If you have a soft spot for classic, buttery Ritz crackers but crave a cheesy, homemade twist, then you are going to adore this Copycat Ritz Cheese Cracker Sandwiches Recipe. This recipe takes those beloved salty crackers and turns them into delicate, crisp rounds filled with rich, creamy cheddar cheese, giving you that perfect balance of crunch and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. It’s a nostalgic treat with a fun homemade flair that’s perfect for parties, snacks, or anytime you want something special and satisfying. Trust me, once you try these, store-bought Ritz just won’t cut it anymore!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Copycat Ritz Cheese Cracker Sandwiches Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to give you that authentic flaky cracker texture and cheesy filling that melts just right. From the bread flour for that perfect structure to the sharp cheddar for a delightful tang, every ingredient plays a starring role.
- Bread flour: The gluten content provides the ideal chewy and crisp cracker texture.
- Baking powder: Helps the crackers rise slightly for the classic lightness.
- Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the saltiness.
- Kosher salt: Essential for flavor and sprinkling on top for crunch.
- Cold unsalted butter: Cubed and chilled for flakiness and rich buttery flavor.
- Cold water: Binds the dough without melting the butter, keeping it tender.
- Egg and water (egg wash): Creates a shiny, golden finish and helps salt adhere.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the filling, providing a rich, tangy kick.
- Whole milk: Used to melt the cheese smoothly for that luscious filling.
- Corn starch: Thickens the cheese filling so it holds perfectly between crackers.
How to Make Copycat Ritz Cheese Cracker Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Combine dry ingredients and butter
Start by adding your bread flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and cold cubed butter to a food processor. Pulse just enough until the butter pieces resemble small peas—this is the secret to getting flaky layers in your crackers. If you don’t have a food processor, use a pastry cutter or your fingers, but be careful not to warm the butter too much.
Step 2: Add cold water and form dough
Next, introduce the cold water and pulse lightly just until the dough starts to come together. It’s important not to overwork it, or your crackers might turn out tough instead of tender and crisp. The dough should hold together well but still feel slightly shaggy.
Step 3: Chill the dough
Transfer the dough to a flat surface and gently form it into a ball, then flatten into a rectangle about half an inch thick. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This chilling step helps the butter solidify again so the crackers bake up with beautiful layers and crispness.
Step 4: Melt and thicken the cheese filling
While the dough chills, gently melt your sharp cheddar cheese with whole milk over low heat. Stir in corn starch once the cheese starts to melt, whisking until the mixture thickens. This creamy, thickened cheese filling is what makes these sandwiches irresistibly gooey on the inside.
Step 5: Roll and cut the crackers
When the dough is chilled and ready, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a wafer-thin thickness, about one eighth of an inch. Use a fluted 1-inch round cookie cutter or pastry ring to cut your crackers. Since they don’t puff up much, you can place them quite close together on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Prepare crackers for baking
Use a fork to pierce each cracker a few times to prevent excessive puffing during baking. Next, brush them lightly with the egg wash made from beaten egg and water, which will give your crackers that gorgeous golden finish. Don’t forget to sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt on top to create that classic Ritz flavor!
Step 7: Bake the crackers
Bake your crackers in a preheated 350˚F oven for about 15 minutes, or until they turn crisp and golden brown on the bottom. Cool them thoroughly on a rack to ensure they stay perfectly crunchy when you assemble your sandwiches later.
Step 8: Finish the cheese filling and assemble
Once your cheese mixture is chilled and firm, pulse it in a food processor until smooth and creamy. Transfer it into a piping bag, then pipe about half a teaspoon of cheese onto one cracker and gently sandwich with a second. Repeat this matching and filling method until all your crackers are paired up—then get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Copycat Ritz Cheese Cracker Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
For a fun twist, try sprinkling a little smoked paprika or fresh herbs like thyme on top of the sandwiches before serving. A tiny sprinkle of cracked black pepper adds an unexpected layer of flavor that complements the sharp cheddar beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cheesy cracker sandwiches pair wonderfully with crisp vegetable sticks, a fresh garden salad, or a tangy tomato soup. Their buttery crunch makes them a perfect snack or appetizer companion that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, arrange the Copycat Ritz Cheese Cracker Sandwiches Recipe on a wooden board surrounded by grapes, olives, and nuts. You can also serve them alongside a trio of dips like spicy mustard, roasted red pepper hummus, or a smooth guacamole for a crowd-pleasing spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover cracker sandwiches, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of their delicate crispness, it’s best to enjoy them within 2-3 days so the crackers stay delightfully crunchy and the filling remains fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the unassembled crackers on a parchment-lined baking sheet once baked and cooled. After freezing solid, transfer them to a sealed bag and keep in the freezer for up to 1 month. Freeze the cheese filling separately in an airtight container and thaw before piping and assembling.
Reheating
For a freshly baked taste after storing or freezing, warm the crackers in a low oven (about 300˚F) for 3-5 minutes before assembling. Avoid microwaving to preserve the crisp texture. Once filled, it’s best to serve immediately.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic for this recipe, you can experiment with gouda, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses for a unique flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the milk and corn starch to maintain the right filling consistency.
Do I really need bread flour?
Bread flour is recommended because it has a higher protein content, which helps create that perfect chewy yet crispy cracker texture. However, all-purpose flour can be substituted in a pinch, though the texture might be slightly less crisp.
Can I make the dough without a food processor?
Yes, you can make the dough by hand! Use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs, then gently mix in the water until the dough just comes together. Keep everything cold for the best result.
How long do these crackers stay fresh once assembled?
Because of the moisture in the cheese filling, these sandwiches are best eaten the same day they are assembled. If you need to store them, keep them airtight in the refrigerator and consume within a day or two to avoid soggy crackers.
Can I make these gluten-free?
With some experimentation, yes! You would need a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder to mimic the texture of bread flour. Keep in mind the texture might differ from the traditional crackers but the cheesy filling will still shine.
Final Thoughts
This Copycat Ritz Cheese Cracker Sandwiches Recipe is truly a labor of love that rewards you with homemade, buttery, cheesy bites reminiscent of the nostalgic snack we all adore. Whether you’re making them for a party, a snack, or just to treat yourself, these sandwiches bring that perfect balance of crispness and creamy cheesy goodness that’s hard to resist. Go ahead and try making these delightful treats—you might just find a new favorite that beats the store-bought version any day!
PrintCopycat Ritz Cheese Cracker Sandwiches Recipe
This Copycat Ritz Cheese Cracker Sandwich recipe recreates the beloved classic snack with homemade crispy crackers filled with a smooth, sharp cheddar cheese filling. Perfectly flaky, buttery, and cheesy, these sandwich crackers come together with simple ingredients and a food processor, baked to golden perfection and filled with a luscious cheese mixture. Ideal for snacking or parties, they offer a delicious nostalgic treat made from scratch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 50 sandwich crackers
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Crackers
- 1 ½ cups bread flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 egg, beaten + 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Salt for topping
Cheese Filling
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, diced into ½-inch cubes or shredded
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- 2 teaspoons corn starch
Instructions
- Prepare the dough mixture: Add the bread flour, cold cubed butter, baking powder, sugar, and kosher salt to a food processor and pulse several times until the butter is pea-sized, creating a crumbly texture. If you don’t have a food processor, gently work the dough with your hands or use a pastry cutter until combined but not overly mixed.
- Incorporate water: Add the cold water to the dry mixture and pulse a few more times until just incorporated. Be careful not to overwork the dough to keep the crackers tender.
- Shape and chill dough: Turn the dough out onto a clean surface or baking mat and press it together into a ball. Flatten it into a ½-inch thick rectangle, wrap tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up the dough and develop flavors.
- Preheat oven: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the cheese filling: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the diced cheddar cheese and whole milk. Stir continuously until the cheese melts. Slowly whisk in the corn starch and cook until the mixture thickens slightly. Transfer this cheese filling to a small bowl and refrigerate to cool completely and firm up.
- Roll and cut crackers: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a rectangle about ⅛-inch thick. Using a 1-inch fluted pastry ring or cookie cutter, cut out rounds and transfer them carefully to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them closely as they do not expand significantly during baking.
- Prepare crackers for baking: Using a fork, pierce each cracker 2-3 times to prevent excessive puffing in the oven. In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and tablespoon of water to make the egg wash. Lightly brush each cracker with the egg wash and sprinkle with a small pinch of salt.
- Bake the crackers: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the crackers are crisp and browned lightly on the bottom. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
- Prepare cheese filling for piping: Once the cheese mixture has cooled, break it into chunks and pulse in the food processor for about 10 seconds or until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a piping bag or a plastic bag with the tip cut off.
- Assemble sandwiches: Pipe about ½ teaspoon of the cheese filling onto one cracker and sandwich with another cracker on top. Repeat with remaining crackers. Serve and enjoy your homemade Ritz cheese cracker sandwiches!
Notes
- Use cold butter and water to ensure flaky, tender crackers.
- Do not overwork the dough to keep the texture light and crisp.
- If a food processor is unavailable, use a pastry cutter or your hands to combine ingredients.
- The cheese filling should be fully cooled before piping to prevent melting the crackers.
- Store assembled crackers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- For variation, try different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.
