Ham and Swiss Cracker Melts Recipe
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
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
- 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