Description
Crispy crackers meet melty ham and swiss in this quick ham and swiss cracker melts recipe, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights, you’ll savor this simple yet satisfying comfort meal that comes together in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 thin slices deli ham, cut into halves
- 12 slices Swiss cheese, cut into quarters
- 24 buttery round crackers (like Ritz)
Condiments and Seasonings:
- ¼ cup (60 g) mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a sweet touch)
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley
- Poppy seeds
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal environment for melting cheese and crisping crackers.
- Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Carefully distribute crackers across the prepared surface in a uniform, single layer to promote even heating.
- Craft a complementary sauce by whisking together tangy Dijon mustard, creamy mayonnaise, and a touch of sweet honey in a small mixing bowl.
- Delicately spread a modest portion of the prepared sauce onto each cracker, ensuring a thin, even coating.
- Drape a half slice of ham atop each sauce-covered cracker, creating a savory foundation for the next layer.
- Crown the ham with a quarter slice of Swiss cheese, positioning it to melt perfectly over the meat and cracker.
- Slide the laden baking sheet into the preheated oven, allowing the heat to transform the ingredients into a cohesive, golden-brown appetizer.
- Monitor the crackers for 6-8 minutes, watching for the cheese to become completely melted and slightly bubbling.
- Extract the baking sheet from the oven and, if desired, enhance the presentation by sprinkling chopped parsley or a light dusting of poppy seeds over the melts.
- Serve the ham and Swiss cracker melts immediately while they’re warm and at peak deliciousness.
Notes
- Swap ham for turkey or roast beef to create delightful variations that cater to different protein preferences.
- Use gluten-free crackers to transform this appetizer into a celiac-friendly snack without compromising flavor or texture.
- Experiment with different cheese types like cheddar or provolone to add unique taste profiles and personalize the melts.
- Prep these cracker melts ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then baking just before serving to save time during gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 68 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg