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1 sleeve (about 36) Ritz crackers (The buttery king for a reason!)
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½ lb very thinly sliced deli ham (Black Forest or Virginia baked work great)
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6 slices Swiss cheese, cut into quarters (or 1.5 cups shredded Swiss)
The “Magic” Butter Sauce:
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
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2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (The umami secret weapon!)
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1 tablespoon poppy seeds (Adds texture and flavor)
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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Optional Kick: A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce
For Garnish (Optional):
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Fresh chopped parsley
The Step-by-Step Method: Effortless Assembly
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Serves: 6-8 (Makes 24-30 sandwiches)
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take out a 9×13 inch baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet. No need to grease it.
Step 2: Create the Flavor Bomb Sauce
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the stick of butter. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in the Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and onion powder (and hot sauce, if using). Set aside.
Step 3: The Assembly Line
Lay out half of the Ritz crackers, face up, in a single layer in your baking dish.
Layer 1 (Ham): Place a small fold or piece of ham on each cracker. You want just enough so it doesn’t overwhelm the cracker.
Layer 2 (Cheese): Top the ham with a piece of the quartered Swiss cheese or a small pinch of shredded cheese.
The “Lid”: Place a second Ritz cracker on top of each one to create a mini sandwich.
Step 4: The Saucy Soak
Slowly and carefully, spoon the prepared butter sauce over the top of each assembled cracker sandwich. Try to get some sauce on every single one. The sauce will pool at the bottom and soak into the crackers as they bake, creating an incredible flavor and texture.
Step 5: Bake to Golden, Buttery Perfection
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or just until the cheese is melted and the crackers on top are turning a light golden brown. Watch closely! They go from perfect to overdone quickly.
Step 6: Serve Immediately!
These are best served warm right out of the oven while the crackers are still crispy and the cheese is gloriously gooey.
Transfer them to a serving platter, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color, and watch them disappear.
Chef’s Notes: Tips for a Flawless Appetizer
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The Cracker is Key: Ritz crackers are non-negotiable for their distinct buttery flavor and perfect texture. Other crackers may become too soggy or not hold up.
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Avoid Sogginess: The goal is to get them in the oven quickly after saucing. Don’t let them sit assembled for too long before baking, or the bottom crackers can get soft.
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Double or Triple the Batch: This recipe is incredibly easy to scale up for a large crowd. Simply use a larger baking sheet or multiple dishes.
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Make-Ahead Instructions: You can assemble the sandwiches without the sauce up to 4 hours in advance. Cover them with plastic wrap and keep them at room temperature. When ready to bake, make the sauce, pour it over, and bake as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! While Swiss is classic, you can experiment with other good melting cheeses like provolone, gouda, or even a mild cheddar.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time and reheat them?
A: They are truly best fresh from the oven. However, you can reheat leftovers in an air fryer or toaster oven at 350°F for a few minutes to re-crisp them. The microwave will make them soft.
Q: Are there any variations?
A: Endless options! Pizza Version: Use pepperoni and mozzarella cheese, and add a little Italian seasoning to the butter sauce. Turkey Club: Use turkey, cheddar, and a dash of smoked paprika. Vegetarian: Use a small slice of tomato and a basil leaf with mozzarella.
Q: Can I use salted butter?
A: Yes, you can. You may want to taste the sauce before adding and potentially reduce or omit any additional salt, as the crackers and ham are already quite salty.
