Irresistible Crispy Ham and Swiss Cracker Melts Recipe

Golden crackers meet a mouthwatering ham and swiss cracker melts that promise to tantalize every taste bud.

Layers of savory ham and melted swiss cheese create a delightful combination on crisp, buttery crackers.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crunch and creamy richness.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible appetizer or quick snack.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Simple yet elegant, these cracker melts will become your new go-to comfort food.

Prepare to impress with this easy and delectable treat that everyone will love.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 68 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 18 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 12

Ham and Swiss Cracker Melt Ingredient Rundown

• Crackers: Crisp foundation that provides a sturdy, crunchy platform for the melts.
• Dijon Mustard: Zesty condiment that adds a tangy kick and depth of flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy element that helps bind the sauce and adds richness.
• Honey: Sweet component that balances the mustard's sharpness and creates a harmonious sauce.

• Ham: Savory, salty meat that brings classic deli flavor and protein to the dish.
• Swiss Cheese: Mild, melty cheese that creates a gooey, luxurious topping with nutty undertones.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a pop of color and bright, clean flavor.
• Poppy Seeds: Tiny seeds that offer a subtle crunch and decorative touch.

Tools for Assembling Ham and Swiss Cracker Melts Quickly

• Baking Sheet: Essential for even cooking and easy cleanup with parchment paper.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for mixing the mustard, mayonnaise, and honey sauce.
• Knife: Handy for spreading sauce and cutting ham and cheese slices.
• Cutting Board: Great surface for preparing ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for precise sauce measurements.

Toast Ham and Swiss Cracker Melts with Gooey Cheese

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F and grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

• Sauce It Up

Whip together a zesty blend of tangy Dijon, creamy mayo, and a touch of golden honey. Spread a dollop on each crispy cracker.

• Stack the Layers

Drape a piece of savory ham onto each cracker, then crown it with a slice of melty Swiss cheese.

• Melt and Transform

Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven. Let the heat work its for 6-8 minutes until the cheese bubbles and becomes irresistibly golden.

• Garnish and Devour

Pull out the crackers and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or a dash of poppy seeds. Serve these bite-sized delights immediately while they’re hot and crispy.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of crackers?

Yes, you can substitute with various crackers like Ritz, water crackers, or buttery crackers. Just ensure they are sturdy enough to hold the toppings without breaking.

• Is there a substitute for Dijon mustard?

Absolutely! You can use whole grain mustard, yellow mustard, or even spicy brown mustard for a different flavor profile. Each will slightly change the taste but still work well.

• Can I prepare these in advance?

You can assemble the crackers ahead of time and refrigerate them. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re putting them directly from the refrigerator into the oven.

• What if I don't have Swiss cheese?

No problem! Try provolone, mild cheddar, or monterey jack as alternative cheese options. They melt nicely and complement the ham well.

Tips That Make Each Cracker Melt Crisp and Savory

• Prep these cracker melts in advance by assembling them on the baking sheet and refrigerating for up to 2 hours before baking, perfect for easy entertaining.
• Use gluten-free crackers or rice crackers to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising flavor.
• Experiment with different protein options like turkey, roast beef, or even vegetarian deli slices to create endless flavor combinations.
• Add a dash of smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or everything bagel seasoning to the mustard sauce for an extra flavor kick that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Replace ham with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a meat-free version that's equally delicious and satisfying.

Serve These Melts for Lunch, Snacks, or Parties

• Party Platter: Arrange these melts on a rustic wooden board with fresh herbs scattered around for a stunning appetizer that'll wow guests.
• Cocktail Hour Companion: Pair these crispy bites with chilled white wine or a light beer to create a perfect pre-dinner snack that complements drinks beautifully.
• Game Day Favorite: Serve these quick and easy melts during sports events as a crowd-pleasing finger food that's simple to prepare and devour between plays.
• Picnic Perfect Treat: Pack these crackers in a portable container for outdoor adventures, ensuring a delicious and compact snack that travels well and stays crisp.

Store Cracker Melts for a Quick Warm-Up Later

• Transfer leftover Ham and Swiss Cracker Melts to an airtight container. Refrigerate quickly within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm these tasty snacks in a preheated oven at 325F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwave reheating to keep crackers crunchy and prevent soggy texture.
• Prepare sauce and assemble crackers up to 4 hours before baking. Cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This strategy saves time during busy moments.
• Consider creating smaller batches based on immediate serving needs. Unused ingredients can be stored separately – mustard in the refrigerator, crackers in a sealed pantry container, and cheese/ham in the coldest refrigerator section for optimal freshness.

Crispy Ham And Swiss Cracker Melts

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Savory ham and Swiss cracker melts offer a delightful twist on classic comfort food. Crisp crackers topped with melted cheese and ham provide a quick, satisfying snack you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 slices Swiss cheese, cut into quarters
• 12 thin slices deli ham, cut into halves
• 24 buttery round crackers (like Ritz)
• ¼ cup (60 g) mayonnaise
• 2 tbsps Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 tsp honey (optional, for a sweet touch)
• Chopped parsley
• Poppy seeds

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cooking and cleanup.
2. Base Assembly: Arrange crackers in a precise single layer across the prepared baking sheet, creating a uniform foundation for the melts.
3. Flavor Enhancement: Whisk Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and honey into a harmonious sauce, then delicately spread a thin layer over each cracker.
4. Layering: Position a half slice of ham on each cracker, followed by a quarter slice of Swiss cheese, ensuring complete coverage and optimal melting potential.
5. Baking: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 6-8 minutes, watching for the cheese to become fully melted and achieve a golden-brown appearance.
6. Finishing Touch: Remove from the oven and optionally garnish with chopped parsley or a light sprinkle of poppy seeds for added visual appeal and subtle flavor complexity.
7. Serving: Present the ham and Swiss cracker melts immediately while they remain warm and at the peak of their appetizing glory.

Notes

Select High-Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh, flavorful ham and good-melting Swiss cheese to elevate the overall taste and texture of the cracker melts.

Manage Sauce Consistency: Whisk the Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and honey carefully to create a smooth, balanced sauce that complements without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Control Oven Positioning: Place the baking sheet in the center of the oven to ensure uniform heat distribution and prevent uneven browning or burning of the crackers.

Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute ingredients for gluten-free crackers, low-sodium ham, or dairy-free cheese alternatives to accommodate different dietary restrictions while maintaining the dish’s core flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg