Absolutely! Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are the quintessential easy, elegant, and always-popular appetizer. They are the perfect bite-sized treat for holidays, showers, game day, or any gathering.
Here is a collection of the most beloved and delicious fillings, from classic to creative.
The Ultimate Guide to Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches
The formula is simple: a flavorful spread sandwiched between two buttery Ritz crackers.
The Basic Setup:
· 1 sleeve (about 30-34 crackers) of Ritz Crackers to make 15-17 sandwiches.
· Your chosen filling (recipes below).
· Optional Garnishes: Fresh herbs (dill, parsley, chives), everything bagel seasoning, paprika, a tiny slice of olive or pickle.
Classic & Beloved Fillings
- The Classic: Ham Salad
This is a timeless favorite with a sweet and savory tang.
· Filling: 1 cup finely chopped cooked ham, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish, 1 tsp yellow mustard.
· Instructions: Mix all ingredients until well combined.
· Garnish: A tiny dab of mustard or a single fresh parsley leaf.
- Creamy Cucumber & Dill
Light, refreshing, and always a hit.
· Filling: 4 oz (½ block) cream cheese, softened, ¼ cup finely chopped English cucumber (seeds removed), 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped, ½ tsp lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.
· Instructions: Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then stir in the remaining ingredients.
· Garnish: A small, thin slice of cucumber or a fresh dill sprig.
- Pizza Party
Tastes just like a mini pepperoni pizza!
· Filling: 2 tbsp tomato paste, ¼ tsp Italian seasoning, ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup finely chopped pepperoni.
· Instructions: Mix the tomato paste and Italian seasoning. In a separate bowl, mix mozzarella and pepperoni.
· Assembly: Spread a thin layer of the tomato mixture on a cracker, top with the pepperoni-cheese mix, and top with the second cracker.
· Garnish: A tiny fresh basil leaf after assembling.
- Everything Bagel & Smoked Salmon
An incredibly elegant and easy option.
· Filling: 4 oz cream cheese, softened, 1 tbsp everything bagel seasoning, plus extra for garnish, 2 oz thinly sliced smoked salmon (lox), chopped.
· Instructions: Mix the cream cheese with 1 tbsp of everything bagel seasoning. Gently fold in the chopped salmon.
· Garnish: A tiny sprig of fresh dill and a light sprinkle of extra everything bagel seasoning.
A Step Up: Gourmet Fillings
- Bacon & Date
A sweet, salty, and smoky flavor explosion.
· Filling: 4 oz cream cheese, softened, 2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled, 2-3 medjool dates, pitted and finely chopped.
· Instructions: Mix all ingredients until combined.
· Garnish: A tiny piece of the crumbled bacon on top.
- Cranberry & Brie
Perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas parties.
· Filling: A small wheel of brie cheese, ¼ cup whole-berry cranberry sauce.
· Assembly: Place a small slice of brie (rind is okay) on a cracker, top with ½ tsp of cranberry sauce, and press with the top cracker.
· Garnish: A single fresh thyme leaf.
- Pimento Cheese
A Southern classic that’s always a winner.
· Filling: 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 2 oz cream cheese, softened, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 2 tbsp chopped pimentos, drained, ¼ tsp garlic powder, dash of hot sauce (optional).
· Instructions: Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Mix in all other ingredients until well combined.
· Garnish: A sprinkle of smoked paprika.
Pro Tips for Perfect Party Sandwiches
- Spread, Don’t Scoop: Use a small offset spatula or a butter knife to spread the filling evenly to the edges. This creates a neat, professional look.
- The “Glue” Method: For fillings that are chunky (like ham salad), spread a very thin layer of plain cream cheese or butter on the inside of the top cracker before pressing it on. This acts as glue and prevents the top from sliding off.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can assemble these 2-4 hours ahead of time. Store them in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best served chilled.
- Prevent Sogginess: If your filling is very moist (like the cucumber one), assemble no more than an hour before serving to ensure the crackers stay crisp.
- Double the Recipe: These disappear fast! Always make more than you think you’ll need.
No matter which fillings you choose, these Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are guaranteed to be the first thing to vanish from your appetizer table