Of course! Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are the quintessential retro appetizer—easy, salty, creamy, and always a crowd-pleaser. They’re essentially a miniature, crunchy tea sandwich.
Here’s a guide to making the classic version, along with popular variations and tips for perfect execution.
The Classic: Ham Salad Party Sandwiches
This is the most traditional filling, reminiscent of the ones you’d see at a 1950s bridge party.
Ingredients:
-
1 sleeve (about 34) Ritz Crackers
-
4 oz cooked ham (finely diced or ground)
-
2 oz sharp cheddar cheese, finely diced or shredded
-
2 tbsp mayonnaise (plus more as needed)
-
1 tbsp sweet pickle relish (or finely chopped bread & butter pickles)
-
1 tsp yellow mustard
-
Paprika or fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
-
Make Filling: In a bowl, mix the ham, cheese, mayonnaise, relish, and mustard until well combined. It should be moist and hold together, but not gloppy.
-
Assemble: Place half of the Ritz crackers face down on a tray. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of filling onto each cracker. Top with the remaining crackers, gently pressing to form a sandwich.
-
Garnish: Lightly sprinkle the tops with paprika or a tiny piece of parsley for color.
-
Chill & Serve: Cover lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cracker to soften slightly.
Popular Variations
The formula is simple: 1 part creamy/binding agent + 1-2 parts flavorful fillings.
-
Pimento Cheese: Use store-bought or homemade pimento cheese spread.
-
Cucumber & Herb: Mix softened cream cheese with fresh dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Top with a thin slice of English cucumber.
-
Pizza: Spread a tiny bit of pizza sauce on a cracker, top with a small slice of pepperoni and a shred of mozzarella. Broil for 30 seconds until cheese melts, then top with second cracker.
-
Smoked Salmon & Dill: Spread a dab of herbed cream cheese, add a small piece of smoked salmon, and a sprig of fresh dill.
-
Sausage & Pepper Jelly: Top a cracker with a cooked, seasoned pork sausage ball and a dot of hot pepper jelly.
-
Taco: Season sour cream with taco seasoning, top with seasoned ground beef, a shred of lettuce, and a cheese shred.
Pro-Tips for the Perfect Party Sandwich
-
Texture is Key: Finely dice or grate your fillings so they are easy to bite and don’t slide off the cracker.
-
Don’t Overfill: One level teaspoon of filling is usually perfect. You want a taste with every bite, not a mess.
-
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the filling up to a day in advance. Assemble the sandwiches no more than 2-3 hours before serving to prevent the crackers from getting too soft.
-
The Softening Factor: The cracker will soften slightly from the moisture in the filling—this is expected and part of the charm! For maximum crunch, assemble right before serving (though flavors won’t have melded as much).
-
Present Simply: Arrange them on a simple platter or a vintage tiered stand. They are their own cute display!
Enjoy your party! These little bites are a guaranteed hit, blending nostalgia with irresistible flavor and crunch.