Spider-Themed Ritz Cracker Sandwiches Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun, spooky twist on a classic snack that kids and adults alike will adore, then you have to try my Spider-Themed Ritz Cracker Sandwiches Recipe. I absolutely love how these little sandwiches come together quickly, look super cute, and taste delicious with just the right mix of creamy and sweet. Whether you’re prepping for a Halloween party or just want a playful treat, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and totally worth making. Stick with me and I’ll share everything you need to nail these creepy-crawly delights!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super Quick & Easy: You can whip these spider-themed sandwiches up in just ten minutes – perfect for last-minute parties.
  • Kid-Friendly Fun: My kids go absolutely crazy for the spider legs and candy eyes – they love helping me make them, too!
  • Versatile Flavors: Whether sweet or savory, you can customize these sandwiches any way you want.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Halloween, school lunches, or just because – these little sandwiches always impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients are simple and easy to find, which is part of why I love this Spider-Themed Ritz Cracker Sandwiches Recipe so much. The combination works because the crackers provide the perfect little base, the cream cheese adds a creamy texture that holds everything together, and the jam gives a sweet pop of flavor. Plus, pretzel sticks and candy eyes turn these into mini works of art!

  • Round crackers: Look for classic Ritz crackers or any buttery round crackers you like for that familiar flavor and sturdy bite.
  • Cream cheese: Soften it just a bit before spreading to make your job easier and the sandwich smoother.
  • Blackberry jam (or jam of choice): I love blackberry jam here because it’s dark and complements the spider theme, but feel free to go with strawberry, grape, or your favorite.
  • Pretzel sticks: These are perfect for “spider legs” – break them in half for the right size legs and crunch.
  • Candy eyes: You can find these in baking aisles, or make your own with tiny dots of white icing and chocolate.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to keep the basic concept and then mix things up depending on the mood or crowd. The beauty of this Spider-Themed Ritz Cracker Sandwiches Recipe is how flexible it is—you can always swap out fillings or toppings to suit dietary preferences or just get creative.

  • Meat & Cheese: I once made these with sliced ham and cheddar for a more savory snack, and they were a big hit with the adults at my Halloween party.
  • Peanut Butter & Jam: Classic and comforting, especially when your kids want something familiar but with a fun twist.
  • Cucumber & Cream Cheese: Adds a fresh crunch and works well for a lighter snack option.
  • Chocolate Marshmallow: This sweet spin with Nutella and marshmallow fluff turns the crackers into a mini dessert that’s perfect for little hands.

How to Make Spider-Themed Ritz Cracker Sandwiches Recipe

Step 1: Spread That Base

Lay out your round crackers on a clean surface. Take your softened cream cheese and spread a thin layer evenly over each cracker. Next, add a small spoonful of jam right on top of the cream cheese – but not too much or the sandwich will get messy. You’ll find that spreading thinly but evenly is key to making these sandwiches hold together well.

Step 2: Add the Spider Legs

Break your pretzel sticks in half (this size makes perfectly proportioned spider legs). Choose one cracker and carefully place four pretzel “legs” on each side, resting them on the cream cheese and jam layer so they stick. This gives you eight legs total, mimicking a spider. Don’t rush here—the symmetry really makes the effect come alive.

Step 3: Make the Sandwich

Now gently press another cracker, with the cream cheese and jam already spread, on top of the pretzel legs to create the sandwich. The cream cheese acts like glue here, so the sandwich holds together nicely without squishing out the filling.

Step 4: Eyes That Pop

Take your candy eyes and add a tiny dab of cream cheese to the back of each one—that way, they stick firmly to the top cracker. Arrange two or three eyes across the top of each sandwich for that perfect spider look. This step is my favorite because it really brings your spider to life. When I first tried this, I felt like a kid making Halloween crafts in the kitchen!

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Pro Tips for Making Spider-Themed Ritz Cracker Sandwiches Recipe

  • Soften Your Cream Cheese: I learned that letting cream cheese sit at room temp for 10 minutes makes spreading much easier and cleaner.
  • Pretzel Leg Placement: Arrange the pretzels carefully before sandwiching, so they don’t break or poke through the crackers.
  • Use Fresh Jam: Choosing a thicker jam helps prevent sogginess while still delivering great flavor.
  • Keep Candy Eyes Dry: If your candy eyes get sticky, they won’t adhere well; a small dab of cream cheese as glue works like magic.

How to Serve Spider-Themed Ritz Cracker Sandwiches Recipe

Spider-Themed Ritz Cracker Sandwiches Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I usually just let these sandwiches shine on their own, but sometimes I garnish the platter with a few fresh blackberry sprigs or a scattering of edible flowers for a pop of color. If it’s Halloween, little plastic spiders or webbing around the tray add a fun, spooky vibe without messing with the flavor.

Side Dishes

These Ritz cracker spiders pair wonderfully with a simple veggie tray, some cheese cubes, or even a bowl of spooky-themed popcorn. I’ve also served them alongside a creamy pumpkin soup, which is a personal favorite combo that balances sweet and savory perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For Halloween parties, I like laying out a big black tray with the spider sandwiches arranged in a circle like a creepy horde. Adding fake spider webs and little signs with fun names like “Creepy Crawly Sandwiches” doubles the fun. For school lunches, I simply pack a couple in a bento box with orange and black napkins for a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Spider-Themed Ritz Cracker Sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge. Because of the cream cheese, I usually recommend eating them within two days to enjoy the best flavor and texture. I learned that storing them with a sheet of parchment paper between layers keeps the pretzel legs from breaking or sticking.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t my go-to for this recipe because the crackers and pretzels can get soggy or lose their crunch. However, if you want to freeze them, wrapping each sandwich individually and placing them in a freezer-safe container helps a bit. Still, I’d recommend making fresh for the best texture.

Reheating

This recipe shines cold or warm, but if you want to warm them up, a quick 5-7 second zap in the microwave works—but watch closely so you don’t melt the candy eyes or soften the pretzel legs too much. For a little crunch, you can also pop them in a toaster oven for a couple minutes.

FAQs

  1. Can I use different crackers for the Spider-Themed Ritz Cracker Sandwiches Recipe?

    Absolutely! While Ritz crackers are traditional and have a buttery flavor that works perfectly, you can use any round, buttery crackers that hold up well. Just avoid crackers that are too fragile or very thick as they might not sandwich neatly with the pretzel legs.

  2. What if I can’t find candy eyes?

    No worries! You can make your own candy eyes with a small dot of white icing and a dab of melted chocolate or an edible marker dot for pupils. Alternatively, small chocolate chips or mini marshmallows can work as cute eye substitutes.

  3. Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

    Definitely. Just swap the cream cheese with a dairy-free or vegan cream cheese alternative, and choose a jam that fits your dietary needs. Most Ritz-style crackers aren’t vegan, so look for vegan cracker brands if this is important to you.

  4. How long do these sandwiches keep fresh?

    Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these sandwiches are best eaten within two days. Beyond that, the crackers may soften and the pretzel legs lose crunch, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Spider-Themed Ritz Cracker Sandwiches Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings together simple ingredients and turns snack time into a festive, creative event. I love how easy it is to make, and how every time I whip it up, whether for my kids or friends, it brings smiles and a lot of fun conversation. You’re going to enjoy making these little critters as much as you enjoy eating them—honestly, it’s one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to whenever you want a charming, no-fuss treat. So go ahead, try it out and get ready for some “ooohs” and “ahhhs!”

Print
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Spider-Themed Ritz Cracker Sandwiches Recipe

Spider-Themed Ritz Cracker Sandwiches Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 117 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 10 spider sandwiches
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Create a fun and spooky Halloween treat with these Spider-Themed Ritz Cracker Sandwiches. Perfect for kids’ parties or themed gatherings, these no-bake sandwiches combine creamy cream cheese and sweet jam sandwiched between crispy Ritz crackers, decorated with pretzel legs and candy eyes to resemble cute little spiders. Variations include savory and sweet fillings, making these versatile snacks enjoyable year-round.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 20 round Ritz crackers
  • 1/3 cup cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup blackberry jam or jam of choice
  • 1 cup pretzel sticks
  • 20 candy eyes


Instructions

  1. Prepare Crackers: Lay out the round crackers on a clean, flat surface for easy assembly.
  2. Spread Filling: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on each cracker, followed by a thin layer of blackberry jam or your chosen jam.
  3. Create Pretzel Legs: Break pretzel sticks in half. Place 4 half pretzel sticks on each side of one cracker (8 legs total) on top of the cream cheese and jam layer to form the spider’s legs.
  4. Assemble Sandwich: Top the cracker with pretzels with another cracker spread with cream cheese and jam to create a sandwich.
  5. Add Eyes: Put a small dot of cream cheese on each candy eye and place them on the top cracker to create the spider’s eyes.

Notes

  • Variations include meat & cheese, peanut butter & jam, cucumber & cream cheese, meatball & mozzarella, spreadable cheese, and chocolate marshmallow.
  • These sandwiches can be served year-round without the spider decoration.
  • You can warm sandwiches briefly in the oven for a golden, toasty finish and add melted butter with seasonings before warming.
  • Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • This recipe is child-friendly and perfect for Halloween parties or school treats.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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