3 Classic and Easy Ritz Cracker Appetizers

Is there any snack food more nostalgic or universally loved than a classic Ritz cracker? That buttery, flaky, and perfectly salty little disc is a masterpiece of a snack, but it’s also the perfect canvas for a huge variety of delicious toppings. It’s the undisputed king of easy entertaining.

Today, we’re celebrating this pantry staple with three incredibly easy, no-fuss appetizer recipes that are perfect for any party, holiday gathering, or last-minute get-together.

We’ll start with a sophisticated and savory Smoked Salmon & Dill Cream Cheese bite.

Then, we’ll create a sweet and salty showstopper with a Brie, Fig Jam & Prosciutto combination.

Finally, we’ll dive into a warm and cheesy classic with a baked Sausage & Cheddar topped cracker.

These recipes prove you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a delicious and impressive appetizer spread. Let’s get stacking!

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Recipe 1: Smoked Salmon & Dill Cream Cheese Bites

This is a classic and elegant combination that looks beautiful on a platter and tastes even better. It’s a perfect no-cook appetizer.

Quick Recipe Snapshot (Smoked Salmon)

Ingredients (Smoked Salmon)

• Ritz Crackers: 1 sleeve (about 36 crackers).
• Cream Cheese: 4 oz, softened.
• Smoked Salmon: 4 oz, thinly sliced.
• Fresh Dill: 1 tbsp, finely chopped.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tsp, fresh.
• Capers: For garnish (optional).
• Black Pepper: Freshly cracked.

Cooking Instructions (Smoked Salmon)

Step 1: Create the Dill Cream Cheese

This is a simple no-cook assembly, so the prep is everything. In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, the chopped fresh dill, and the fresh lemon juice.

Use a fork or a small spatula to mix everything together until the dill is evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese.

This simple step infuses the cream cheese with a fresh, herbaceous flavor that is a classic pairing with salmon.

Step 2: Assemble the Bites

Arrange your Ritz crackers on a serving platter. You can either pipe the dill cream cheese onto each cracker using a piping bag with a star tip for a fancier presentation, or simply spread a small amount on each cracker with a knife.

Cut or tear your thinly sliced smoked salmon into small, bite-sized pieces. Delicately place a folded piece of the smoked salmon on top of the cream cheese on each cracker. Top each one with a few capers, if you’re using them, and a final crack of black pepper. Serve immediately.

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Recipe 2: Brie, Fig Jam & Prosciutto Cracker Bites

This is an incredible combination of sweet, salty, and savory that tastes like a fancy cheese board in a single bite.

Quick Recipe Snapshot (Brie & Fig)

Ingredients (Brie & Fig)

• Ritz Crackers: 1 sleeve.
• Brie Cheese: 1 (8 oz) wheel.
• Fig Jam or Fig Spread: About ½ cup.
• Prosciutto: 4 oz, thinly sliced.
• Fresh Rosemary or Thyme: For garnish (optional).

Cooking Instructions (Brie & Fig)

Step 1: Prepare the Components

This appetizer can be served cold or with the brie slightly melted. For the melted version, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cut your wheel of brie into small, cracker-sized slices. Tear your slices of prosciutto into smaller, bite-sized pieces that will fit nicely on a cracker. Arrange the Ritz crackers on a baking sheet.

Step 2: Assemble and Serve

Top each cracker with a small slice of brie. Bake for just 1-2 minutes, just until the brie is slightly softened and warm, not completely melted.

Remove them from the oven. Top each brie-topped cracker with a small dollop of fig jam. Finish by placing a small, folded piece of prosciutto on top.

If you’re serving them cold, simply skip the baking step. Garnish with a tiny sprig of fresh rosemary and serve immediately.

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Recipe 3: Warm and Cheesy Sausage Cracker Bites

These are a classic, hearty, and incredibly addictive warm appetizer. They’re like a tiny bite of sausage pizza on a cracker.

Quick Recipe Snapshot (Sausage)

Ingredients (Sausage)

• Ritz Crackers: 1 sleeve.
• Bulk Pork Sausage: ½ lb (can be sweet, mild, or hot).
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup.
• Cream Cheese: 2 oz, softened.
• Garlic Powder: ½ tsp.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tsp.
• Chopped Scallions: For garnish.

Cooking Instructions (Sausage)

Step 1: Create the Cheesy Sausage Topping

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bulk pork sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through.

Drain off all of the excess grease and let the sausage cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, the shredded cheddar cheese, the softened cream cheese, the garlic powder, and the Worcestershire sauce. Mix until everything is well combined into a thick, uniform topping.

Step 2: Top and Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Arrange the Ritz crackers in a single layer on a baking sheet. Using a small spoon or a cookie scoop, place a small mound of the sausage and cheese mixture on top of each cracker.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the topping is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Be careful not to let the crackers get too dark. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with the chopped scallions, and serve immediately while they are warm and gooey.

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The Flavor Architects A Look at the Ingredients

• Ritz Cracker: The star that ties it all together. Its buttery, flaky texture and signature salty flavor provide the perfect crunchy base that complements both savory and sweet toppings.
• Cream Cheese (Smoked Salmon & Sausage): This provides a cool, tangy, and creamy base that adds richness and acts as the perfect “glue” to hold other ingredients onto the cracker.
• Fig Jam (Brie): The intense, jammy sweetness of the fig provides the perfect counterpoint to the salty prosciutto and the rich, earthy brie, creating a complex and sophisticated bite.
• Pork Sausage (Sausage): This provides a hearty, savory, and slightly spicy flavor that, when combined with melted cheddar, creates an irresistible and comforting appetizer.

Essential Tools

• Baking sheets
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula
• Piping bag (optional)
• Sharp knife and cutting board

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Storage: These appetizers are all at their absolute best when served fresh. The crackers will become soft over time. If you do have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a day, but the texture will be compromised.
• Reheating: The warm sausage bites can be reheated in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to help re-crisp the cracker. The cold appetizers should not be reheated.
• Prep Ahead: For the best results, you can prepare all the toppings and spreads up to a day in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Then, simply assemble the appetizers on the crackers right before your guests arrive.

Common Mistakes & Fixes

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of cracker?

While Ritz crackers are classic for their buttery flavor, you can certainly use other types. A sturdy, plain water cracker, a whole wheat cracker, or even a crispy Triscuit would work well, especially for the savory toppings.

Can I make a vegetarian version of the sausage bites?

Yes, absolutely. You can substitute the pork sausage with a plant-based sausage crumble. Cook it according to the package directions before mixing it with the cheeses and seasonings.

How do I toast the nuts for the brie crostini?

It’s very simple. You can spread the chopped nuts on a dry baking sheet and toast them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or you can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, tossing frequently, until they are fragrant.

Enjoy Your Easy and Delicious Appetizers!

You now have three incredibly easy and crowd-pleasing Ritz cracker appetizers in your hosting arsenal.

These recipes prove that you don’t need a lot of time or effort to create a delicious and varied spread for any occasion. I hope you and your guests enjoy every single bite!