Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches with buttery glaze, ham, and melted cheese. Quick appetizer ready in 15 minutes—perfect for game day gatherings.

Hey, I’m Linda! Welcome to Tasty at Home, where bold flavors meet everyday kitchens.

Last year, my neighbor Carol brought these to our Super Bowl party. I grabbed three before halftime. The buttery, salty crunch paired with melted cheese? Absolutely addictive.

I pestered her for the recipe that night. Turns out, it’s ridiculously simple—just Ritz crackers, deli meat, cheese, and a poppy seed glaze. No fancy skills required.

Well, I’ve tweaked it since then. Added Dijon for tang, Worcestershire for depth, and a touch of honey for balance. Now they disappear in minutes every single time.

These Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are my go-to when I need something quick but impressive. They’re buttery, savory, and dangerously easy to eat. Perfect for potlucks, game days, or whenever you need a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t stress you out.

What Makes These Sandwiches So Special

These aren’t your average crackers with cheese. The real magic happens with that buttery glaze.

Melted butter mixed with Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds creates a savory coating that seeps into every cracker. It caramelizes slightly in the oven, turning golden and crispy on top while the cheese melts into gooey perfection inside.

I’ve tested this recipe at least a dozen times. Trust me, the glaze is non-negotiable. It transforms simple ingredients into something people actually remember.

Why This Recipe Works

You’re working with high-quality butter and real cheese here. Skip the pre-shredded stuff—it doesn’t melt as smoothly. Freshly sliced deli ham from the counter (not the pre-packaged kind) makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.

For best results, use unsalted butter so you control the salt level. Organic eggs aren’t needed here, but if you’re making a double batch, quality ingredients really shine through.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let me break down what you’re grabbing at the store. The essentials are pantry staples, and the bold add-ins let you customize based on your crowd.

The Essentials

Ingredient	Amount	Metric	Notes
Ritz crackers	48 crackers (about 2 sleeves)	150g	Use original, not reduced-fat
Deli ham	12 slices, quartered	340g	Honey ham or black forest work great
Cheddar or Swiss cheese	6 slices, quartered	170g	Freshly sliced from deli counter
Unsalted butter	4 tablespoons, melted	56g	Controls salt level perfectly
Dijon mustard	1 teaspoon	5ml	Adds tangy depth
Worcestershire sauce	½ teaspoon	2.5ml	Secret umami boost
Poppy seeds	½ teaspoon	2g	Optional but traditional
Garlic powder	¼ teaspoon	1g	Not garlic salt
Honey or brown sugar	1 tablespoon	15ml or 12g	Optional sweet glaze

Bold Add-Ins & Variations

Want to switch things up? Try smoked turkey instead of ham, or pepper jack cheese for heat. Gruyère makes these feel fancy—perfect for holiday parties.

You can also add a tiny dollop of cranberry sauce between the layers during Thanksgiving. My sister does this every year, and guests lose their minds.

Shopping Tips

Hit the deli counter at your local grocery store for the freshest ham and cheese. Ask them to slice it medium-thick—about ⅛ inch works perfectly. Pre-packaged lunch meat tends to be too thin and tears when you cut it into quarters.

For crackers, grab the classic Ritz in the red box. The reduced-fat version doesn’t have enough buttery richness to stand up to the glaze. Look for poppy seeds in the spice aisle near sesame seeds.

Equipment & How to Make Them

You don’t need fancy tools for this recipe. Just a baking sheet, parchment paper, and a pastry brush.

What You’ll Need

• Rimmed baking sheet (standard 13×18 inch)
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Small mixing bowl
• Pastry brush or silicone basting brush
• Sharp knife for cutting ham and cheese
• Cutting board

Don’t have a pastry brush? Use a spoon to drizzle the glaze, then spread it gently with the back of the spoon. Works just as well.

How to Make Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

While the oven heats, arrange your crackers in neat rows. This helps you work faster when assembling.

Step 2: Prep Your Fillings

Cut each ham slice into four equal squares. Do the same with your cheese slices. You should end up with 24 pieces of each.

Stack similar pieces together on your cutting board. This assembly-line approach saves time and keeps everything organized.

Here’s a tip I learned the hard way: don’t cut the cheese too small. If the squares are smaller than the crackers, they’ll melt through the gaps and stick to the pan. Oops!

Step 3: Build Your Sandwiches

Place 24 Ritz crackers on your prepared baking sheet, salted side down. This creates a stable base and keeps the tops crispy.

Layer one piece of ham on each cracker, then top with a cheese square. Press gently so everything sits flat.

Top each stack with another cracker, salted side up. The salt should face outward for maximum flavor when you bite in.

You know what? This part is actually fun. Put on some music and get into a rhythm—it goes faster than you think.

Step 4: Mix the Magic Glaze

In your small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and honey if using. The mixture should look smooth and slightly thick.

This glaze is inspired by Hawaiian roll sliders, a technique that Thomas Keller has endorsed for adding depth to simple baked sandwiches. The acid from the mustard cuts through the butter perfectly.

Smell that? That’s the Worcestershire and garlic mingling with warm butter. It’s already making your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 5: Brush and Bake

Dip your pastry brush into the glaze and generously coat the top of each sandwich. Don’t be shy—you want every cracker glistening.

Make sure to brush the edges too. Those crispy, caramelized corners are everyone’s favorite part.

Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes, watching closely. You’re looking for melted cheese and golden tops.

Step 6: The Timing Sweet Spot

At the 7-minute mark, peek through your oven door. The cheese should be melting and bubbling slightly at the edges. If the tops aren’t golden yet, give them another minute or two.

Don’t overbake these. Once the crackers turn deep brown, they go from crispy to burnt fast. Set a timer and stay nearby.

Julia Child always said to trust your senses over the clock—if they smell toasty and look golden, they’re ready.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the pan from the oven and let the sandwiches rest for 2 to 3 minutes. This brief cooling period lets the cheese set slightly, so it doesn’t all ooze out when you pick them up.

Transfer them to a serving platter while still warm. These are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the crackers are crisp and the cheese is gooey.

Man, oh man, that first bite is always the best. The buttery glaze, the salty crunch, the melted cheese—it’s like a warm hug in sandwich form.

Expert Tips for Perfect Results

Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper

I’ve tried baking these directly on the pan. The cheese sticks and cleanup takes forever. Parchment paper is your friend here.

Alternatively, use a silicone baking mat. It’s reusable and works just as well for preventing sticking.

Watch the Oven Temperature

If your oven runs hot, drop the temperature to 325°F. I learned this after burning a batch during a holiday party. The tops were dark while the cheese barely melted.

An oven thermometer helps ensure accuracy. Many home ovens are off by 25 degrees or more.

Make Them Ahead

You can assemble these sandwiches up to 4 hours in advance. Arrange them on the baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate.

When guests arrive, brush with glaze and bake as directed. They’ll taste freshly made, and you’ll save precious party-prep time.

Double the Glaze for Extra Flavor

Love that buttery coating? Make 1.5 times the glaze recipe and brush it on twice—once before baking and once halfway through. The extra layer creates a lacquered, restaurant-quality finish.

Creative Variations to Try

Italian-Style Ritz Sandwiches

Swap ham for salami and use provolone cheese. Add a thin slice of pepperoncini to each sandwich before topping with the second cracker. Replace poppy seeds with Italian seasoning in the glaze.

These taste like a deconstructed sub sandwich. Perfect for Italian-themed game day spreads.

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Use leftover pulled pork instead of deli ham. Top with a small piece of smoked gouda and a drizzle of BBQ sauce before adding the top cracker.

Skip the Dijon in the glaze and add a pinch of smoked paprika instead. These are fantastic for summer cookouts.

Turkey & Cranberry Holiday Bites

Substitute deli turkey for ham and use Havarti cheese. Add a tiny spoonful of cranberry sauce between the layers.

In the glaze, replace honey with maple syrup and add a pinch of dried thyme. These scream Thanksgiving and Christmas all at once.

Vegetarian Garden Sandwiches

Layer thinly sliced cucumber, cream cheese, and a small basil leaf between crackers. Use the same buttery glaze but skip the Worcestershire sauce.

These lighter bites work beautifully for brunch or spring gatherings. They’re refreshing and unexpected.

Spicy Jalapeño Popper Version

Use pepper jack cheese and add a thin slice of pickled jalapeño. Mix a pinch of cayenne pepper into your glaze.

These are dangerously addictive if you like heat. Keep a cold drink nearby—you’ll need it.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled sandwiches in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to restore crispness. Microwaving makes them soggy, so avoid that method.

Freezing Instructions

Storage Method	Duration	Best Practice
Room temperature	2 hours max	Keep covered on serving platter
Refrigerator	Up to 2 days	Airtight container, layer with parchment
Freezer	Not recommended	Crackers lose texture when thawed

Honestly, these disappear so fast that leftovers are rare. But if you do have extras, refrigeration works fine for a day or two.

Reheating Tips

Arrange leftover sandwiches on a baking sheet in a single layer. Warm at 300°F for 4 to 5 minutes until heated through.

The crackers won’t be quite as crispy as fresh, but they’ll still taste great. Avoid stacking them while reheating—they’ll steam and get soggy.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches shine at any casual gathering. Serve them alongside other easy delish appetizers like our brown sugar bacon smokies or million dollar crack dip for a complete spread.

For game day, pair them with cold beer or a simple punch. They also work beautifully at holiday parties next to cheesy French onion potato or cheesy French onion noodle bake.

Want to serve them as part of a larger meal? They complement soups beautifully. Try them with tomato bisque or French onion soup for a cozy winter dinner.

Beverage Pairings

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the buttery richness. For beer lovers, a light lager or wheat beer works perfectly.

Non-alcoholic options? Sparkling water with lemon or a classic iced tea balances the saltiness nicely.

Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches FAQs

Final Thoughts

These Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches have earned a permanent spot in my entertaining rotation. They’re the ultimate no-stress appetizer—simple, affordable, and universally loved.

Last month, I brought them to a potluck where someone had made elaborate charcuterie roses. Guess which platter emptied first? Yep, mine. Sometimes simple wins.

Try these at your next gathering and watch them vanish. Let me tell you, you’ll get asked for the recipe every single time.

Drop a comment below if you try any of the variations. I’d love to hear which version becomes your favorite. Happy cooking!