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.
Enjoy.