Baked Ham and Swiss Ritz Cracker Sandwiches — The Party Snack That Disappears Every Single Time

Baked Ham and Swiss Ritz Cracker Sandwiches — The Party Snack That Disappears Every Single Time

If you have ever needed a crowd-pleasing appetizer that takes almost no effort but gets absolutely devoured, this is your answer. These tiny baked ham and Swiss cracker sandwiches are the kind of thing people hover around the tray for, sneaking one after another while pretending they only had two. Warm, melty, salty, and just a little buttery on top — they hit every note you want from a party bite.

Whether you are throwing a birthday party, a holiday gathering, a game day spread, or just a casual weekend get-together, these little stackers are guaranteed to be gone before you have a chance to grab one for yourself. Make double the batch. Seriously. You have been warned.

Why You Will Love These

They come together in under 20 minutes, require only a handful of ingredients, and can be customized easily. Swap Swiss for cheddar, add a little mustard, or toss in some crispy bacon for an extra layer of flavor. They are baked right in a dish so everything stays together and the cheese gets perfectly melted and golden around the edges.

Ingredients

• 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers (about 32 crackers)
• 6 to 8 slices of deli ham, cut into small rounds or squares to fit the crackers
• 6 to 8 slices of Swiss cheese, torn or cut into cracker-sized pieces
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional but recommended)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of onion powder

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch glass baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
3. Lay half of the Ritz crackers in a single layer across the bottom of the dish, flat side up. These will be your bases.
4. Fold a small piece of deli ham and place it on top of each cracker base. You want a generous but not overwhelming layer — one or two thin folds works perfectly.
5. Place a piece of Swiss cheese on top of the ham on each cracker. The cheese will melt and help hold everything together as it bakes.
6. Top each stack with a second Ritz cracker to complete the sandwich.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until combined.
8. Using a pastry brush or a spoon, drizzle and brush the butter mixture generously over the tops of all the cracker sandwiches.
9. Sprinkle poppy seeds evenly over the tops of each sandwich.
10. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbling at the edges.
12. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for just a couple of minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm.

Tips and Variations

Cheddar cheese works beautifully here in place of Swiss if you prefer a sharper, bolder flavor. You can also try pepper jack for a little kick. If you want to make these ahead of time, assemble them in the dish and refrigerate for up to a few hours before baking. Just add an extra minute or two to the covered baking time since they will be going in cold.

For a slightly sweeter twist that works really well with ham, add a tiny spread of honey or honey mustard between the ham and cheese layers before topping. It sounds simple, but that little hint of sweetness against the savory, salty cracker is absolutely addictive.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these straight from the baking dish so they stay warm longer. They pair wonderfully with a simple green salad, a fruit platter, or just on their own as a standalone snack. For a party spread, place toothpicks in each one for easy grabbing. Kids love them, adults love them even more, and you will absolutely find yourself making these on repeat all year long.