Garlic Ritz Snacks

Garlic Ritz Snacks are a simple, flavorful, and irresistible treat that combines the crispiness of Ritz Bits with savory garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning. These bite-sized snacks are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them as an appetizer, or simply snacking during a movie night. The rich, buttery coating pairs perfectly with the distinctive flavor of Ritz crackers, making them addictive and delicious.

The beauty of these snacks lies in how easy they are to make. With just a few ingredients, you can create a batch of garlic-infused, crunchy bites that are guaranteed to be a hit with friends and family. The Parmesan cheese adds a salty richness, while the garlic powder and Italian seasoning give them that classic savory flavor that everyone loves.

These snacks are perfect for when you need something quick, yet tasty, to serve at a get-together or to satisfy your snack cravings. They can be made in just a few minutes and are sure to disappear quickly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

This recipe is incredibly simple to make. In just a few steps, you can create a batch of delicious, crispy snacks that require minimal prep time and cooking.

2. Perfect for Parties

With their bold, savory flavors and crunch, these Garlic Ritz Snacks are perfect for parties and gatherings. They can be served as an appetizer or a side dish, and they’re sure to be devoured by guests.

3. Versatile Flavor Profile

The combination of garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning creates a universally loved flavor. You can tweak the seasoning to suit your taste, adding more garlic or even a touch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

4. Budget-Friendly

These snacks are made with simple ingredients that won’t break the bank. Ritz Bits and a few pantry staples like butter, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese come together to create a satisfying snack.

5. Addictive Crunch

The Ritz Bits have a satisfying crunch that’s perfectly complemented by the buttery, seasoned coating. Once you start eating these, you won’t be able to stop!

Ingredients

• 2 (8.8 oz) boxes of cheese Ritz Bits
• 3/4 cup melted butter
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups 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.
• Cheddar Cheese: For extra cheesiness, sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top of the Ritz Bits after coating them with the butter mixture.
• Herb Variations: You can adjust the Italian seasoning by adding other herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to change up the flavor.
• Garlic Parmesan Popcorn: For a different take, use the same seasoning on popcorn for a garlic Parmesan popcorn snack.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Prepare the Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove. Once melted, stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Coat the Ritz Bits

Place the Ritz Bits in a large bowl. Pour the melted butter mixture over the Ritz Bits and gently toss until the crackers are evenly coated with the buttery seasoning.

Step 4: Add Parmesan Cheese

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the coated Ritz Bits and toss again to ensure the cheese is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Bake

Spread the Ritz Bits in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure the snacks bake evenly. Keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly due to the cheese and butter.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the snacks from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve immediately, or store them in an airtight container for later.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure to spread the Ritz Bits in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure they bake evenly and get crispy.
• Check for Crispiness: The Ritz Bits should be golden and crispy. If they’re not quite as crispy as you’d like, you can bake them for a few extra minutes, but be careful not to burn them.
• Use Fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated cheese.
• Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the garlic, onion, or Italian seasoning according to your preferences. Add extra garlic powder for a more intense flavor or a pinch of dried chili flakes for some heat.

How to Serve

These Garlic Ritz Snacks are delicious on their own, but they can also be served alongside a variety of dips. Consider pairing them with ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or even a creamy garlic dip for an extra indulgent treat. They can also be served at parties as part of a snack spread, with other savory finger foods like chips, crackers, and veggies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, store the leftover Garlic Ritz Snacks in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing

For long-term storage, you can freeze the Garlic Ritz Snacks. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crunch.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the snacks back in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes, or until crispy again. You can also microwave them, but the texture won’t be as crispy.

FAQs

Can I use regular Ritz crackers instead of Ritz Bits?

Yes, you can use regular Ritz crackers, but Ritz Bits provide a perfect bite-sized snack that’s easier to toss in the butter mixture.

How can I make these snacks less greasy?

You can reduce the amount of butter used or opt for a cooking spray to lightly coat the crackers.

Can I add other seasonings to the mix?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, such as smoked paprika, garlic salt, or even a dash of lemon zest for a fresh twist.

Are these snacks vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat, and the cheese used is dairy-based.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the Parmesan with another cheese, such as Romano or Asiago, for a different flavor.

Can I use store-bought garlic powder or homemade?

You can use either store-bought garlic powder or homemade garlic powder. Fresh garlic would not work well in this recipe, as it can burn during baking.

How can I make these snacks spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for an extra kick of heat.

Can I make these in advance?

Yes, you can make these snacks ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.

How can I avoid burning the Ritz Bits?

Keep an eye on the snacks as they bake, and be sure to stir them halfway through to ensure even cooking. If they start to brown too quickly, reduce the baking time slightly.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make a larger batch. Just be sure to use a larger baking sheet or bake in batches for even crisping.

Conclusion

Garlic Ritz Snacks are a simple yet flavorful treat that everyone will love. With their crispy texture and savory seasoning, they make the perfect snack for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them as a party appetizer or just snacking at home, these Garlic Ritz Snacks are guaranteed to be a hit. With minimal effort and just a few ingredients, you’ll have a batch of delicious, buttery, garlicky crackers that are perfect for munching.

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