Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

Yield: Approximately 48 party sandwiches
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Assembly Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Recipe Intensity: Very Easy (No cooking required, simple assembly)

The Magic of the Trio: Understanding the Layers

The beauty of this recipe lies in its perfect balance of three distinct components:

1. The Foundation: The Ritz Cracker. Its signature buttery flavor and satisfying crunch are non-negotiable. It’s sturdy enough to hold the fillings but delicate enough to melt in your mouth.

2. The Heart: The Creamy Filling. This is where you can get creative. Our classic recipe uses a blend of cream cheese, ham, and pickle for a perfect sweet, salty, and creamy center.

3. The Crown: The Salty Topping. A slice of stuffed green olive or a small piece of pickle adds a final punch of flavor, a beautiful pop of color, and a textural contrast that completes the experience.

Ingredients for Classic Ham & Pickle Ritz Cracker Sandwiches

For the best results, use full-fat, brick-style cream cheese for optimal texture and flavor.

The Creamy Filling:

• 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened to room temperature

• 1 ½ cups finely chopped cooked ham (about 8 ounces)

• 3 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon dill pickle brine (from the jar)

• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• Pinch of salt (taste after mixing, as the ham and crackers are salty)

The Assembly:

• 2 sleeves (about 48 crackers) original Ritz crackers

• 24 small stuffed green olives, sliced in half (or 48 small cornichons or pickle slices)

Essential Equipment

• Mixing bowl (medium size)

• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon

• Sharp chef’s knife and cutting board

• Measuring spoons and cups

• Piping bag with a large star or round tip (optional, but recommended for a beautiful presentation)

• Airtight container for storage

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Soften the Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature. This is the most crucial step for a smooth, lump-free filling. Leaving it on the counter for 1-2 hours is best. If you’re short on time, you can microwave it on a plate for 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to melt it.

2. Chop the Ingredients: While the cream cheese softens, finely chop the ham and dill pickles. Aim for a uniform, small dice to ensure easy piping and a consistent texture in every bite.

3. Combine the Base: In the mixing bowl, place the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, pickle brine, yellow mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. Using your rubber spatula or a wooden spoon, mix vigorously until the ingredients are completely smooth and well-combined.

4. Fold in the Solids: Add the finely chopped ham and pickles to the cream cheese mixture. Gently fold them in until they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.

5. Taste and Adjust: Give the filling a taste. This is the time to adjust the seasoning. You might want more pepper, another dash of pickle brine for tang, or a pinch of salt. Remember, the crackers are salty, so be cautious.

Step 2: Assemble the Party Sandwiches

You have two primary methods for assembly: the elegant piping method and the simple spreading method.

The Piping Method (Recommended for Best Presentation):

1. Prepare the Piping Bag: Fit your piping bag with a large star tip (for a decorative look) or a large round tip. Spoon the filling into the bag, being careful not to overfill it. Twist the top to push the filling down toward the tip.

2. Pipe and Top: Lay out 24 Ritz crackers on your work surface. Pipe a generous swirl or dollop of the ham salad mixture onto each cracker. Gently press a half of a stuffed green olive or a small cornichon into the center of the filling on each cracker.

The Spreading Method (Quick and Easy):

1. Spread and Top: Using a small butter knife or a spoon, spread a generous amount of the filling onto a Ritz cracker.

2. Complete the Sandwich: Place a second Ritz cracker on top to create a “sandwich.” Then, press a stuffed olive half onto the top cracker, spearing through the filling to help hold the two crackers together. This method creates a taller, more traditional “sandwich” look.

Chef’s Notes & Flavor Variations

The classic recipe is divine, but don’t be afraid to experiment!

• Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before piping to make it easier to work with. Assemble the crackers no more than a few hours before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.

• The Turkey Club: Substitute the ham with finely chopped turkey and add a teaspoon of finely chopped cooked bacon. Use a little mayonnaise instead of pickle brine.

• The Veggie Delight: For a vegetarian option, omit the ham. Add ½ cup finely shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons finely chopped red bell pepper, and 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onion.

• The Spicy Southwest: Add 1-2 teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce to the filling and top with a small slice of pickled jalapeño instead of an olive.

• Seafood Sensation: Substitute the ham with a can of well-drained lump crabmeat or tiny shrimp. Use Old Bay seasoning instead of garlic powder and lemon juice instead of pickle brine.

Storage and Lasting Quality

Lasting Quality: Assembled Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are best enjoyed the day they are made. The crackers will begin to soften and lose their signature crunch after several hours as they absorb moisture from the filling.

Storage Instructions:

• Unassembled: The filling can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. The crackers should be kept in their original sleeve or an airtight container at room temperature.

• Assembled: If you have leftovers, store them in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. They will be softer but still delicious.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

It’s important to remember that these are rich, indulgent party bites. The following nutrition facts are an estimate for one sandwich (using the piping method with one cracker).