Craving party snacks that wow guests without hours of prep? These quick Ritz cracker snacks are the ultimate solution for easy party food and last-minute appetizers.
No complex cooking. No baking stress. Just simple, delicious finger food appetizers you can assemble in minutes.
Ritz crackers are perfect if you are looking for a last-minute snack or an instant appetizer magic. Salty, flaky crackers pair perfectly with creamy spreads, zesty toppings, savory proteins, and sweet finishes.
A simple swoop of cream cheese is always a classic foundation, but the pairing possibilities are practically endless.
For a rich, savory option, you can top them with slices of sharp cheddar, creamy brie, or tangy goat cheese alongside cured meats and herbs.
If you are craving a sweet option, try adding a dollop of mascarpone topped with fresh berries, a scoop of fig jam, or a generous drizzle of honey and crushed pecans.
If you’re hosting a holiday party, game night, brunch, baby shower, birthdays, or need easy last-minute snacks, these simple finger foods deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
These no-fuss party appetizer recipes are true crowd-pleasers and perfect for any gathering.
They make the best finger food, with easy single-serve bites and elegant hors d’oeuvres your guests can grab and enjoy without any hassle.
1- Ritz Pizza Crackers
Let me tell you, these Ritz Pizza Crackers are a total lifesaver when you need a quick snack and the fridge is practically empty.
You just layer a little marinara, some mozzarella cheese, and a mini pepperoni slice right on top of the buttery cracker, then pop them in the oven until melted. I make these for my kids all the time, but honestly, the adults devour them just as fast during Sunday football games!
They are the perfect casual party appetizers when you want all the pizza flavor without the delivery fee.
2- Creamy Herb Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches
If you are hosting a brunch or a cute little baby shower, you have to try these. They look so elegant but take about five minutes to throw together! You just whip some cream cheese with fresh dill, chives, and a little garlic powder, then sandwich it between two crackers.
I brought a huge tray of these to my auntie’s house last spring, and people seriously thought they were fancy catered hors d’oeuvres. They are cool, creamy, and ridiculously addictive.
3- Berries and Cream Cheese Ritz Cracker Appetizers
Okay, we definitely need a sweet option on this list! These are my absolute go-to when I want a dessert that isn’t too heavy.
Just spread a thick layer of sweetened cream cheese onto your Ritz, top it with a fresh raspberry or a blackberry, and drizzle a tiny bit of honey over the whole thing.
It is such a beautiful little bite for a summer book club or a warm evening out on the patio.
You get that amazing salty and sweet combo that hits the spot every single time.
4- Spicy Garlic Butter Ritz Cracker
You know those nights when you just want to snack on something savory with a cold drink? This recipe is exactly what you need.
You basically toss the crackers in melted butter, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of red pepper flakes, then toast them until they are incredibly crispy.
I started making these for our weekend movie nights, and now my husband literally begs for them.
They are fantastic to set out in little bowls as spicy, crunchy party appetizers when you have friends over for drinks.
5- Turkey and Brie Cranberry Cracker Bites – Party Appetizers
These are basically the holidays in a single bite. You layer a slice of roasted turkey, a rich wedge of creamy brie, and a tiny dollop of cranberry sauce right on that buttery Ritz.
I always serve these as elegant hors d’oeuvres before our big family Thanksgiving dinner, mostly because they keep everyone happy while the actual turkey finishes roasting in the oven!
They look gorgeous on a wooden serving board and bring such a cozy, festive energy to any holiday gathering.
6- Egg Salad Cracker Bites
Okay, egg salad is my ultimate comfort food when I just want to sit on the couch and watch a movie. Whipping up a quick batch and spooning it onto a buttery cracker is honestly the best lazy Sunday snack.
I usually make these when my sister comes over with the kids because they disappear in about five seconds! Try dusting a little smoked paprika over the top if you want to make them look super fancy with zero extra effort.
- Step 1: Finely chop hard-boiled eggs and mix them in a bowl with mayonnaise, a dash of mustard, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Step 2: Scoop a small spoonful of the egg salad onto each Ritz cracker.
- Step 3: Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or fresh dill before serving.
7- Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Dill Crackers
if you want to feel incredibly put-together but only have ten minutes before people show up, this is the move. I highly recommend squeezing a tiny bit of fresh lemon juice over them right before you set the plate out.
- Step 1: Spread a generous, smooth layer of plain or herb cream cheese onto your crackers.
- Step 2: Fold a small, bite-sized piece of smoked salmon and place it gently on top of the cream cheese.
- Step 3: Finish by placing a small, fresh sprig of dill on top of the salmon.
8- Crackers with Cream Cheese Grape Jelly and Chives
This sweet and savory combo sounds a little wild at first!
- Step 1: Smear a thick layer of softened cream cheese across the cracker base.
- Step 2: Add a small dollop of sweet grape jelly right in the center of the cream cheese.
- Step 3: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh chives over the top to balance the sweetness with a savory, oniony bite.
9- Cracker and Cheese Hors D’oeuvres With Tomato & Parsley
You literally cannot mess this one up. Grabbing whatever block cheese is in the fridge and adding a fresh little tomato half makes it feel so fresh and crisp. I usually use a really sharp cheddar or a spicy pepper jack to give it a nice kick against the buttery cracker.
- Step 1: Cut your favorite block cheese (like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack) into small squares and place one on each cracker.
- Step 2: Slice cherry or grape tomatoes in half and place a half cut-side down on top of the cheese.
- Step 3: Garnish with a single leaf of fresh flat-leaf parsley.
10- Finger food: cream cheese cracker. Cracker and cheese hors d’oeuvres
Just a simple swoop of plain cream cheese on a salty Ritz is so satisfying. If you have a cucumber laying around, toss a slice on there for a really nice crunch.
- Step 1: Spread a smooth, thick layer of softened cream cheese onto the Ritz cracker.
- Step 2: Keep it classic and simple by topping it with a single, thin slice of cucumber or a dash of cracked black pepper.
11- Salmon and Cracker Hor D’oeuvres with Sour Cream
If we have leftover baked salmon from dinner the night before, I just flake it cold right onto these crackers for a super quick lunch. It feels so light and fresh.
- Step 1: Add a small, neat dollop of sour cream to the center of each cracker.
- Step 2: Layer a small piece of cooked, flaked salmon (or smoked salmon) right over the sour cream.
- Step 3: Squeeze a tiny drop of fresh lemon juice over the top to brighten the flavors.
12- Ritz Push-Cart Hot Dog Bites
They taste exactly like going to a summer cookout, all packed into one crunchy bite. I made these for a football watch party recently and the adults actually ate them faster than the kids did!
- Step 1: Slice hot dogs into small, bite-sized rounds and quickly pan-fry them until they are warm and slightly browned on the edges.
- Step 2: Place one hot dog slice onto a Ritz cracker.
- Step 3: Top each bite with a tiny dab of yellow mustard, ketchup, and a pinch of sweet pickle relish.
13- RITZ Peanut Butter and Chocolate Touchdown Treats
These RITZ Peanut Butter and Chocolate Touchdown Treats are my absolute lifesaver. I literally just sandwich some creamy peanut butter between two salty crackers and dunk the whole thing in melted chocolate
Step 1: Spread a thick layer of creamy peanut butter onto a Ritz cracker, then top it with a second cracker to make a little sandwich.
Step 2: Melt chocolate chips in the microwave, then dip the cracker sandwiches into the chocolate until fully coated.
Step 3: Place them on wax paper to set. (Optional: Pipe white icing on top in the shape of football laces once the chocolate hardens!)
