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Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Assembly Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Diet: Can be adapted to Gluten-Free (see notes)

Ingredients

  • 1 sleeve (about 36 crackers) Ritz Crackers (or buttery round cracker of choice)

  • ½ pound (225g) deli ham, good quality, chopped very fine

  • 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise

  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish, well-drained

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 1 small English cucumber, sliced into 36 thin rounds (pat dry with a paper towel)

  • Fresh dill or chives, for garnish (optional)

Equipment: Mixing bowl, rubber spatula, sharp knife, cutting board, paper towels, serving platter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ham Salad Filling (10 minutes)

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Using a rubber spatula or fork, mix until completely smooth and creamy. This base ensures your filling won’t be lumpy. Add the finely chopped ham, drained sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard, and onion powder. Fold everything together until thoroughly combined. Season with a few cracks of black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (salt is rarely required due to the ham and crackers). Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up slightly for easier assembly.

Pro-Tip: For an ultra-smooth and quick chop, pulse the ham in a food processor 4-5 times until it reaches a fine, consistent mince.

Step 2: Prep the Cucumber and Crackers (5 minutes)

While the filling chills, wash the English cucumber (no need to peel) and slice it into very thin rounds, aiming for about 36 slices. Place the slices on a layer of paper towels and gently pat them dry. This crucial step prevents the crackers from getting soggy. Carefully separate your Ritz crackers, laying half of them out on your serving platter or a clean work surface. These will be the bottoms.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches (10 minutes)

This is the fun, assembly-line part! Using a small spoon, a piping bag with a wide tip, or a small cookie scoop, place about 1 teaspoon to 1 ½ teaspoons of the ham salad filling onto the center of each bottom cracker. Gently press one dried cucumber slice on top of the filling. Top with a second Ritz cracker, pressing down lightly until the filling spreads just to the edges. Garnish each sandwich with a tiny sprig of fresh dill or a slice of chive for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Pro-Tip: Assemble in batches directly on your final serving platter to avoid having to move the delicate sandwiches later.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve immediately for the best crisp texture. If you need to make them ahead, see the storage instructions below.

Recipe Notes & Variations

  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the ham salad filling up to 2 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Assemble the sandwiches no more than 2-3 hours before serving to keep the crackers crisp.

  • Storage: Store any leftover assembled sandwiches in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Note that the crackers will soften over time.

  • Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free buttery round crackers.

  • Variations:

    • Turkey & Cranberry: Use finely chopped turkey, mix cream cheese with a touch of whole-grain mustard, and top with a dab of cranberry sauce before closing the sandwich.

    • Veggie: Replace the ham with very finely chopped roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and a pinch of garlic powder.

    • Classic Pinwheel Style: Spread the filling on a large flour tortilla, layer with cucumber slices, roll tightly, chill for 2 hours, and slice into pinwheels.

Nutrition Information (Per Sandwich / Approximate)

  • Calories: 45 kcal

  • Total Fat: 3g

  • Saturated Fat: 1g

  • Cholesterol: 5mg

  • Sodium: 95mg

  • Total Carbohydrates: 3g

  • Dietary Fiber: 0g

  • Sugars: 1g

  • Protein: 2g

Nutritional information is an estimate calculated using an online nutrition database and will vary based on specific brands and ingredient portions used.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this recipe lies in its perfect balance of texture, flavor, and effort. The Ritz cracker provides a iconic, buttery crunch that holds up well to the creamy filling. The ham salad is a study in simplicity—the cream cheese adds rich body, the mayo lends tangy creaminess, and the sweet pickle relish and Dijon offer a subtle sweet-and-savory punch that elevates the ham. The cucumber is not just a garnish; its cool, crisp freshness and high water content cut through the richness, making each bite surprisingly refreshing and preventing the appetizer from feeling heavy.

With a low active prep time of just 20 minutes and a total hands-on intensity rated as “Very Easy,” this recipe is accessible to cooks of any level. It’s a forgiving, customizable formula that delivers maximum crowd-pleasing impact with minimal kitchen stress. Whether you’re a seasoned host or a last-minute contributor to a potluck, these Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are your secret weapon for a successful, delicious gathering.

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