I’m always on the lookout for party appetizers that don’t require hours in the kitchen but still make guests ask, “How did you make these?” That’s exactly what these Ritz Cracker Sandwiches deliver. Creamy filling nestled between buttery crackers, they’re my go-to when entertaining calls for something beyond chips and dip. The beauty lies in their simplicity—just a few ingredients transform ordinary crackers into bite-sized delights that vanish from plates within minutes. Want to know the secret to making them disappear even faster?
Why You’ll Love these Ritz Cracker Sandwiches
Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick snack, these Ritz cracker sandwiches are about to become your new go-to recipe. They’re incredibly simple to make but deliver massive flavor with minimal effort.
I love how versatile they are—swap in tuna or egg salad when you’re craving something different. The combination of creamy filling with that buttery, salty Ritz crunch is absolutely irresistible.
Plus, they look fancy enough for company but take just minutes to prepare. Can you think of a better party appetizer? These little bites disappear faster than I can make them!
What Ingredients are in Ritz Cracker Sandwiches?
These little party sandwiches require just a handful of simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
- 24 Ritz crackers
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup diced ham or turkey
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to customize these ingredients to your taste—swap the meat for tuna or egg salad if you prefer, or add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
How to Make these Ritz Cracker Sandwiches
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
Mix 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise in a medium bowl until smooth and well-blended.
This creamy mixture creates the perfect base for our sandwiches, so make sure there aren’t any lumps hiding in there.
Step 2: Add the Mix-ins
Fold in 1/2 cup of diced ham or turkey, 1/4 cup of finely chopped celery, and 2 tablespoons of sliced green onions to your cream cheese mixture.
These add-ins bring texture and savory flavor to your sandwich filling.
Step 3: Season to Taste
Add salt and pepper to taste, stirring gently to distribute the seasonings throughout the mixture.
Sometimes I add just a tiny pinch of garlic powder too—not in the recipe, but it works wonders.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread a generous amount of filling onto 12 Ritz crackers, making sure to go all the way to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite.
The buttery crackers are the perfect vessel for our creamy filling.
Step 5: Top with Remaining Crackers
Place the remaining 12 Ritz crackers on top of the filled crackers, pressing down gently to create sandwiches.
Don’t press too hard though, or you’ll crack your crackers—a delicate balance, really.
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate your sandwich crackers for about 30 minutes before serving.
This chilling time allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together and the filling to firm up slightly, making the sandwiches easier to handle.
For a more elegant presentation at your next gathering, consider serving these alongside deviled eggs on a deviled egg platter for a classic appetizer combination.
What to Serve with Ritz Cracker Sandwiches
These little party bites shine on their own but taste even better with thoughtful accompaniments. For a casual lunch spread, serve them alongside a crisp vegetable platter with ranch dip—the cool crunch of carrots and cucumbers balances the rich, creamy filling perfectly.
A light soup, like tomato basil or chicken noodle, turns these crackers into a satisfying meal.
For drinks, consider unsweetened iced tea with lemon or a sparkling lemonade to cut through the richness. If you’re hosting, a simple fruit salad adds a sweet counterpoint, while pickle spears offer a tangy contrast that wakes up your taste buds.
These versatile sandwiches work beautifully for afternoon tea, casual lunches, or as part of a larger appetizer spread when company comes calling.
Ritz Cracker Sandwiches Substitutions and Variations
- Flavor boosters: Mix in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, a dash of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of Everything Bagel seasoning for extra zing.
- Garnish ideas: Top open-faced sandwiches with a small slice of cucumber, a halved grape tomato, or a sprig of fresh dill for a pretty presentation at parties.
Leftovers and Storage for these Ritz Cracker Sandwiches
These little sandwich bites are at their absolute best when freshly made, but sometimes we make too many (is there really such a thing?).
Here’s how to handle the extras:
- Store assembled sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Place a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture.
- For longer storage, keep the filling separate from the crackers. The filling stays fresh for 3-4 days refrigerated.
- These don’t freeze well—crackers tend to lose their snap when thawed.
- To refresh slightly softened sandwiches, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
- Pro tip: If crackers have softened, place them on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes to crisp up, then cool before reassembling.
Final Thoughts
These Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches strike that perfect balance between nostalgic simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavor.
There’s something undeniably comforting about the buttery crunch of Ritz crackers paired with a creamy, savory filling.
They’re my go-to for those hectic weekday gatherings when time is tight but I still want to serve something homemade and special.
Perfect for afternoon tea with friends, impromptu game nights, or those moments when the kids bring home unexpected guests.
In a world of complicated recipes and exotic ingredients, sometimes it’s these little bites of familiar goodness that bring the most joy to our tables.
