Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish.

2. Slice the Rolls: Without pulling the rolls apart, use a long serrated knife to slice the entire block of rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish.

3. Layer: Arrange a layer of ham over the bottom buns, followed by a layer of Swiss cheese slices. Place the top half of the rolls back on.

4. Whisk the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, crushed Ritz crackers, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and onion powder.

5. Glaze and Rest: Spoon the glaze evenly over the tops of the rolls, allowing some to drip down the sides. Let the sandwiches sit for 10–15 minutes to allow the butter to soak into the bread.

6. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 10–15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and the tops are toasted and golden.

7. Serve: Slice between the rolls and serve immediately while the cheese is warm and gooey.

Variations

• Turkey & Provolone: Swap the ham for smoked turkey and the Swiss for provolone for a milder flavor profile.

• Everything Bagel Style: Replace the poppy seeds and onion powder in the glaze with “Everything Bagel” seasoning for extra crunch and garlic notes.

• Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a layer of sliced jalapeños inside the sandwich before baking.

Serving and Storage

• Service: These are best served hot straight from the oven. They are a perfect standalone snack but also pair well with a side of coleslaw or potato chips.

• Storage: Wrap leftovers in foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: To maintain the texture, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the rolls chewy.

Benefits

• Crowd Friendly: The pull-apart format is designed for easy sharing at large social events.

• Preparation Ease: These can be assembled several hours in advance and kept in the fridge until you are ready to bake them.

• Texture Contrast: The combination of soft bread, melted cheese, and the slight crunch of the seasoned glaze offers a satisfying eating experience.

History of the Party Slider

The “Party Slider” or “Funeral Sandwich” has roots in the hospitality traditions of the American South and Midwest. While small sandwiches have always been part of tea services and social lunches, the specific version using a buttery, poppy seed glaze gained massive popularity in the late 20th century. This coincided with the rise of pre-packaged, sweet rolls and a growing cultural emphasis on convenient, “one-pan” hosting recipes.

The addition of crushed Ritz crackers to the glaze is a clever modern twist, playing on the iconic cracker’s buttery, salty profile that has been a staple in American pantries since 1934. These sandwiches represent the heart of communal eating—dishes that are simple to make, easy to transport, and consistently bring warmth to social gatherings.