Ham and Swiss Cracker Melts Recipe

 

These Ham and Swiss Cracker Melts are my secret weapon when I need a fast, easy snack or appetizer that people will rave about. Imagine buttery crackers sandwiching savory ham and gooey melted Swiss cheese, all topped with a flavorful butter mixture—what’s not to love? I brought these to a party once, and let’s just say, I didn’t bring any home. They were gone in minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Perfect for when you need something fast but impressive.
• Savory & Cheesy: Swiss cheese, ham, and buttery crackers are a flavor match made in heaven.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for parties, game nights, or even a fun snack for the kids.

Ingredients

• 48 Ritz Crackers (1 bag)
• 8 slices deli ham, torn into small pieces
• 8 slices Swiss cheese, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
• ½ teaspoon dried minced onion

Variations

• Change Up the Cheese: Swap the Swiss for cheddar, provolone, or any cheese you love.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a little heat.
• Turkey & Cheddar: Try turkey and cheddar instead for a different take.

How to Make the Recipe

1. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Assemble the Crackers: Place half of the Ritz crackers flat side down in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top each cracker with a small piece of ham and a square of Swiss cheese, then sandwich with another Ritz cracker.
3. Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
4. Pour the Butter Mixture: Drizzle the butter mixture evenly over the cracker sandwiches.
5. Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the poppy seeds and dried minced onion on top.
6. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the crackers are golden brown.
7. Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Serve

• As a Snack or Appetizer: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or game nights.
• With Soup: Pair with tomato or creamy potato soup for a cozy meal.
• Quick Lunch: Makes for a fun and delicious lunch option.

Make Ahead

• Fridge: Assemble the cracker sandwiches and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
• Freezer: Freeze assembled sandwiches before baking. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cracker? Yes, any buttery cracker will work, but Ritz crackers are ideal.
• Do I have to use Swiss cheese? No, you can use any cheese you prefer.
• How do I keep the crackers from getting soggy? Use a light coating of the butter mixture to avoid sogginess.

These Ham and Swiss Cracker Melts are the ultimate quick snack or party appetizer. They’re cheesy, savory, and absolutely delicious. Once you make these, I guarantee they’ll become a regular in your snack rotation. Enjoy!

Zucchini Cornbread Casserole

 

We have the perfect recipe for you if you love cornbread but are seeking something heartier and healthier. Summer vegetables abound in this buttery cornbread dish with zucchini. With three and a half cups packed into this meal, zucchini is undeniably the main attraction. The tangy jalapeño and sweet corn are the supporting cast members that really bring it home.

What is Needed

• 2.5 cups of zucchini, shredded and set aside to drain
• 1 chopped white onion and 16 ounces (split) of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup thawed corn
• 1 chopped jalapeño (to make it milder, remove the seeds)
• 2 eggs
• 2 milligrams of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of cumin flour
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• One 8.5-oz package of corn muffin mix

Zucchini Cornbread Casserole Recipe Details

1. Lightly butter an 8×8 inch baking dish and set the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Blend the corn, jalapeño, eggs, zucchini, onion, half of the cheese, and half of the corn in a big bowl.
3. Add the corn muffin mix slowly, mixing until incorporated.
4. After preparing the baking dish, transfer the mixture to it and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
5. Cook for 50–55 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
6. Warm it up before serving.

Iowa Snacks

 

Iowa Party Bites: The Perfect Game Day Snack

Getting ready for football season or need a delicious snack for a group? These Iowa Party Bites are the perfect solution! This tasty snack mixes crispy tortilla chips with a cheesy and creamy filling that will leave everyone asking for more. Plus, they’re easy to make, making them a great choice for any gathering!

Ingredients

• 1 bag of Tostitos Scoops tortilla chips (10 oz)
• 1 block of cream cheese (8 oz), softened to room temperature
• 8 oz grated mozzarella cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 can sweet corn (15 oz), drained
• 1 can mild or medium green chiles (4 oz), drained
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling on top)

Instructions for Preparing Iowa Party Bites

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated mozzarella, egg, sweet corn, green chiles, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
3. Prepare the tortilla scoops: Arrange the Tostitos Scoops on a large baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap.
4. Fill the chips: Spoon the cheese and corn mixture into each tortilla scoop, filling them generously.
5. Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese on top of each filled tortilla chip for extra flavor and crispiness.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let the bites cool slightly. Serve warm and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce or on their own!

These Iowa Party Bites are sure to be a hit at your next event, whether it’s for game day, a party, or just a casual snack with friends and family. They're the perfect finger food!

Cinnamon Bread from the Amish

 

Amish Cinnamon Bread: A Bakery-Style Treat at Home

Our Amish Cinnamon Bread tastes just like it came from a bakery! It’s a simple and fast bread recipe that uses only a few ingredients, making it perfect for breakfast, a sweet treat, or even a gift for a new home.

List of Ingredients

For the Batter

• 1 cup soft butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups buttermilk (or homemade buttermilk: 2 cups milk + 2 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice)
• 4 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture

• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Instructions for Making Amish Cinnamon Bread

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two loaf pans.
2. Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, 2 cups of sugar, and eggs. Then, mix in the buttermilk, flour, and baking soda until combined.
3. Layer the batter: Divide half (or slightly less) of the batter between the two greased loaf pans.
4. Cinnamon-sugar topping: In a separate small bowl, mix together 2/3 cup of sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Sprinkle 3/4 of this mixture on top of the batter in both pans.
5. Final layer: Add the remaining batter to the pans, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Swirl the batter gently with a knife to create a marbled effect.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pans for about 20 minutes before removing. Slice and enjoy!

This recipe makes 2 loaves of delicious Amish Cinnamon Bread that your whole family will love. Have fun baking!

My grandmother and aunts used to prepare

 

Tapioca Pudding: A Classic Comforting Dessert

Tapioca pudding is a traditional dessert famous for its smooth texture and gentle sweetness. This homemade recipe offers a delicious and comforting snack that’s perfect for any time of day.

List of Ingredients

• 1 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup small tapioca pearls
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups milk
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs, whisked

Directions

1. Soak the Tapioca: In a medium bowl, soak the tapioca pearls in 1 cup of cold water for 30 minutes. Drain the excess water afterward.
2. Heat the Milk: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm, but not boiling.
3. Add Tapioca and Sugar: Stir the drained tapioca pearls and sugar into the warm milk. Add salt and cook on medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the tapioca pearls become translucent.
4. Prepare Eggs: In a small bowl, whisk the eggs. Slowly pour a bit of the warm tapioca mixture into the eggs while stirring continuously to temper them.
5. Mix Eggs into Tapioca: Slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the tapioca, stirring constantly. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens further. Do not let it boil.
6. Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Cool and Serve: Transfer the pudding to a large bowl or individual serving dishes. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Enjoy your smooth and sweet tapioca pudding, a timeless dessert that’s sure to bring comfort and joy to any occasion!