Okay these Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are to die for!! They are a cracker version of everyone’s favorite ham sliders. Ham and swiss tucked between two Ritz crackers and then topped with a worcestershire, mustard, butter, onion powder, poppy seed mixture before getting baked in the oven. These are seriously the best appetizer I have ever had!
To make these addictive appetizer sandwiches, you only need a handful of simple ingredients.
- Ritz Crackers: The star of the show. Their buttery, flaky texture is essential. You will need 48 crackers (24 for the bottom, 24 for the top) to make a full 9×13-inch pan. You can use the original flavor, or try the garlic butter or whole wheat varieties for a slightly different twist.
- Deli Ham: Opt for thinly sliced deli ham. Black Forest, honey-baked, or smoked ham all work beautifully. Tearing the ham into small strips and folding them creates a much better texture than laying a flat piece down.
- Swiss Cheese: Swiss provides a wonderful, gooey melt and a mild, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with ham. Gruyere, provolone, or even sharp cheddar are excellent substitutions if you prefer a different flavor profile.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter serves as the base of the glaze, soaking slightly into the top cracker for a rich, golden finish.
- Dijon Mustard & Worcestershire Sauce: These ingredients add acidity, tang, and depth to balance the richness of the butter and the cheese.
- Seasonings: A blend of garlic powder, dried minced onion, and poppy seeds adds aroma, a slight crunch, and that unmistakable classic “slider” flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Cracker Sandwiches
While the process is incredibly straightforward, following a few key tips will ensure your cracker sandwiches turn out perfectly crispy and melty every single time.
- Prep Your Station: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a standard 9×13-inch baking dish. You do not necessarily need to grease it because of the butter glaze, but a light spray of non-stick cooking spray or a sheet of parchment paper makes cleanup much easier.
- Lay the Foundation: Arrange 24 Ritz crackers in a single layer at the bottom of your baking dish. Place them flat-side down so the slightly rounded, salted side is facing up to cradle the ingredients.
- Layer the Meat and Cheese: Tear your deli ham into small strips. Gently fold the strips and place a small mound on each cracker. This folding technique creates pockets of air that help the cheese melt evenly and provides a better mouthfeel. Next, cut your Swiss cheese slices into small 1-inch squares and place one piece directly on top of the ham.
- Cap the Sandwiches: Place the remaining 24 Ritz crackers on top of the cheese to complete your mini sandwiches.
- Mix and Pour the Glaze: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Whisk in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until well combined. Carefully pour this seasoned butter mixture evenly over the top of the assembled cracker sandwiches.
- The Final Touch: Evenly sprinkle the poppy seeds and dried minced onion over the top. This gives them a beautiful, bakery-style finish and a fantastic crunch.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes. You want the cheese perfectly melted and the tops golden brown, but the high butter content in the crackers means they can quickly burn if left unattended.