Easy Cheesy Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches with Ham and Veggies (Print version)

Buttery Ritz crackers filled with creamy cheddar, chopped ham, green onion, and bell pepper for a fast no-cook party snack.

# Ingredients:

For the filling

01 - 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
02 - 1 cup (115 g) finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
03 - 3/4 cup (100 g) finely chopped cooked ham
04 - 1/3 cup (50 g) finely diced red bell pepper, patted dry
05 - 2 green onions, finely chopped
06 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
08 - Pinch of salt, only if needed

For assembly

09 - 40 Ritz crackers, about 1 sleeve
10 - Extra sliced green onion or minced bell pepper for garnish, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature until soft enough to stir smoothly, about 20-30 minutes depending on your kitchen.
02 - In a medium bowl, stir together the cream cheese, cheddar, ham, bell pepper, green onions, garlic powder, black pepper, and a small pinch of salt. Mix until evenly combined.
03 - Taste the filling before adding more salt. If it tastes flat, add a tiny pinch more pepper or garlic powder rather than extra salt.
04 - Spread about 2 teaspoons of filling on the flat side of 20 crackers, keeping the layer even and close to the edge.
05 - Top each filled cracker with another cracker, flat side down. Press gently until the filling reaches the edges without spilling out.
06 - Arrange the sandwiches in a single layer on a platter. Serve right away for the crispest texture, or cover and chill for up to 1 hour before serving.

# Good to know:

01 - Makes about 20 mini cracker sandwiches.
02 - Best assembled close to serving time for a crisp bite.
03 - The filling can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated.