Savory Cracker Party Sandwiches

Category: Finger Foods and Party Snacks

These delightful Ritz cracker sandwiches combine the buttery crunch of Ritz crackers with a creamy, savory filling. The mixture of softened cream cheese, cheddar, ham, and fresh vegetables creates the perfect bite-sized appetizer. Simply spread the filling between crackers to create mini sandwiches that are ideal for parties, game days, or casual gatherings. They can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until serving, making them a convenient yet impressive crowd-pleaser.

Fatiha
By Fatiha Fatiha
Last updated Sun, 12 Oct 2025 19:17:33 GMT
A stack of Ritz Cracker party sandwiches. Pin
A stack of Ritz Cracker party sandwiches. | zestplate.com

This quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer transforms ordinary Ritz crackers into delightful bite-sized sandwiches filled with a creamy, savory mixture that disappears fast at any gathering. I started making these when I needed something impressive yet simple for last-minute guests, and they've become my signature party offering.

I first created these during a holiday party where my oven unexpectedly stopped working. These crackers saved the day and actually received more compliments than my planned appetizers would have.

  • Cream cheese softened at room temperature for 30 minutes ensures the smoothest texture and easiest mixing
  • Cheddar cheese freshly shredded yields better flavor and melts into the mixture better than pre packaged
  • Green onions provide a mild onion flavor and beautiful flecks of color
  • Red bell pepper adds sweet crunch and vibrant color contrast
  • Cooked ham use quality deli ham for the best flavor but leftover holiday ham works wonderfully too
  • Garlic powder infuses the filling with aromatic flavor without overpowering
  • Salt and black pepper always taste as you go to perfect the seasoning
  • Ritz crackers their buttery flavor and slight saltiness create the perfect base look for fresh packages

How To Make Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

Prepare The Filling
Beat the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until completely smooth and free of lumps about 30 seconds. This creates the perfect base texture. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese green onions diced bell pepper ham and seasonings using a spatula. Continue folding until everything is evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese mixture. The filling should be thick but spreadable.
Assemble The Sandwiches
Lay out half of your Ritz crackers flat side up on your work surface. Spoon approximately one teaspoon of filling onto each cracker spreading it almost to the edge but leaving a small border. Press a second cracker gently on top flat side down being careful not to break the crackers. Apply just enough pressure to secure the sandwich without squeezing out the filling.
Arrange And Serve
Place the completed sandwiches in concentric circles on a serving platter for visual appeal. For the best presentation avoid stacking them as this can cause breakage. If not serving immediately cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate but bring back to room temperature about 20 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

My absolute favorite ingredient in this recipe is the green onion. My grandmother always kept a small pot of them growing on her windowsill specifically for making these sandwiches for family gatherings. The memory of helping her carefully chop them as a child makes these taste even more special to me.

Make Ahead Options

These little sandwiches are perfect for busy hosts. You can make the filling up to 48 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. I actually prefer making it ahead as the flavors meld beautifully overnight. If you need to assemble in advance complete sandwiches can be made up to 4 hours before serving. Simply place them in a single layer in an airtight container and refrigerate. Any longer than that and the crackers may lose their crispness.

A stack of Ritz Cracker party sandwiches.
A stack of Ritz Cracker party sandwiches. | zestplate.com

Creative Variations

The basic recipe is delicious as is but I love experimenting with different flavors. Try substituting smoked salmon for the ham and add capers and dill for an elegant twist. Vegetarian guests appreciate a version with finely chopped olives sun dried tomatoes and fresh basil. For a spicier option incorporate finely minced jalapeño and use pepper jack instead of cheddar. My family especially loves a sweet version using softened cream cheese mixed with a touch of powdered sugar and topped with a small slice of strawberry between the crackers.

Serving Suggestions

These sandwiches complement virtually any drink selection from sparkling water to champagne. I like to serve them alongside a variety of textures including fresh fruit a bowl of mixed nuts and perhaps some marinated olives. For a complete appetizer spread add a cheese board and perhaps some warm dip options. These also make wonderful additions to afternoon tea or as a light lunch paired with a simple green salad.

A stack of Ritz Cracker party sandwiches.
A stack of Ritz Cracker party sandwiches. | zestplate.com

Recipe FAQs

→ How far in advance can I make these cracker sandwiches?

You can prepare these sandwiches up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator, but be aware that the crackers may soften slightly over time. For the best texture, assemble them 2-3 hours before serving.

→ Can I substitute the ham for another protein?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ham with cooked chicken, turkey, bacon, or even tuna for a different flavor profile. For vegetarian options, consider using finely chopped olives, cucumber, or additional bell peppers.

→ How long will these cracker sandwiches stay fresh?

These sandwiches are best enjoyed within 24 hours of assembly. While the filling will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, the crackers will gradually lose their crispness when combined with the moist filling.

→ What can I serve alongside these cracker sandwiches?

These sandwiches pair well with fresh vegetable crudités, fruit platters, olives, pickles, or a charcuterie board. For a complete appetizer spread, consider adding dips like hummus or spinach artichoke dip alongside these bite-sized treats.

→ Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes! The filling can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, allow the filling to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly for easier spreading.

→ How many sandwiches does this recipe yield?

This recipe makes approximately 40 sandwich pairs (80 crackers total). The exact yield may vary depending on how generously you portion the filling between crackers.

Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

Bite-sized Ritz cracker sandwiches with creamy cheese, ham, and vegetable filling - perfect for parties and gatherings.

Preparation Time
20 min
Cooking Time
~
Total Duration
20 min
By Fatiha: Fatiha


Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Output: 40 Servings (40 cracker sandwiches)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Filling

01 120 g cream cheese, softened
02 60 g cheddar cheese, finely shredded
03 30 g green onions, finely chopped
04 30 g red bell pepper, finely diced
05 80 g cooked ham, finely chopped
06 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
07 Salt, to taste
08 Black pepper, to taste

→ Assembly

09 1 box Ritz crackers (approximately 80 crackers)

Directions

Step 01

In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, red bell pepper, ham, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 02

Using a butter knife or small spatula, spread approximately one teaspoon of the filling onto the flat side of a Ritz cracker. Gently press another cracker on top to form a sandwich.

Step 03

Continue assembling sandwiches with the remaining crackers and filling until all ingredients are used.

Step 04

Arrange assembled sandwiches on a serving platter. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

  1. These mini sandwiches can be prepared up to 2 hours in advance and kept refrigerated before serving.

Required Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Butter knife or small spatula
  • Serving platter

Allergen Information

Review each component for possible allergens and consult a health professional when concerned.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese, cheddar)
  • Contains wheat (crackers)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These figures serve as estimates and are not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 75.5
  • Fat: 5.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4.2 g
  • Protein: 2.1 g