Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are the perfect bite-sized snacks that bring a delightful combination of flavors and textures. These easy-to-make sandwiches are an ideal addition to any party, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. The buttery, crispy Ritz crackers form the perfect base for a creamy filling, making them irresistible to anyone who takes a bite.

Whether you’re hosting a game day, family get-together, or a holiday event, Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches will be the star of the table. With endless variations and the ability to customize the fillings, you can easily tailor this recipe to suit the preferences of your guests.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of making these simple yet delicious sandwiches, along with some fun variations, helpful tips, and nutritional information. So, let’s dive in and learn how to create this crowd-pleasing snack!

Recipe Preparation Equipment

To make these delicious Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches, you’ll need the following equipment:

Mixing bowl: For preparing the sandwich filling.
Butter knife or spatula: For spreading the filling onto the crackers.
Plate or serving tray: To arrange the sandwiches neatly.
Measuring spoons and cups: For accurately measuring ingredients.

What Do You Need to Prepare Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches?

Ingredients:

1 box of Ritz crackers (about 36 crackers)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup mustard (yellow or Dijon, depending on preference)
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (optional)
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Deli meats like turkey or ham (optional)
Lettuce leaves (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Easy Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches Step-by-Step?

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. If you want to add green onions or shredded cheddar cheese, now is the time to stir those in as well.

Step 2: Arrange the Ritz Crackers

Lay out the Ritz crackers on a flat surface. Place one cracker at a time, leaving enough room to assemble the sandwiches.

Step 3: Spread the Filling

Using a butter knife or a small spatula, spread a generous amount of the prepared filling onto one side of each cracker.

Step 4: Add Optional Deli Meats

If you’re adding deli meats, place a slice of turkey, ham, or any other preferred deli meat on top of the filling.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches

Place another cracker on top of the filling to complete each sandwich. Press down gently to ensure they stick together.

Variations

While the classic Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are delicious as is, you can always play around with the fillings to suit your tastes or theme of the party. Here are a few ideas for variations:

Italian Style: Swap the mayonnaise for pesto and add a slice of fresh mozzarella and a few basil leaves. The pesto will bring a fresh, herby flavor that complements the richness of the cheese and crackers.
Spicy Jalapeño: If you like a bit of heat, mix in some finely chopped jalapeños with the cream cheese filling. You can also add a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Veggie Delight: For a vegetarian version, skip the deli meats and add finely diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or olives to the filling. You can even throw in some avocado slices for a creamy texture.
Bacon Lovers: For a smoky flavor, add crumbled bacon bits to the filling. The saltiness of the bacon pairs perfectly with the creamy filling and crunchy crackers.

Cooking Notes

Cream cheese texture: It’s essential to soften the cream cheese before mixing it with the other ingredients. If it’s too cold, the mixture will be lumpy and hard to spread. Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting.
Storage: These Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are best enjoyed the day they’re made. However, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble, just spread the filling on the crackers.
Make ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the sandwiches a few hours before the event. Just cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving. Be cautious not to make them too far in advance, as the crackers can become soggy over time.
Serving size: This recipe makes about 18 to 20 sandwiches, depending on how much filling you use on each cracker. You can easily double or halve the recipe based on the number of guests you’re serving.

Serving Suggestions

Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are a versatile snack that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Serve them as an appetizer at a cocktail party or game day gathering alongside other finger foods such as mini meatballs, cheese platters, or vegetable crudités.

For a more substantial meal, serve these sandwiches with a side of mixed greens or a light soup like tomato bisque or potato leek. You can even offer a selection of dips, such as ranch, guacamole, or salsa, for dipping.

Pair these sandwiches with a cold beverage like iced tea, sparkling water, or a light cocktail for a refreshing treat.

Helpful Tips

Spread the filling generously but avoid overfilling the crackers. You want enough to enjoy the flavor, but not so much that it oozes out when you bite into the sandwich.
Keep crackers fresh: To ensure your crackers stay crispy, assemble the sandwiches just before serving. If you prepare them too early, the moisture from the filling can make the crackers soggy.
Use quality ingredients: For the best flavor, use high-quality cream cheese and mayonnaise. The rich, creamy texture will enhance the overall taste of the sandwiches.
Experiment with seasonings: Don’t hesitate to add more spices or herbs to suit your preferences. A pinch of cayenne pepper can add a zesty touch, or some dried herbs like thyme or oregano can give a Mediterranean flair.
Make it a fun DIY station: For larger parties, consider setting up a DIY Ritz cracker sandwich bar where guests can assemble their own sandwiches with different fillings and toppings.

Tips for the Best Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

To make your Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches truly stand out, here are some pro tips:

Use softened cream cheese for a smooth filling that spreads easily.
Fresh ingredients are key—fresh green onions or lettuce will make a big difference in flavor and presentation.
Don’t overdo the filling you want a balanced bite, not a messy one! A light layer on each cracker is just right.
Chill the sandwiches before serving if you’re making them in advance. This will help the filling set and prevent it from spilling out when handled.
Use thin slices of deli meats if adding them. This will keep the sandwiches from becoming too heavy and maintain that perfect bite-sized snack.

Timing Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 140 per sandwich
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 220mg
Total Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g

Related Recipes :

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of cracker?
A: Yes! While Ritz crackers are the classic choice, you can use any buttery, crisp cracker. Saltines, butter crackers, or even whole wheat crackers work well.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! You can skip the deli meats and load the filling with extra veggies or cheese for a satisfying vegetarian option.

Q: Can I freeze these sandwiches?
A: Freezing is not recommended as the crackers may become soggy when thawed. However, you can freeze the filling and assemble the sandwiches when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are a quick, easy, and delicious appetizer that everyone will love. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a crowd-pleasing snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick with the classic filling or get creative with variations, these sandwiches are sure to impress your guests.

Serve them at your next gathering, and enjoy the compliments that come with every bite!