I love how simple and customizable this recipe is. It takes just minutes to put together, and it looks festive without needing much effort. The creamy filling is packed with flavor and texture from the cheddar and fresh veggies, while the Ritz crackers add a buttery crunch. Best of all, they can be made ahead of time and chilled, making them a great stress-free option for any event.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 box Ritz crackers
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup cheddar cheese, finely shredded
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
Equipment
Medium mixing bowl
Small spoon or spatula
Serving platter
Directions
I begin by mixing the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, and diced red bell pepper in a medium bowl until everything is well combined and smooth.
Then I take one Ritz cracker and spread a generous amount of the cheese mixture on the flat side.
I top it with another cracker to make a sandwich, gently pressing it together.
I continue this process until all the cheese filling is used and I’ve formed a tray full of mini sandwiches.
I place the sandwiches on a serving platter and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can meld and the filling can firm up.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 24 mini sandwiches. Prep time is just 10 minutes with no cooking involved. After a short chill in the fridge, they’re ready to serve—perfect for last-minute party prep.
Variations
I sometimes mix in a pinch of garlic powder or a splash of hot sauce for a little extra kick.
For a meatier twist, I add finely chopped deli ham or bacon bits to the cheese mixture.
I’ve also swapped the red bell pepper for chopped pickles or olives for a tangier flavor.
If I want to make it festive, I use multi-colored bell peppers to add extra color to the filling.
Storage/Reheating
These cracker sandwiches are best enjoyed the day they’re made, but I store them in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container. To prevent the crackers from getting too soft, I avoid stacking them directly and use parchment between layers. No reheating needed—just grab and serve straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, I often make them a few hours in advance. Just keep them chilled until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
What if I don’t have red bell pepper?
No problem—I substitute with yellow or orange bell pepper, or even finely chopped celery for crunch.
How do I keep the crackers from getting soggy?
I make sure the filling is thick, not runny, and chill the sandwiches right away after assembling. This helps the crackers stay crisp longer.
Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Absolutely. I’ve used chive or garden vegetable cream cheese for extra flavor, and it blends beautifully with the rest of the ingredients.
Are these good for kids’ snacks?
Definitely. They’re fun to eat, easy to hold, and mild in flavor, making them great for little hands and picky eaters.
Conclusion
These Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches are the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and savory—all in one bite-sized treat. I love how easy they are to throw together with simple ingredients and how well they fit into any kind of celebration. Whether I’m hosting a party or packing a snack tray, these little sandwiches always make the moment feel special.
