Ritz Crackers with Bacon and Pickle Spread: Crispy Party Snack

My Ritz pickle bacon crackers are an easy, crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer. Buttery Ritz crackers are layered with crisp bacon, dill pickle slices, and melting cheese for a bite that’s savory, tangy, and delicious.

Plate of Ritz pickle bacon crackers.

If you love dill pickles, these Ritz pickle bacon crackers are a must-serve. They’re one of my favorite go-to appetizers when I want something simple but a little different to bring to a party.

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • Fast and easy. With cooked bacon on hand, these come together in about 10 minutes.
  • Feeds a crowd. The recipe yields 24 cracker sandwiches and can easily be doubled.
  • Great flavor. The combination of dill pickles, bacon, and cheese delivers bold, complementary flavors.
  • Customizable. Omit the bacon, swap dill pickles for sweet pickles, or use your favorite cheese.

Ingredients

You only need a box of Ritz crackers and a handful of simple ingredients to make these tasty cracker sandwiches.

Box of Ritz crackers, plate of bacon, sliced cheese, pickles, seasonings, and melted butter.
  • Ritz crackers: Classic Ritz work best; Club crackers can be substituted.
  • Bacon: Cooked and cut into thirds so each cracker gets a piece.
  • Dill pickle slices: Hamburger dill chips are a good size for these bites.
  • Cheese: Havarti melts nicely; cheddar, Colby Jack, provolone, or Swiss also work.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter, melted, for brushing the tops.
  • Ranch seasoning: Your favorite blend adds a savory tang.
  • Dried dill: Or use fresh dill if you prefer.

How to make Ritz pickle bacon crackers

Step one: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.

Step two: Arrange 24 crackers on the prepared baking sheet.

Baking pan with Ritz crackers topped with bacon.
Crackers topped with bacon and dill pickle slices.

Step three: Place a piece of bacon on each cracker.

Step four: Add a pickle slice on top of the bacon.

Crackers topped with bacon, pickles, and cheese.
Melted butter being poured over crackers.

Step five: Top with a piece of cheese (cut into fourths if using sliced cheese).

Step six: Add another cracker on top. Mix the melted butter with ranch seasoning and dill, then brush the mixture over the tops of the crackers.

Step seven: Bake for 3–5 minutes, just until the cheese begins to melt. Serve warm and enjoy!

Heather’s recipe tips

  • Avoid thick-cut bacon. Regular sliced bacon keeps the sandwiches bite-sized.
  • Pat pickles dry. Removing excess liquid prevents soggy crackers.
  • Watch them in the oven. The cheese melts quickly; you don’t want the crackers to brown too much.
  • Scale up easily. Double the ingredients to serve a larger group; the base recipe makes 24 sandwiches.
Hand holding Ritz cracker with bacon and pickle.

Storage instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be enjoyed cold or briefly reheated in a 350°F oven for a few minutes. Freezing is not recommended.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of pickles work best?

Hamburger dill pickle chips are a great size and flavor for these crackers.

Can I use turkey bacon?

Yes. Turkey bacon or sliced ham can be used as alternatives.

Can they be served cold?

You can eat them cold, but they’re best served warm right out of the oven.

More bite-sized recipes

  • Ham puffs
  • Rotel cream cheese sausage balls
  • Sausage and cream cheese bites
  • Iowa party bites
Plate of Ritz pickle bacon crackers.

Ritz Pickle Bacon Crackers

Buttery Ritz crackers topped with bacon, dill pickles, and cheese — an easy, flavorful snack or party appetizer.
Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 5 mins | Total: 15 mins
Servings: 24

Ingredients

  • 48 Ritz crackers
  • 8 pieces cooked bacon, cut in thirds
  • 24 dill pickle slices
  • 6 slices Havarti cheese, cut into fourths
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon dried dill

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with foil.
  2. Place 24 Ritz crackers on the prepared sheet.
  3. Cut bacon into thirds and place a piece on each cracker.
  4. Top each with a pickle slice and a quartered piece of cheese.
  5. Cover with another cracker.
  6. Stir together melted butter, ranch seasoning, and dill; brush over the tops.
  7. Bake 3–5 minutes or until the cheese starts to melt. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use regular sliced bacon instead of thick-cut to keep the bites small.
  • Pat pickles dry to avoid soggy crackers.
  • Watch them closely while baking; the cheese melts quickly.
  • Double the recipe to serve more people.

Nutrition

Calories: 91 kcal | Carbohydrates: 4 g | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 7 g | Sodium: 215 mg

Nutrition information is an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Appetizer | Cuisine: American