Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are the little, salty-buttery bites that disappear first at any gathering. They’re quick to assemble, endlessly customizable, and perfect for weeknight nibbling or party trays — I make a batch every few weeks for friends. I’ve tested fillings and found a cream-cheese-based spread gives the best balance of flavor and hold.
(I sometimes riff on holiday flavors like in this Ritz Cracker Christmas Treats idea when I want a festive twist.)
Why Make This Recipe
- Speed: Ready in about 20–30 minutes, so it’s great for last-minute guests.
- Crowd-pleaser: Salty cracker + creamy filling hits almost every palate.
- Versatile: Swap proteins, herbs, or cheeses to match seasons or diets.
- Low effort: No baking required; mostly mixing and assembly.
- Personal note: I love this recipe because it’s easy to scale and always looks impressive on a tray.
(If you like bold dips with crackers, this idea is in the same party spirit — try this jalapeño popper dip alongside them.)
Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 15–20 minutes
- Chill time: 20–30 minutes (recommended)
- Total time: 35–50 minutes
- Servings: about 24–36 sandwiches (1 sleeve Ritz makes roughly 24–30 single sandwiches depending on filling)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Method: No-bake assembly — combine filling, spread on crackers, top and chill.
My Experience Making This Recipe
On my first attempt the filling was too loose, so I added more cream cheese and pulsed in a food processor for smoothness. After two more trials I settled on a firm-but-spreadable texture that holds up on a buffet for a few hours. I’ve learned that chilling the sandwiches for at least 20 minutes makes plating neater and stops topping slippage.
How to Make Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches
Start by making a sturdy spread: soften 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese to room temperature, then beat with 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 cup finely diced ham (or 1 cup shredded cheddar for vegetarian), 2 tbsp chopped chives, and a pinch of black pepper and garlic powder. For the smoothest texture, pulse everything 6–8 times in a food processor or beat by hand until homogenous. Spoon or pipe about 1 tsp of filling onto half the crackers, top each with another cracker, press gently, and chill on a baking sheet lined with parchment for 20–30 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips for Success
- Soften the cream cheese to room temperature (about 20–30 minutes out of the fridge) so the filling blends smoothly without overworking.
- Use a food processor for a silky spread; pulse 6–8 times rather than run continuously to avoid overheating.
- Reserve a light hand with salt — Ritz crackers are salty. Taste the filling before adding extra salt.
- Chill assembled sandwiches on a rimmed baking sheet for 20–30 minutes to firm them up and prevent toppled bites.
- For neat presentation, transfer filling to a piping bag with a plain round tip; this speeds assembly and keeps portions uniform. (If you want another crunchy-sweet riff, check this toffee idea I experimented with.)
How to Serve Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches
- Arrange on a platter with small clusters of parsley or microgreens for color and fresh aroma.
- Offer variety: make half the batch with ham & cheddar and the other half with smoked salmon and dill.
- Pair with crisp white wine, iced tea, or a sparkling water for casual parties.
- Serve them alongside other finger foods like crudités, cheeses, or sweet bites such as this colorful bundt cake for a dessert contrast: colorful bundt cake.
Storage and Reheating Guide
- Refrigerate: Store assembled sandwiches in a single layer or separated by parchment in an airtight container for up to 48 hours. For best texture, eat within 24 hours.
- Freezing: Do not freeze assembled crackers — the cracker will become soggy. You can freeze the filling in a sealed container for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge and re-whip before using.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the filling up to 3 days ahead and keep chilled. Assemble crackers 30–60 minutes before serving to keep them crisp.
- Reheating: These are served cold or room temperature; do not microwave assembled sandwiches.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free buttery round crackers in place of Ritz to keep the same texture.
- Dairy-free: Substitute 8 oz vegan cream cheese and vegan mayo; use smoked tempeh or roasted red pepper for savory depth.
- Lighter option: Replace half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt (strain it first) and use low-fat cheddar. Chill longer to firm.
- Flavor swaps: Try smoked salmon + dill + lemon zest, or curried chicken salad with raisins for a sweet-savory twist. For a sweet-salty party, try a short toffee-style filling similar to this riff: Ritz Cracker Toffee.
Nutritional Highlights
- Protein: Add ham, turkey, or smoked salmon to boost protein per bite.
- Sodium and fat: Be aware Ritz crackers and creamy fillings add salt and saturated fat — serve in small portions (2–3 per person).
- Allergens: Contains wheat/gluten and dairy unless substituted; adjust for egg or nut allergies based on filling ingredients.
- Portion guidance: Plan 3–4 sandwiches per adult for a light appetizer portion, or 6–8 if they’re the main snack.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Soggy crackers: Avoid assembling more than 2–3 hours ahead; the cracker will absorb moisture. Assemble closer to serving or keep filling chilled and apply just before guests arrive.
- Filling too loose: Add 2–4 tbsp extra cream cheese or a tablespoon of finely crushed crackers to absorb moisture and firm the mix.
- Sandwiches falling apart: Don’t overfill; use about 1 tsp of filling per sandwich and press lightly, then chill to set the structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these completely ahead of time for a big party?
A: You can make the filling up to 3 days ahead and store in an airtight container. For best texture, assemble crackers 30–60 minutes before guests arrive so the crackers stay crisp. If you need to assemble earlier, place parchment between layers and keep refrigerated, but expect some softness after several hours.
Q: What’s the best equipment to get uniform sandwiches quickly?
A: A food processor saves time and gives a smooth, cohesive spread. Use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped to portion quickly and consistently. A rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment is best for chilling and transporting assembled sandwiches.
Q: Can I make vegan or dairy-free Ritz sandwiches that still taste rich?
A: Yes. Use a high-quality vegan cream cheese and a flavorful add-in like roasted red pepper, smoked tofu, or marinated artichokes. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy note and chill an extra 15–20 minutes for firmness.
Q: How do I scale the recipe for a crowd of 50 people?
A: Multiply ingredients proportionally (roughly 1 sleeve of Ritz makes 24–30 sandwiches). Plan 3–4 sandwiches per guest and prep filling in large batches in a stand mixer or food processor. Keep assembled trays in shallow containers and replenish from chilled containers of filling to maintain crispness.
Conclusion
For more party-hosting tips and inspiration specifically around RITZ® Party Sandwiches and how to serve them for game day, check out this helpful resource: RITZ® Crackers Party Sandwiches – Gift of Hospitality.
Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 sandwiches
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick and customizable Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches with a creamy filling, perfect for gatherings and parties.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 cup finely diced ham (or 1 cup shredded cheddar for vegetarian option)
- 2 tbsp chopped chives
- A pinch of black pepper
- A pinch of garlic powder
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese to room temperature, about 20–30 minutes out of the fridge.
- Beat the cream cheese with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ham (or cheddar), chives, black pepper, and garlic powder until combined.
- For the smoothest texture, pulse in a food processor 6–8 times or blend by hand until homogenous.
- Spoon or pipe about 1 tsp of filling onto half of the crackers.
- Top each filled cracker with another cracker, press gently, and chill on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 20–30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Chill the sandwiches for at least 20 minutes to avoid topping slippage and improve presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-bake assembly
- Cuisine: American