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Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

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Yield: 36-40 cracker sandwiches (8-10 servings)
Active Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (includes chilling)
Effort Level: Easy – No cooking required!
Skill Level: Beginner-friendly

There’s a reason these have been a staple at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings for generations. Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are the ultimate bite-sized comfort food: buttery, creamy, savory, and utterly addictive. They are impossibly easy to make yet deliver a perfect harmony of textures and flavors in every bite. This recipe elevates the classic with fresh herbs for brightness, creating a make-ahead appetizer that’s guaranteed to disappear from the platter in minutes.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

  • 8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, fully softened to room temperature

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, fully softened to room temperature

  • 1 (1 oz) packet ranch dressing seasoning mix

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives

  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried)

  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For Assembly:

  • 2 sleeves (about 80 crackers) Original Ritz Crackers

  • 1/4 cup everything bagel seasoning, finely chopped fresh parsley, or additional chives for garnish

Equipment

  • Hand mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment

  • Mixing bowl

  • Spatula

  • Airtight container or baking sheet

  • Piping bag with a large star or round tip (optional, but recommended for pretty presentation)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients (5 minutes)

Ensuring your cream cheese and butter are truly at room temperature is the single most important step for a smooth, lump-free, and pipeable filling. Let them sit on the counter for at least 1-2 hours. While you wait, finely chop your fresh herbs. Line an airtight container or a baking sheet with parchment paper for holding the assembled sandwiches.

2. Make the Herb Ranch Filling (10 minutes)

  • In your mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is completely smooth, light, and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

  • Add the entire packet of ranch seasoning, chopped chives, dill, garlic powder, and black pepper.

  • Beat again on low speed to incorporate, then increase to medium for another minute until all ingredients are fully combined and the filling is uniform. Taste and adjust pepper if desired (the ranch mix provides ample salt).

3. Assemble the Sandwiches (10 minutes)

  • For a Polished Look (with Piping Bag): Fit a piping bag with a large star (for ruffles) or round tip. Fill the bag with the cream cheese mixture. Hold a Ritz Cracker in one hand, flat side up. Pipe a generous swirl or rosette of filling onto the cracker. Top with a second Ritz Cracker, flat side down, and press gently to adhere. Place on your prepared container.

  • For the Classic Look (without Piping Bag): Use a small offset spatula, butter knife, or even a teaspoon to spread a generous, even layer of filling onto the flat side of a Ritz Cracker. Top with a second cracker and press gently.

4. Chill to Set (1 hour minimum, up to overnight)

  • Once all sandwiches are assembled, cover the container tightly or wrap the baking sheet with plastic wrap.

  • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, and preferably 2-3. This chilling time is non-negotiable—it allows the filling to firm up, melds the flavors beautifully, and prevents the crackers from becoming soggy too quickly. They can be made up to 24 hours in advance.

5. Garnish and Serve

  • Just before serving, roll the edges of the chilled cracker sandwiches in your chosen garnish. Everything bagel seasoning adds a savory, crunchy punch, while finely chopped parsley or chives offer a fresh, colorful finish.

  • Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

  • Make-Ahead Champion: These are the ideal make-ahead appetizer. Assemble and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before your event.

  • Storage: Leftovers (if you have any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the crackers will continue to soften the longer they sit.

  • Freezing: It is not recommended to freeze assembled sandwiches, as the crackers will lose their crisp texture upon thawing. However, the herb ranch filling can be made ahead and frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and re-whip briefly with a mixer before assembling.

Chef’s Notes & Variations

  • Cracker Note: Name-brand Ritz Crackers are recommended for their perfect buttery flavor and sturdiness. For a slightly different twist, try using whole wheat Ritz or even Cheez-It crackers.

  • Filling Twists:

    • Everything Bagel: Add 2 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning directly to the filling.

    • Smoked Salmon: Fold in 2-3 oz of finely minced smoked salmon and replace the dill with 1 tbsp of fresh chopped capers.

    • Pimento Cheese: Omit the ranch seasoning. Add 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar, 2 tbsp diced pimentos (drained), and a dash of smoked paprika.

    • Sweet & Savory: Use peanut butter as the filling and top with a second cracker for a simple, classic treat.

  • Allergy/Dietary Substitutions: Use your favorite plant-based cream cheese and butter alternatives for a vegan version. For gluten-free, use a sturdy, buttery gluten-free cracker.

Nutritional Information (Per serving, ~4 sandwiches)

  • Calories: ~220 kcal

  • Total Fat: 18g

  • Saturated Fat: 9g

  • Cholesterol: 40mg

  • Sodium: 380mg (varies with ranch seasoning brand)

  • Total Carbohydrates: 12g

  • Dietary Fiber: 0g

  • Sugars: 2g

  • Protein: 3g

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