Garlic Ritz Snacks are the perfect combination of cheesy, buttery, and savory goodness. Made with crispy Ritz Bits crackers and flavored with a blend of garlic, onion, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese, these baked treats are incredibly easy to prepare and make an ideal party snack, game day treat, or flavorful afternoon nibble.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This snack is as simple as it is satisfying. The rich blend of spices and cheeses gives it an irresistible depth of flavor. It requires minimal preparation time and uses pantry staples, making it convenient for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting guests or craving a crunchy, cheesy bite, these Garlic Ritz Snacks are a go-to option that’s sure to please.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 (8 oz) box Ritz Bits crackers
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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¼ teaspoon dried parsley
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¼ teaspoon paprika
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
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Salt (to taste)
directions
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Preheat oven to 350°F.
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, paprika, and Parmesan cheese until the mixture is smooth.
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Add the Ritz Bits crackers to the bowl and gently toss until they are evenly coated.
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Spread the coated crackers evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
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Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the crackers.
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Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crackers are golden brown.
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Let the crackers cool slightly before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. The total time to prepare and bake the snack is about 20 minutes—10 minutes for prep and 10 minutes for baking.
Variations
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
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Herbaceous Twist: Mix in Italian seasoning or dried thyme for added herbal flavor.
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Different Cheeses: Try using mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack instead of cheddar for a different cheese profile.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crackers in place of Ritz Bits to accommodate dietary restrictions.
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Sweet and Savory: Add a light drizzle of honey after baking for a unique contrast of flavors.
storage/reheating
Store any leftover Garlic Ritz Snacks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the snacks on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to refresh their crispness.
FAQs
What are Ritz Bits crackers?
Ritz Bits are bite-sized sandwich crackers, typically filled with cheese or peanut butter. They are ideal for snacking and work well in recipes like this due to their small, crunchy size.
Can I use regular Ritz crackers instead?
Yes, you can substitute with regular Ritz crackers, but you may want to break them into smaller pieces or adjust the baking time slightly.
Is fresh parsley okay to use instead of dried?
Yes, fresh parsley can be used. Just keep in mind that fresh herbs have a more subtle flavor and may not crisp up in the oven like dried parsley.
Can I make this snack in advance?
Absolutely. You can prepare the mixture and even bake it a few hours ahead. Just store in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Are there any nut-free cheese alternatives for allergies?
Yes, most dairy cheeses are nut-free. Be sure to check labels, especially for shredded cheese, to confirm there are no cross-contamination risks.
Can I add other mix-ins to the recipe?
Yes, ingredients like bacon bits, crushed pretzels, or chopped nuts can be added for extra crunch and flavor.
Do I need to flip the crackers while baking?
No, flipping isn’t necessary. They cook evenly when spread in a single layer on the baking sheet.
How do I prevent the crackers from getting soggy?
Allow the crackers to cool completely before storing. This helps retain their crisp texture.
Can I freeze these snacks?
Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture and flavor of the crackers and cheese.
What kind of cheddar cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar adds a bold flavor, but mild cheddar works well if you prefer a subtler taste.
Conclusion
Garlic Ritz Snacks are an easy, flavorful treat that blends classic ingredients into a crunchy, cheesy delight. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe delivers a satisfying snack that’s hard to resist. Try it today and enjoy the savory richness in every bite.
Print
Garlic Ritz Snacks
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4-servings
Description
These Garlic Ritz Snacks are a quick and easy savory treat made with buttery Ritz Bits, garlic seasoning, and two kinds of cheese. Perfect for parties, game days, or a flavorful afternoon snack.
Ingredients
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1 (8 oz) box Ritz Bits crackers
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
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1/4 teaspoon paprika
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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Salt (to taste)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, paprika, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
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Add Ritz Bits crackers and gently toss to coat evenly.
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Spread the coated crackers in a single layer on the baking sheet.
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Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the crackers.
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Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and crackers are golden.
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Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
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Adjust the amount of garlic or cheese to suit your taste.
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For extra crunch, let them cool completely before storing.
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Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
