These bite-sized sandwiches are a classic party snack: buttery crackers with a creamy, savory filling. They’re easy to make ahead and disappear quickly at gatherings.
Ingredients
Filling
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp finely chopped green onions
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Assembly
- 2 sleeves Ritz crackers (about 60 crackers)
- 4 oz (115 g) thinly sliced deli ham, finely chopped
- 4 oz (115 g) cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped chives
- Paprika
- Everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
1. Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine:
- Cream cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- Green onions
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
Mix until smooth.
Fold in:
- Chopped ham
- Bacon (if using)
2. Assemble the Sandwiches
- Spread or pipe about 1 tablespoon of filling onto a Ritz cracker.
- Top with a second cracker.
- Press gently to form a sandwich.
Continue until all filling is used.
3. Chill
Arrange on a tray.
Refrigerate for:
- 30 minutes
This helps the filling firm up and keeps the sandwiches together.
Flavor Variations
Bacon Cheddar Ranch
Add:
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning
- Extra bacon
Pimento Cheese
Mix in:
- ¼ cup diced pimentos
- Dash of hot sauce
Turkey Club
Use:
- Chopped turkey
- Bacon
- Chives
Jalapeño Popper
Add:
- Finely diced jalapeños
- Extra cheddar
- Crumbled bacon
Crab Ritz Sandwiches
Replace the ham with:
- 6 oz crab meat
- Extra lemon juice
- Fresh dill
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the filling up to 2 days ahead.
- Assemble within a few hours of serving for maximum cracker crispness.
- If making ahead, store crackers and filling separately and assemble before serving.
Estimated Yield
Using about 60 crackers:
- Makes approximately 30 sandwich bites
Estimated Nutrition
Per sandwich:
- Calories: ~80–100
- Protein: ~2–4 g
- Carbohydrates: ~5 g
- Fat: ~6–8 g
Baked Version
For a warm appetizer:
- Assemble the sandwiches.
- Place on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes.
The filling becomes warm and melty while the crackers stay crisp around the edges.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Yield: About 30 party sandwiches.