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Ham and Swiss Cracker Melts Recipe

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.

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

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cracker melts.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Form Sandwiches: Top each ham and cheese layered cracker with another Ritz cracker to form mini sandwich stacks.
  5. 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.
  6. Coat the Sandwiches: Pour the butter mixture evenly over the top crackers of all the sandwiches to ensure rich flavor and browning during baking.
  7. Add Toppings: Sprinkle poppy seeds and dried minced onion evenly over the buttered cracker tops for added texture and flavor.
  8. 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.
  9. 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