These Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are the easiest little bites to pop onto any snack tray. Buttery crackers, a creamy cheese filling, and a pop of color from bell pepper and green onion make them look festive with almost no effort. Perfect for game day, holiday appetizers, or a quick make-ahead nibble everyone will reach for first.
Ingredients
- 1 box Ritz crackers
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese, finely shredded
- ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, finely diced
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and diced red bell pepper.
- Mix well until smooth and evenly blended.
- Lay out half of the Ritz crackers on a clean work surface or tray.
- Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on each cracker.
- Top each with another Ritz cracker to form a sandwich and press gently to seal.
- Arrange the sandwiches on a serving platter or baking sheet.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the filling to firm up and the flavors to meld.
Variation
- Add a protein boost by stirring in finely chopped deli ham, cooked bacon bits, or shredded rotisserie chicken to the cheese mixture.
- Give it a spicy kick with diced pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce mixed into the cream cheese filling.
- Create a Mediterranean twist by swapping cheddar for feta and adding chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of dried oregano.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened so it blends smoothly with the cheddar and vegetables without lumps.
- Don’t overfill the crackers; a modest layer of filling helps prevent too much squeeze-out when you press the sandwiches together.
- If the filling feels too soft, chill it for 10–15 minutes before assembling to make spreading easier and neater.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on a large platter with other bite-sized snacks like nuts, olives, and fresh veggies for an easy party spread.
- Pair with sparkling water, light wines, or cocktails they’re rich and salty, so they love something crisp and refreshing on the side.
- Include them on a game day or movie-night snack board alongside dips, chips, and sliced cheese for effortless grazing.
Tips
- Use a small offset spatula or butter knife to spread the filling quickly and evenly on the crackers.
- Assemble on a parchment-lined tray so you can easily cover and transfer the sandwiches to and from the fridge.
- For extra flavor, mix in a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or fresh chopped herbs like chives or parsley.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches ahead of time?
|-answer: Yes. Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and keep refrigerated. For best crunch, serve within 1–2 days. - Can I use flavored Ritz or other crackers?
|-answer: Absolutely. Garlic, whole wheat, or other flavored Ritz work well, and you can swap in butter crackers of a similar size if you prefer. - How can I make these a bit lighter?
|-answer: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and a lighter cheddar, and add extra finely diced veggies to bulk up the filling without adding many calories. - What mix-ins go well in the filling?
|-answer: Try crumbled bacon, chopped pickles, jalapeños, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of ranch seasoning for an easy flavor upgrade.
Conclusion
Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are a quick, no-fuss appetizer that still feels fun and a little special. With just a handful of ingredients and a short chill time, you get creamy, crunchy, colorful bites everyone happily grabs. Keep this easy recipe in your back pocket for holidays, potlucks, and last-minute get-togethers.
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Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 24–30 mini sandwiches (depends on cracker count) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian (contains dairy)
Description
These Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are the easiest little bites to pop onto any snack tray. Buttery crackers, a creamy cheese filling, and a pop of color from bell pepper and green onion make them look festive with almost no effort. Perfect for game day, holiday appetizers, or a quick make-ahead nibble everyone will reach for first.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box Ritz crackers
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese, finely shredded
- ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, finely diced
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and diced red bell pepper.
- Mix well until smooth and evenly blended.
- Lay out half of the Ritz crackers on a clean work surface or tray.
- Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on each cracker.
- Top each with another Ritz cracker to form a sandwich and press gently to seal.
- Arrange the sandwiches on a serving platter or baking sheet.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the filling to firm up and the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese for smooth mixing and easy spreading.
- Finely chop the veggies so they sit neatly between the crackers.
- Taste the filling and adjust salt, pepper, and seasonings to your liking.
- Chill sandwiches before serving for best texture and cleaner bites.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Avoid freezing to keep the crackers from turning soft or stale.
- If serving outdoors, keep chilled as long as possible so the filling stays firm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling time)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: No-Cook, Chilled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 sandwiches
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: ritz cracker party sandwiches, cream cheese cracker sandwiches, no bake appetizer, easy party snack, finger food, make ahead appetizer
