These delightful RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches are a game-day favorite! Perfect for any gathering, these bite-sized sandwiches combine savory deli ham and creamy Swiss cheese, all nestled between crispy RITZ® Crackers. Their quick preparation and impressive flavor make them a standout choice for parties, picnics, or casual family dinners. Once you try them, you’ll see why they are a must-have at every event!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, you can whip these up in just 15 minutes!
- Crowd-Pleaser: These mini sandwiches are sure to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize with your favorite meats or cheeses to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day, a family gathering, or just a snack, these sandwiches fit right in.
- Make Ahead Option: Prepare the sandwiches in advance and bake them just before serving for easy entertaining.
Tools and Preparation
To make your RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Gathering everything beforehand will make the cooking process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish (13×9 inch)
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: This is crucial for holding your mini sandwiches while they bake evenly.
- Microwave-safe bowl: Ideal for melting butter quickly without the risk of burning.
- Whisk: Ensures that your butter mixture is well combined for even flavor distribution.
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 Topping
- 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 ensures the sandwiches bake evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Assemble the Base
- Place 24 RITZ® Crackers in the bottom of a 13×9 inch baking dish, flat side down.
- In another baking dish, place another 24 RITZ® Crackers flat side down as well.
Step 3: Add Ham and Cheese
- Tear the ham gently into small strips; they don’t need to be perfect.
- Lay one lightly folded slice of ham on each RITZ® Cracker.
- Cut the cheese into 1-inch pieces and place one piece on top of each slice of ham.
- Top each sandwich with another RITZ® Cracker, rounded side up.
Step 4: Prepare 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: Pour Over Sandwiches
Pour the butter mixture evenly over the mini sandwiches, dividing it between both pans.
Sprinkle poppy seeds and dried onion flakes over the top evenly.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and tops are golden brown.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Transfer to a serving platter and serve while warm for optimal flavor!
Enjoy making these delicious RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches, perfect for any occasion!
How to Serve RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches
RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches are ideal for any gathering. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to enjoy at parties, game days, or family events. Here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your presentation and flavor.
Pair with Dips
- Creamy Spinach Dip – A rich and flavorful dip that complements the salty crunch of the crackers.
- Guacamole – This fresh avocado dip adds a creamy texture and zesty taste to each bite.
- Hummus – Try a classic or flavored hummus for a healthy and tasty pairing.
Create a Charcuterie Board
- Cheese Variety – Add different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack for variety.
- Fruits and Nuts – Fresh fruits like grapes or sliced apples, along with mixed nuts, add color and contrast.
- Pickles and Olives – These add a tangy crunch that balances the richness of the sandwiches.
Serve with Beverages
- Sparkling Water – A refreshing choice that cleanses the palate between bites.
- Craft Beer – If you’re hosting adults, craft beer can complement the flavors wonderfully.
- Iced Tea – Sweetened or unsweetened iced tea is a classic beverage choice for gatherings.
How to Perfect RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches
To ensure your RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches turn out perfectly every time, follow these tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh deli meats and cheese will enhance the flavors significantly.
- Evenly Distribute Butter Mixture – Pour the butter mixture evenly over each sandwich for consistent flavor and moisture.
- Watch Baking Time Carefully – Keep an eye on the sandwiches while baking to avoid over-browning.
- Experiment with Fillings – Feel free to try different meats and cheeses for unique flavor combinations.
- Serve Immediately – These sandwiches are best enjoyed warm right out of the oven.
- Store Leftovers Properly – If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
Best Side Dishes for RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches
Pairing side dishes with your RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great side options to consider.
- Veggie Platter – Fresh cut vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers served with ranch dressing make a crunchy side.
- Caprese Salad – A light salad made with tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar adds freshness.
- Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide a comforting side dish that pairs well with sandwiches.
- Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits offers a sweet contrast to savory flavors in the sandwiches.
- Deviled Eggs – Classic deviled eggs bring protein and creaminess that complements RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches nicely.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balance to your buffet spread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches, avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your experience and the final result. Here are some mistakes to watch for:
Skipping the butter mixture: Not pouring the melted butter mixture over the sandwiches can leave them dry. Ensure you evenly distribute it for added flavor and moisture.
Overcrowding the baking dish: Placing too many sandwiches in one pan may lead to uneven cooking. Use two pans as instructed to keep everything well spaced.
Not preheating the oven: Baking without preheating can result in undercooked sandwiches. Always preheat your oven to 350°F for best results.
Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality deli meats or cheeses can affect taste. Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients for a more satisfying sandwich.
Not serving warm: These sandwiches are best enjoyed warm. Letting them sit too long can make them less appealing; serve immediately after baking for maximum flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches
- Place sandwiches in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in short bursts of 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, turning frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches:
Can I customize RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches?
Yes! You can use different deli meats or cheeses based on your preference. Adding vegetables, like spinach or roasted peppers, can also enhance flavor.
How do I make RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches ahead of time?
You can assemble them and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover them tightly and bake when ready to serve.
What dips pair well with RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches?
Creamy dips like ranch or garlic aioli complement these sandwiches nicely. You could also serve with a tangy mustard sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 48 mini sandwiches, perfect for parties or gatherings!
Final Thoughts
RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches are not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit any gathering. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, they make an excellent choice for game days or casual get-togethers. Feel free to customize with your favorite fillings to make this recipe uniquely yours!
RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches
RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches are the ultimate bite-sized treat for any gathering! These delicious mini sandwiches combine savory deli ham and creamy Swiss cheese, all nestled between crispy RITZ® Crackers. Perfect for game days, family get-togethers, or casual snacking, they come together in just 15 minutes with minimal preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 48 servings
- 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 the oven to 350°F.
- Arrange 24 RITZ® Crackers in a baking dish, flat side down.
- Layer sliced ham and cheese on top of the crackers, then cover with another cracker.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, whisk in mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Pour over the assembled sandwiches.
- Sprinkle poppy seeds and onion flakes, then bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
