Get ready to discover your new favorite snack obsession. These Garlic Ritz Snacks are impossibly easy to make and pack an incredible punch of savory, buttery, garlicky flavor. In just a few minutes, you can transform a simple sleeve of crackers into a highly addictive appetizer that disappears from the bowl. Whether you need a last-minute party dish, a savory bite for movie night, or a crunchy topping for soups, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.
Forget boring, plain crackers. We’re coating classic Ritz in a rich garlic butter mixture and baking them until they are perfectly golden and crisp. The result is a snack that’s both wonderfully simple and surprisingly sophisticated. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Ritz Snacks Recipe
There are so many reasons to adore this simple yet elegant snack. It’s the perfect recipe for enthusiastic home cooks who appreciate maximum flavor with minimal effort.
- Incredibly Quick & Easy: With just a handful of common ingredients and about 20 minutes, you can have a warm, delicious snack ready to serve.
- Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses inexpensive pantry staples to create something that tastes gourmet.
- Perfectly Versatile: Serve them as a standalone snack, add them to a charcuterie board, or use them as a crunchy topping for salads and soups like this Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of buttery crackers, savory garlic, and rich Parmesan is universally loved and perfect for any occasion.
The Essential Ingredients
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a few key ingredients to create these amazing Garlic Ritz Snacks.
- Ritz Crackers: The star of the show! Their buttery, flaky texture is the perfect base.
- Unsalted Butter: This creates the rich coating that helps all the seasonings adhere to the crackers.
- Garlic Powder: Provides that essential, savory garlic flavor without the risk of burning fresh garlic.
- Onion Powder: Adds a deeper, more complex layer of aromatic flavor.
- Dried Parsley: For a pop of color and a mild, herby note.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: This adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps create an extra crispy texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these garlic butter Ritz is as simple as mix, coat, and bake. Follow these steps for a perfect batch every time.
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, arrange the Ritz crackers in a single, even layer on a large baking sheet. It’s okay if they are close together, but try not to let them overlap too much.
Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and fragrant.
Step 3: Coat the Crackers
Carefully brush or drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over the crackers on the baking sheet. Try to coat each one as evenly as possible. Once coated, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the crackers.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown and the edges are perfectly crispy. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Batch
Want to ensure your Garlic Ritz Snacks are absolutely perfect? Follow these simple tips from a seasoned culinary guide.
- Use Low Heat: Baking at 350°F is the sweet spot. Any hotter and you risk burning the butter and cheese before the crackers are perfectly toasted.
- Don’t Skimp on the Butter: A generous coating ensures every cracker is loaded with flavor and crisps up beautifully.
- Watch Closely: Ovens can vary. Check the crackers at the 8-minute mark to ensure they aren’t browning too quickly.
- Let Them Cool: The crackers will get even crispier as they cool down. Let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving bowl. For another easy appetizer, try these Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry snacks.
Delicious Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is fantastic, it’s also a great canvas for experimentation. Here are a few variations to customize your snacks.
Cheesy Garlic Ritz Snacks
For the ultimate cheese lover, add a mix of finely grated Parmesan, cheddar, and a pinch of mozzarella for a truly decadent, cheesy bite.
Spicy Garlic Ritz Snacks
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the butter mixture. This gives the crackers a gentle, warming heat that’s incredibly addictive. It’s a perfect pairing if you also enjoy a Spicy Sauce Recipe for dipping.
Herb-Infused Crackers
Incorporate other dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning into the butter mixture for a more complex, herbaceous flavor profile.
How to Serve Your Garlic Ritz Snacks
These crackers are wonderfully versatile. Enjoy them straight from the bowl, or pair them with dips like a classic onion dip or a creamy spinach artichoke dip. They are also a fantastic addition to any cheese board or as a crunchy side for a comforting bowl of soup.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time. To store your Garlic Ritz Snacks, allow them to cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crispy for up to 5 days, making them a perfect make-ahead party snack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make them in an air fryer. Place the seasoned crackers in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 325°F (160°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until golden and crispy. You may need to work in batches.
Absolutely! While Ritz crackers are ideal for their buttery flavor, this recipe also works well with other savory crackers like Club crackers, Saltines, or even oyster crackers.
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these snacks will stay fresh and crispy for up to 5 days. Make sure they are completely cool before storing them.
These crackers are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with creamy dips, cheese platters, or as a crunchy topping for soups and salads. They are the perfect versatile appetizer.
The Best Garlic Ritz Snacks Recipe
Garlic Ritz Snacks: The Ultimate Easy Party Appetizer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the Ritz crackers in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley. Stir well.
- Brush or drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over the crackers. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the crackers are golden brown and crisp. Let them cool slightly on the pan before serving.
Notes
Variations: Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning for an herby twist.
Share Your Creation!
I can’t wait to see your take on these incredible Garlic Ritz Snacks! If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out. For more easy and delicious recipe ideas, follow me on Pinterest. Happy snacking!
