Ham and Cheese Cracker Bites

Name: Ham and Cheese Cracker Bites with Poppy Seed Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Yield: 24 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 48 buttery round crackers (like Ritz); 12 oz Swiss cheese, sliced; 1 lb deli ham, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tbsp poppy seeds; 1 pinch salt

Ham and Cheese Cracker Bites are a baked appetizer featuring deli ham and Swiss cheese layered on buttery crackers, then topped with a savory poppy seed butter sauce that crisps the crackers while keeping the cheese melted and gooey.

🌍American 🏷️Ham and cheese 🏷️Appetizer 🏷️Party food 🏷️Game-day Snack

🏷️

🏷️Baked

-0:00

allrecipesonTikTok

Total

28 min

Servings

24

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$20–$33

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by allrecipes

-0:00

allrecipesonTikTok

Ingredients

48 buttery round crackers (like Ritz)
12 oz Swiss cheese, sliced
1 lb deli ham, thinly sliced
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp poppy seeds
1 pinch salt

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Instructions

1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2
Arrange half of the crackers (about 24) in a single layer on the bottom of the prepared dish.
3
Layer half of the Swiss cheese slices over the crackers, tearing to fit as needed.
4
Top with the thinly sliced ham, folding it to fit onto the crackers.
5
Add the remaining Swiss cheese slices on top of the ham.
6
Place the remaining crackers on top to create small sandwiches.
7
In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt.
8
Stir the sauce mixture until well combined.
9
Spoon the sauce evenly over each cracker sandwich, ensuring they are all coated.
10
Bake for about 18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tops are golden brown.
11
Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Layer ham and cheese on crackers first, then pour the poppy seed sauce over all at once just before baking to prevent the crackers from absorbing liquid and becoming soggy.
Use a shallow baking dish or rimmed sheet pan so the sauce spreads evenly and the crackers bake in a single layer.
Watch for the sauce to turn golden brown at the edges—this signals the crackers are crisping and the cheese is fully melted.
Let cool for 2-3 minutes after baking so the cheese sets slightly and the bites hold together when picked up.

Substitutions

Swiss cheese → sharp cheddar or provolone (milder or sharper flavor)
Dijon mustard → spicy brown mustard or whole grain mustard (stronger mustard flavor)
Worcestershire sauce → soy sauce (slightly saltier and umami-forward)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat on a baking sheet at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Common Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the crackers with ham and cheese up to 4 hours ahead, cover with plastic wrap, then pour the poppy seed sauce over and bake just before serving.