
Baked Ham and Cheese Ritz Cracker Sliders
Baked Ham and Cheese Ritz Cracker Sliders are a fun, bite-sized twist on the classic ham-and-cheese sandwich. Instead of traditional dinner rolls, these little sandwiches use crisp, buttery Ritz crackers to create a crunchy exterior around warm ham and melted cheese. A flavorful buttery topping brushed over the crackers adds even more richness, while a short bake brings everything together.
They are especially good for parties, family gatherings, game-day snacks, lunchboxes, or an easy afternoon treat. The recipe comes together quickly, requires only a handful of ingredients, and can easily be adjusted to suit different tastes.
Why You’ll Love These Ham and Cheese Sliders
There is something particularly satisfying about the contrast in these sliders. The crackers become lightly toasted and buttery, the cheese melts into the ham, and the savory topping adds a delicious finishing touch.
Unlike traditional sliders made with soft rolls, Ritz crackers give this version a delicate crunch. Because they are small, they also make excellent finger food and can be served as an appetizer without requiring knives or forks.
Another advantage is how flexible the recipe is. You can use different varieties of ham, swap the cheese, or add a few simple seasonings to customize the flavor.
Ingredients
For approximately 12 small sliders, you’ll need:
- 24 Ritz crackers
- 12 small slices of deli ham
- 6 slices of cheese, cut in half
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds, optional
- A small pinch of black pepper
Choosing the Ham
Thinly sliced deli ham works particularly well because it folds easily between the crackers. Honey ham provides a slightly sweet flavor, while smoked ham gives the sliders a deeper savory taste.
Avoid using extremely thick slices because they can make the tiny sandwiches difficult to assemble and eat.
Choosing the Cheese
Swiss cheese is a classic pairing with ham, but there are plenty of alternatives. Cheddar gives the sliders a sharper flavor, while provolone melts smoothly and has a mild taste. Monterey Jack can also be used if you prefer a particularly creamy result.
Step-by-Step Method
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet or small baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it. A baking dish with sides is particularly useful because it keeps the assembled crackers from shifting while they bake.
2. Make the Buttery Topping
Place the melted butter in a small bowl.
Add the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, poppy seeds if using, and black pepper.
Whisk everything together until the mixture is evenly combined.
This simple topping is what gives the crackers their extra flavor. The mustard adds a little tang, while Worcestershire sauce provides savory depth. Garlic and onion powder round everything out.
3. Prepare the Ham and Cheese
Lay the ham flat on a clean work surface.
Cut or fold each slice into pieces small enough to fit comfortably on a Ritz cracker without hanging too far over the edges.
Cut the cheese slices into pieces roughly the same size as the crackers.
Keeping the fillings relatively small is important. Too much ham or cheese can cause the crackers to crack or make the sliders difficult to handle.









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