Introduction

Ham and Swiss Cracker Melts are a delightful bite-sized snack perfect for gatherings or a quick appetizer. These mini sandwiches combine savory ham, creamy Swiss cheese, and flavorful seasonings baked to golden perfection on buttery Ritz crackers.

A close-up of a three-layer snack with square golden-brown crackers that have slightly raised edges and small browned spots. Between each cracker layer, there is a smooth, creamy white cheese layer that melts slightly over the edges and thin slices of light pink ham. The top layer has melted cheese browned in spots with a sprinkling of black pepper and green herb flakes. The snack sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

48 Ritz crackers
8 slices deli ham
8 slices Swiss cheese
4 tablespoons butter, melted
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
1/2 teaspoon dried minced onion

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Arrange half of the Ritz crackers (24 crackers) in a 9×13-inch baking dish, flat side down.
Step 3: Tear the ham slices into small strips and place a piece on top of each cracker.
Step 4: Cut the Swiss cheese into small, 1-inch squares and place one piece on top of the ham.
Step 5: Top each with another Ritz cracker to form mini sandwiches.
Step 6: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Stir well.
Step 7: Pour the butter mixture evenly over the top of the cracker sandwiches.
Step 8: Sprinkle the poppy seeds and minced onion evenly over the crackers.
Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the cracker tops are golden brown.
Step 10: Serve the cracker melts warm and enjoy as a savory snack or appetizer!

Tips & Variations

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter mixture.
Try substituting Swiss cheese with cheddar or Gruyère for different flavors.
Use turkey or roast beef instead of ham for variety.
Make sure to use freshly melted butter for even coating and better flavor.

Storage

Store leftover cracker melts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

The image shows multiple small sandwich-like snacks arranged closely together on a baking tray covered with baking paper. Each snack has two round golden-brown crackers on the top and bottom sprinkled with small black seeds. Between the crackers, there is a layer of melted creamy white cheese and a thin layer of cured pink meat, slightly visible and peeking out from the sides of the sandwiches. The crackers are slightly shiny, suggesting a light coating of butter or oil, and the baking tray edges are partially visible on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these in advance?

You can assemble the cracker melts ahead of time and refrigerate them unbaked for a few hours. Bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What can I serve with these cracker melts?

They pair well with a simple green salad, pickles, or a tangy dipping sauce like honey mustard or ranch dressing for a complete snack or appetizer experience.

Ham and Swiss Cracker Melts Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.6 from 108 reviews

Ham and Swiss Cracker Melts are a quick and delicious savory appetizer featuring layers of ham and Swiss cheese sandwiched between buttery Ritz crackers, topped with a flavorful mustard-butter drizzle and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a tasty snack.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 48 mini cracker melts 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Cracker Sandwiches

48 Ritz crackers
8 slices deli ham
8 slices Swiss cheese

Butter Mixture & Toppings

4 tablespoons butter, melted
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
1/2 teaspoon dried minced onion

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cracker melts.
Assemble Crackers: Arrange 24 Ritz crackers flat side down in a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating the base layer for the mini sandwich melts.
Add Ham and Cheese: Tear the deli ham into small strips and place a piece on each cracker. Then, cut the Swiss cheese into approximately 1-inch squares and place one piece atop the ham on each cracker.
Form Sandwiches: Top each ham and cheese layered cracker with another Ritz cracker to form mini sandwich stacks.
Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder, mixing thoroughly to create a flavorful glaze.
Coat the Sandwiches: Pour the butter mixture evenly over the top crackers of all the sandwiches to ensure rich flavor and browning during baking.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle poppy seeds and dried minced onion evenly over the buttered cracker tops for added texture and flavor.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the Swiss cheese melts and the top crackers become golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Remove from oven and serve the ham and Swiss cracker melts warm as a delicious savory appetizer or snack.

Notes

Use good quality deli ham and Swiss cheese for the best flavor.
Make sure to evenly spread the butter mixture for uniform browning and taste.
These melts can be prepared a few hours ahead and baked just before serving.
For a spicier option, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter mixture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat briefly in the oven to retain crispiness.

Keywords: Ham and Swiss, Cracker Melts, Appetizer, Party Snack, Baked Crackers, Swiss Cheese, Deli Ham