easy to make, you’ll find yourself whipping them up for every occasion. Go ahead, bake a batch, and watch them disappear in minutes!

What’s your go-to easy appetizer for a party? Share your ideas in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and heartwarming recipes that bring joy to your kitchen.