These delightful RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches are the ultimate crowd-pleasers, perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a family gathering, or just want a tasty snack, these two-bite mini sandwiches will impress your guests. The combination of creamy Swiss cheese and savory ham nestled between buttery crackers creates a deliciously satisfying bite that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just minutes to prepare, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile: Swap out ingredients to suit your taste! Try different deli meats or cheeses for unique flavor combinations.
- Crowd-Pleasing: These mini sandwiches are perfect finger foods that your guests will adore, making them a hit at parties.
- Make Ahead: Prepare them in advance and bake just before serving for fresh, warm bites.
- Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients like RITZ® Crackers makes this recipe easy on the wallet.
Tools and Preparation
To make RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches, you’ll need some essential tools to 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: Ensures even baking and prevents the sandwiches from spilling over.
- Microwave-safe bowl: Ideal for melting butter quickly without fuss.
- Whisk: Helps mix the butter sauce evenly for consistent flavor throughout.
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
Toppings
- 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 ensures that the sandwiches bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Base
- Place 24 RITZ® Crackers in the bottom of a 13×9 inch baking dish, flat side down.
- In another 13×9 inch baking dish, place another 24 RITZ® Crackers flat side down.
Step 3: Add Ham and Cheese
- Tear the ham gently into small strips and lay a lightly folded slice on each RITZ® Cracker.
- Cut the Swiss cheese into 1-inch pieces and place one piece on top of each ham slice.
- Add another RITZ® Cracker on top of each mini sandwich, rounded side up.
Step 4: Make the Butter Mixture
Place the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave until melted (about 45 seconds).
Gently whisk in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and salt until combined.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the butter mixture evenly over all mini sandwiches, dividing it between both pans. Sprinkle poppy seeds and dried onion flakes over the top.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and tops of the RITZ® Crackers are lightly golden brown.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy while warm. Your guests will love these tasty RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches!
How to Serve RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches
RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches are versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your gatherings. Whether it’s a game day or a casual get-together, these mini sandwiches can be tailored to suit the occasion.
On a Platter
- Arrange the sandwiches on a large serving platter for an eye-catching display.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or additional cheese slices for added flair.
With Dipping Sauces
- Serve with small bowls of mustard or ranch dressing.
- A spicy aioli can add an exciting twist to the flavor profile.
Accompanied by Fresh Vegetables
- Pair with crunchy carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or cherry tomatoes.
- This adds a refreshing element and a pop of color to your spread.
As Part of a Charcuterie Board
- Include alongside cured meats, cheeses, and olives for a balanced selection.
- This makes for an inviting and plentiful snack option.
In Mini Sandwich Boxes
- Package individual sandwiches in decorative boxes for easy transport.
- Perfect for picnics or gatherings where guests can grab and go.
How to Perfect RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches
To achieve irresistible RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches, focus on some key techniques that elevate their taste and presentation.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh deli meats and cheeses make all the difference in flavor.
- Melt Butter Evenly: Ensure your butter is fully melted before mixing in other ingredients for a smooth topping.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time; you want them golden brown but not too crispy.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs into the butter mixture for added flavor depth.
- Serve Warm: These sandwiches are best enjoyed warm, so serve them immediately after baking.
- Customize Fillings: Try different meats or cheeses based on what you love or have on hand.
Best Side Dishes for RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches
RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some fantastic options:
- Veggie Platter: A colorful assortment of fresh vegetables like bell peppers and celery sticks served with hummus or dip.
- Potato Chips: Crunchy chips provide a satisfying contrast to the soft mini sandwiches.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds sweetness and freshness to your spread.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw can balance the richness of the sandwiches with its tangy crunch.
- Deviled Eggs: These classic appetizers offer protein and pair well with the flavors of ham and cheese.
- Pickle Platter: Assorted pickles bring acidity that cuts through the richness of the sandwiches beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches can be easy, but some common mistakes might lead to less-than-perfect results.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Skipping this step can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to ensure a consistent temperature.
- Using Too Much Filling: Overstuffing the sandwiches can make them difficult to handle. Use thin layers of ham and cheese for the best results.
- Skipping the Butter Mixture: The butter mixture adds flavor and helps with browning. Don’t skip it; it’s essential for delicious mini sandwiches.
- Not Watching the Bake Time: Baking for too long can dry out the sandwiches. Keep an eye on them, aiming for a golden brown top.
- Serving Them Cold: These mini sandwiches are best enjoyed warm. Serve immediately after baking for maximum flavor and enjoyment.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches
- Freeze the sandwiches in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds or until warm, but this may make them a bit soft.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed, ensuring they don’t burn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches?
RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches are bite-sized sandwiches made with RITZ® crackers, deli meats, and cheese, baked to perfection.
Can I customize my RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the deli ham and Swiss cheese for turkey or cheddar based on your preference.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 48 mini sandwiches, perfect for gatherings or game day.
Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them a day in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Final Thoughts
RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches are not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize these delightful bites with different ingredients to suit any occasion or personal taste. Enjoy making them for your next gathering!
RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches
RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches are the perfect bite-sized treat for any gathering, combining the delightful crunch of buttery RITZ® crackers with savory deli ham and creamy Swiss cheese. These mini sandwiches are incredibly easy to prepare and are sure to impress your guests, making them an ideal choice for game day parties, family get-togethers, or casual snacking. With just a few simple ingredients and quick baking time, you can create a delicious appetizer that will have everyone coming back for more.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 48 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 oven to 350°F.
- In a 13×9 inch baking dish, layer 24 RITZ® Crackers flat side down.
- Add strips of ham and Swiss cheese on top of each cracker, then place another cracker on top.
- Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl; whisk in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and salt.
- Pour the butter mixture over the assembled sandwiches; sprinkle with poppy seeds and onion flakes.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
