If you’re looking for a quick and addictive snack that will disappear as soon as you set it on the table, these Garlic Ritz Snacks are the answer! Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with savory garlic flavor, these snacks are perfect for movie nights, parties, or just a mid-day munch. Made with the beloved Ritz Bits, these bite-sized crackers are coated in a flavorful butter and seasoning mix, making them irresistible to anyone who tries them.
The recipe is simple to make, requiring only a few ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. The Ritz Bits get a savory upgrade with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and a generous amount of parmesan cheese. The buttery coating ensures each piece is perfectly crisp and flavorful. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer or just snacking on them with a cold drink, these Garlic Ritz Snacks are sure to become a staple in your snack rotation.
Best of all, this recipe is incredibly versatile—you can adjust the seasoning to your liking or even add some heat with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. So, if you love crunchy snacks that pack a punch, these Garlic Ritz Snacks will definitely hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes, these snacks are a breeze to make.
- Perfectly Crispy – The Ritz Bits get wonderfully crispy and crunchy after baking.
- Garlic Lovers’ Dream – Packed with garlic, onion, and Italian herbs for bold, savory flavor.
- Cheese Overload – Parmesan cheese adds a rich, salty finish that complements the crackers perfectly.
- Crowd-Pleaser – These snacks are ideal for parties, gatherings, or as a casual snack for yourself.
Ingredients
- Cheese Ritz Bits
- Melted butter
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Italian seasoning
- Grated parmesan cheese
Variations
Spicy Garlic Ritz Snacks
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
Ranch Flavor
Swap the Italian seasoning with a packet of ranch seasoning for a creamy, herby twist.
Herb Infusion
Use fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme instead of Italian seasoning for a more aromatic flavor profile.
Cheddar Kick
Add extra cheddar cheese along with the parmesan for a sharper, cheesier snack.
Vegan Version
For a vegan-friendly version, use dairy-free butter and omit the parmesan cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and grated parmesan cheese. Stir well until the mixture is smooth.
Step 3
Add the Cheese Ritz Bits to the bowl and gently toss them in the butter and seasoning mixture, ensuring each cracker is coated evenly.
Step 4
Spread the seasoned Ritz Bits in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent burning.
Step 6
Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Garlic Ritz Snacks cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t over-bake—watch carefully as they can go from golden to overdone very quickly.
- Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crispy for up to 3 days.
- Use real butter—it adds to the rich flavor and helps the seasoning stick to the crackers.
- Even coating is key—be sure to toss the crackers gently so they are evenly coated in the seasoning mixture.
How to Serve
These Garlic Ritz Snacks are perfect on their own as a crunchy, savory snack, but you can also serve them with dips like ranch, salsa, or a creamy cheese dip. Pair them with your favorite drink for a casual snack, or add them to a charcuterie board for a fun appetizer. They’re also a great side dish for soups or salads, adding a satisfying crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store the Garlic Ritz Snacks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They will stay crispy and delicious.
Freezing
For long-term storage, freeze the snacks in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to restore their crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular Ritz crackers instead of Ritz Bits?
Yes, you can use regular Ritz crackers. Just break them into smaller pieces if you prefer a bite-sized snack.
2. Can I make these without butter?
For a lighter version, you can use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute.
3. How can I make these more cheesy?
Add extra parmesan cheese to the seasoning mixture for a richer, cheesier flavor.
4. Can I use other types of crackers?
Yes, any type of plain cracker will work, but Ritz crackers have a great texture for this recipe.
5. Are these snacks gluten-free?
No, Ritz crackers contain gluten. You could use gluten-free crackers as a substitute to make the recipe gluten-free.
6. How long will these snacks stay fresh?
They’ll stay fresh for about 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
7. Can I add extra seasoning to these?
Absolutely! You can adjust the garlic, onion, or Italian seasoning to your taste.
8. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these snacks ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness.
9. Can I make these without a baking sheet?
If you don’t have a baking sheet, you can use a regular pan or a dish, just make sure to spread them in an even layer.
10. What can I serve these with?
These snacks pair perfectly with dips like ranch, guacamole, or salsa, or you can enjoy them as a side dish with a salad or soup.
Conclusion
These Garlic Ritz Snacks are the ultimate snack for garlic lovers and anyone who enjoys a crunchy, cheesy treat. Simple to make and packed with flavor, they’re a perfect addition to your snack rotation. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something savory, these crispy, garlicky treats will satisfy your snack cravings and leave everyone asking for more. Give them a try, and you’ll quickly understand why they’re so irresistible!
PrintGarlic Ritz Snacks
- Total Time: 12-14 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Ritz Snacks are a quick and irresistible snack. Ritz Bits, coated in a buttery garlic seasoning blend and baked with parmesan cheese, make for the perfect crunchy, savory treat. Great for parties or movie nights!
Ingredients
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2 (8.8 oz) boxes cheese Ritz Bits
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3/4 cup melted butter
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2 teaspoons garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
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1 1/2 cups grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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Prepare Crackers: In a large bowl, pour in the cheese Ritz Bits.
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Season the Butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
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Coat the Ritz Bits: Pour the seasoned butter over the Ritz Bits. Toss gently to make sure all of the crackers are evenly coated.
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Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the coated crackers and toss again to distribute the cheese evenly.
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Bake: Spread the Ritz Bits in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 7-9 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
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Cool: Allow the crackers to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, as they will crisp up more as they cool.
Notes
These snacks are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
If you prefer a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture.
You can also try different seasoning blends, such as ranch seasoning or smoked paprika, to vary the flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-9 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Garlic Ritz Snacks Garlic Ritz Bits Parmesan Garlic Crackers Savory Snack Party Appetizer