Baked Ritz Cracker Sandwiches

Equipment

• Standard rimmed baking sheet (9×13-inch or half-sheet pan)
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for the glaze)
• Pastry brush
• Small mixing bowl or whisk

Ingredients

For the Cracker Sandwiches:

• 1 sleeve (about 24 to 32 crackers) Ritz crackers (or standard buttery round crackers)
• 6 oz Thinly sliced deli ham, turkey, or roast beef (cut or folded into small bite-sized pieces)
• 6 slices Swiss cheese, Provolone, or Cheddar (cut into 4 equal small squares each, making 24 pieces)

For the Savory Dijon-Butter Glaze:

• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) Unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tablespoon Honey or light brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Poppy seeds or sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• Pinch of dried parsley or fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
2. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Lightly spraying the paper with non-stick cooking spray will ensure easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Glaze

1. In a small microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter .
2. Whisk in 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard , 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce , ½ tablespoon honey , ½ teaspoon garlic powder , and ½ teaspoon onion powder until fully blended and smooth. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches

1. Arrange 24 Ritz crackers face down (flat side facing up) on your prepared baking sheet to form the base of each sandwich.
2. Fold or trim a small piece of deli meat so it fits neatly on top of each cracker base without overhanging too much.
3. Place one small square of cheese directly over the meat.
4. Top each assembly with a second Ritz cracker (flat side facing down, rounded side facing up) to form a neat sandwich stack.

Step 4: Glaze and Season

1. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the top cracker of each sandwich with the warm Dijon-butter glaze . Make sure a little glaze drips down the sides to caramelize in the oven.
2. Sprinkle poppy seeds (or sesame seeds) and a light pinch of dried parsley evenly over the tops for color and texture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

1. Transfer the baking sheet to the center rack of your preheated oven.
2. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes , or until the cheese is thoroughly melted, the tops are golden brown, and the glaze is bubbling gently around the edges.
3. Optional: If you prefer extra crunch, switch the oven to Broil on High for 45–60 seconds at the very end—keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!

Step 6: Serve Warm

1. Remove from the oven and allow the sandwiches to rest on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes . This helps the melted cheese set slightly so the crackers don’t slide around.
2. Transfer to a platter and serve immediately while warm and crisp.

Nutrition

Calories: 220 kcal · Protein: 7 g · Fat: 15 g · Carbohydrates: 14 g Dietary · Saturated Fat: 7 g · Fiber: 0.5 g · Sugar: 2.5 g · Sodium: 420 mg