Garlic Ritz Snacks

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a buttery, crisp snack that explodes with flavor in every bite — and Garlic Ritz Snacks deliver just that. These addictive little bites are the perfect marriage of convenience and taste, using pantry staples to create a snack that feels indulgent but is ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re preparing a quick appetizer for unexpected guests, whipping up a game day snack, or looking for a savory treat to accompany your favorite soup, Garlic Ritz Snacks will not disappoint.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With a single sleeve of Ritz crackers, a few spoonfuls of melted butter, and a generous sprinkling of garlic and Parmesan, you can create a snack that punches far above its weight in terms of flavor. The buttery garlic flavor soaks into the crackers as they toast in the oven, transforming them into golden, crispy bites that are both rustic and gourmet.

This recipe is also a fantastic entry point for home cooks looking to elevate a common store-bought ingredient. Ritz crackers, a staple in many American pantries, are transformed into something special — and you’ll love how customizable the base is for other flavors and dips. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore all its delicious possibilities!

Ingredients:

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (approximately 30 crackers)

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional for extra depth)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for added umami and crunch)

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley, for garnish (optional, adds color and freshness)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a small microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Allow it to cool slightly so it doesn’t make the crackers too soggy upon contact.

Step 3: Add Seasonings to Butter

Stir in the garlic powder and onion powder (if using) into the melted butter. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors. You can also add a pinch of salt if your butter is unsalted, though Ritz crackers already have a good salt content.

Step 4: Coat the Crackers

Place the Ritz crackers in a large mixing bowl. Pour the seasoned butter mixture over the crackers and gently toss to coat every cracker evenly. Be gentle to avoid breaking the crackers — you want them whole for presentation and crunch.

Step 5: Add Parmesan and Arrange on Sheet

If using, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the buttered crackers and toss lightly again. Spread the crackers out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Try to keep them from overlapping to ensure even crisping.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the crackers for 10–12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Keep an eye on them — they can go from golden to burnt quickly due to the butter and cheese.

Step 7: Garnish and Cool

Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with dried parsley, if desired. Let them cool for about 5–10 minutes before serving. They’ll crisp up even more as they cool.

Variation

Garlic Ritz Snacks are wonderfully adaptable. Here are some tasty twists:

• Spicy Kick: Add ¼ tsp of crushed red pepper flakes to the butter mix for a subtle heat.

• Cheddar Ranch Style: Skip Parmesan and toss crackers with ranch seasoning and shredded cheddar.

• Italian Herb Blend: Add Italian seasoning and swap Parmesan for Romano cheese.

• Sweet & Savory: Add a touch of brown sugar and smoked paprika for a barbecue-inspired profile.

You can also switch up the base with whole wheat Ritz, gluten-free crackers, or even club crackers for a different texture.

COOKING Note:

• Avoid overbaking — the crackers should be golden and slightly toasted, not browned or burnt.

• Don’t drench the crackers in butter. Even coating helps them bake up crisp without becoming greasy.

• Always cool completely before storing to maintain crunch.

Serving Suggestions:

These crackers are the perfect snack on their own, but you can also serve them:

• With a cheese platter or charcuterie board

• As a side to soups like tomato bisque or creamy broccoli cheddar

• Crumbled over salads for a garlicky crunch

• Alongside a dip tray with hummus, ranch, or garlic aioli

• In a lunchbox or as an after-school treat

Tips:

• Use fresh Parmesan for maximum flavor and texture.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

• For easy cleanup, use parchment or silicone mats.

• You can double or triple the recipe easily — perfect for parties!

• Stir the crackers gently while coating to avoid breakage.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes

Total Time: 15–17 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 6 crackers):

• Calories: 160

• Protein: 2g

• Sodium: 280mg
  (Values may vary depending on the brand of crackers and amount of cheese used)

FAQs

Q1: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but keep in mind Ritz crackers are already salty, so it might push the overall saltiness over the edge. Adjust by skipping extra seasonings like Parmesan or added salt.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! These snacks store well in an airtight container for several days. Re-crisp in a 275°F oven for 3–5 minutes if needed.

Q3: What other crackers work for this recipe?

Club crackers, Saltines, or even round buttery crackers from other brands can be used — just adjust bake time as needed.

Q4: Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Fresh garlic can burn in the oven and become bitter. Garlic powder is recommended for even distribution and flavor without burning.

Q5: Can I make this in the air fryer?

Yes, air fry at 300°F for about 5–6 minutes, shaking halfway through. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Conclusion

Garlic Ritz Snacks are a testament to how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something utterly crave-worthy. With their garlicky, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch, they’re a crowd-pleasing favorite that can be thrown together in just minutes. Whether you’re preparing for a gathering, snacking solo, or looking for a unique garnish for your favorite soup or salad, these crackers bring the flavor and the fun.

Better yet, their customizable nature means you can tailor them to suit your spice level, cheese preference, or even turn them into a sweet-savory treat. Once you’ve tried them, don’t be surprised if you find yourself making them again and again. They’re that good.

So the next time you’re craving something crunchy, cheesy, garlicky — and just plain delicious — remember: you’ve got a sleeve of Ritz and a winning recipe up your sleeve. 😉

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