🧀 Baked Ham and Cheese Ritz Sandwiches – The Perfect Snack or Party Appetizer

If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack that’s quick, cheesy, and irresistibly crispy, look no further than Baked Ham and Cheese Ritz Sandwiches. These bite-sized delights combine buttery Ritz crackers, savory deli ham, and gooey melted cheese—then baked to golden perfection. They’re simple to make, incredibly versatile, and absolutely addictive.

Whether you’re planning a game-day spread, a family gathering, or just craving a cozy snack, these baked mini sandwiches deliver big flavor in every bite. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything—from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to pro tips, serving ideas, and nutritional insights—all optimized for easy reading and perfect search visibility.

🥪 What Are Baked Ham and Cheese Ritz Sandwiches?

Baked Ham and Cheese Ritz Sandwiches are small, layered snacks made with Ritz crackers as the “bread,” filled with slices of ham and cheese, brushed with a buttery glaze, and baked until crisp and melty.

They’re essentially mini ham and cheese sliders—but with a twist. Instead of traditional rolls or buns, you get the flaky, buttery crunch of Ritz crackers, which adds a unique flavor and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Quick and easy: Ready in under 25 minutes.
🧈 Buttery and flavorful: The glaze adds rich, savory depth.
🧀 Perfectly melty cheese: Every bite is warm and gooey.
🍴 Ideal for parties or snacks: Great for holidays, potlucks, or movie nights.
🧊 Make-ahead friendly: Can be assembled ahead and baked when needed.

🍽️ Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients are simple and widely available. You can adjust or customize them to your taste.

Main Ingredients

Ritz Crackers – The star of the show! Buttery, crisp, and slightly salty.
Deli Ham (thinly sliced) – Choose smoked or honey ham for added flavor.
Cheese Slices – Swiss, cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella all work beautifully.
Butter (melted) – Adds richness and helps toast the crackers to perfection.
Poppy Seeds – For a subtle crunch and visual appeal.

Optional Flavor Boosters

Mustard or Dijon sauce – Adds a tangy contrast.
Honey or brown sugar – For a sweet-savory glaze.
Worcestershire sauce – Enhances umami.
Garlic or onion powder – For added depth.

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create golden, cheesy perfection every time.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking dish or sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches

Place half of your Ritz crackers on the baking dish (flat side down).
Add a small piece of ham and a slice of cheese on top of each cracker.
Top with another Ritz cracker (flat side down again).

Step 3: Make the Buttery Glaze

In a small bowl, mix:
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp poppy seeds
- Optional: ½ tsp garlic powder

Whisk well and brush the glaze generously over the tops of your sandwiches.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the crackers turn golden brown.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Let them cool slightly before serving. The cheese will be perfectly gooey, and the crackers delightfully crisp.

🧀 Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Ham and Cheese Ritz Sandwiches

To make these bite-sized treats even better, keep these expert tips in mind:

1. Choose the Right Cheese

Swiss – Mild, melty, and classic.
Cheddar – Sharp and flavorful.
Mozzarella – Stretchy and gooey.
Provolone – Smooth and rich.

2. Layer Thinly

Keep the ham and cheese layers thin so the crackers stay crisp instead of soggy.

3. Don’t Overbake

10–12 minutes is plenty—too long and the crackers can burn.

4. Use a Baking Rack

For extra crispness, bake on a rack placed over the baking sheet to let air circulate evenly.

5. Add Herbs or Toppings

Sprinkle parsley, chives, or a pinch of grated parmesan before baking for extra flavor.

🍴 Variations to Try

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are some fun ideas:

1. Turkey & Swiss Ritz Sandwiches

Swap ham for turkey and pair with Swiss cheese for a lighter option.

2. Pepperoni Pizza Bites

3. Breakfast Mini Sandwiches

Use scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon between crackers for a morning treat.

4. Sweet & Savory Ham Sliders

Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup before baking for a delicious flavor twist.

5. Spicy Kick Version

Add a slice of jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce inside each sandwich.

🔥 Serving Suggestions

These mini sandwiches are perfect for just about any occasion. Here are a few ways to serve them:

🎉 Appetizer Tray: Serve warm with dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or spicy mayo.
🍽️ Lunchbox Favorite: Great for kids and adults alike.
🏈 Game-Day Snack: Easy finger food for sports parties.
🥂 Holiday Platters: Pair with mini meatballs, veggie sticks, or fruit skewers.

Pro Serving Tip:
Serve them on a warm platter lined with parchment paper to keep them crispy and melty for longer.

🧂 Nutrition and Storage Info

Approximate Nutrition (per serving of 2 sandwiches):

Calories: 180 kcal
Fat: 12g
Carbs: 10g
Protein: 8g
Sodium: 300mg

Note: Nutrition varies depending on your ingredients and serving size.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 5 minutes to re-crisp the crackers.
Freeze: Assemble (but don’t bake) and freeze in a tray. Bake directly from frozen for 15 minutes.

🧡 Why This Recipe Works

This baked ham and cheese Ritz sandwich recipe has become a viral favorite for a reason—it balances crispy texture, melty cheese, and savory flavor in one easy-to-make bite. The buttery glaze elevates simple ingredients into something that tastes gourmet.

It’s also:

Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples.
Customizable: Endless flavor variations.
Kid-approved: Loved by all ages.
Time-efficient: Ready in minutes, not hours.

🧀 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the sandwiches up to 8 hours ahead and refrigerate. Bake right before serving.

What kind of cheese melts best?

Swiss, provolone, and mozzarella melt beautifully and pair well with ham.

Can I use a different type of cracker?

Yes—try Club crackers, saltines, or mini croissants for a similar experience.

Are these good served cold?

They’re best warm, but can be enjoyed at room temperature too.

💬 Conclusion – Try These Baked Ham and Cheese Ritz Sandwiches Today!

If you’re searching for a simple, delicious, and crowd-pleasing recipe, Baked Ham and Cheese Ritz Sandwiches are a must-try. They’re crispy, cheesy, and packed with savory flavor—perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding kids, or just craving something warm and comforting, these bite-sized sandwiches hit the spot every time.

✨ Give this recipe a try and let us know in the comments how yours turned out!
Don’t forget to share it on social media or save it to your recipe board for later.

👉 Pro Tip: Pair these sandwiches with a creamy dip or a bowl of soup for a complete meal that’s both cozy and satisfying.

Crispy Baked Ham and Cheese Ritz Sandwiches – Easy Party Snack Recipe