If you’re looking for a snack that bursts with savory, cheesy garlic goodness in every bite, the Cheesy Garlic Ritz Bits Snacks Recipe is an absolute must-try. These crunchy little treats take your favorite Ritz Bits crackers and transform them with a perfect blend of melted butter, garlic, and two kinds of cheese for a flavor combo that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re serving them at a casual get-together or craving a cozy night snack, this recipe delivers that warm, comforting taste that feels like a hug in snack form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward supermarket staples, but each one packs an essential punch to create that unforgettable flavor and crisp texture. From the buttery richness to the aromatic herbs and sharp cheeses, everything comes together beautifully here.
- Ritz Bits Crackers, Original (1 box – 12.5 oz): The crispy, buttery base that carries all the delicious toppings.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Coats the crackers with creamy richness, allowing the spices and cheese to stick perfectly.
- Garlic Powder (2 tbsp): The hero spice that infuses every bite with warm, savory garlic flavor.
- Onion Powder (1 tbsp): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the spice blend.
- Dried Parsley Flakes (1 tsp): Brings a fresh touch of herbal brightness and color.
- Fine Sea Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming them.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper (1/4 tsp): Offers a gentle, peppery kick to balance the richness.
- Parmesan Cheese, finely grated (1/2 cup): Adds an umami-packed, nutty sharpness.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese, finely shredded (1/2 cup): Brings a vibrant, tangy cheesiness for that perfect snack bite.
- Smoked Paprika (1/4 tsp, optional): Gives a subtle smoky warmth if you want to add a little extra dimension.
- Cayenne Pepper (pinch, optional): For a faint touch of heat that wakes up your taste buds.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Ritz Bits Snacks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to help the crackers bake evenly without sticking. This little setup ensures your snacks crisp up perfectly without burning or sticking to the pan.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Infuse Spices
Melt the butter gently in a small saucepan or microwave until fully liquid. Stir in your garlic powder, onion powder, parsley flakes, sea salt, black pepper, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the smoked paprika and cayenne pepper. This fragrant butter mixture is the heart of your cheesy garlic flavor, so mix it up until all the spices are evenly combined.
Step 3: Add Cheeses
Next, fold in the finely grated Parmesan and sharp cheddar cheeses into the buttery spice blend. The mixture should look rich and cheesy—these cheeses melt slightly while baking, coating the Ritz Bits for that irresistible cheesy goodness you’re craving.
Step 4: Coat Ritz Bits
Pour your cheesy, buttery mixture over the Ritz Bits in a large bowl. Use a spatula or clean hands to gently toss the crackers, making sure each one is coated evenly. This step is key to making sure every bite delivers maximum flavor without soggy spots.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spread the coated Ritz Bits out evenly on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Pop them into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes at 300°F. Halfway through, stir gently to promote even browning. You’re aiming for crackers that are lightly golden and cheese that’s melted but not burnt. If some crackers still seem soft, add another 3 to 5 minutes but watch closely so they don’t overcook.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the snacks from the oven and let them cool completely right on the baking sheet. Cooling is crucial—it allows them to crisp up nicely, so you get that perfect crunch. Gently break apart any clusters that have formed and transfer them to a lovely bowl to impress your guests or savor all by yourself.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Ritz Bits Snacks Recipe
Garnishes
Want to turn these snacks into something extra special? Sprinkle a bit of extra grated Parmesan or a pinch of fresh chopped parsley on top after baking for a fresh pop of color and flavor. A light dusting of smoked paprika adds a beautiful rustic touch and complements the cheesy garlic notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
These Cheesy Garlic Ritz Bits Snacks shine on their own, but they also play wonderfully alongside creamy dips like spinach artichoke or classic ranch. They make an excellent crunchy topping for hearty soups or tossed salads, adding both texture and flavor that elevate everyday dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For your next party, serve these snacks in mini mason jars, colorful bowls, or even edible cups made from hollowed-out mini bell peppers. Layering them in clear containers lets guests see their golden deliciousness and invites everyone to dig in eagerly. They also make fun mix-ins for snack mixes paired with nuts and dried fruit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cheesy Garlic Ritz Bits Snacks fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay crispy and tasty for 3 to 5 days, making them perfect for quick snack cravings midweek.
Freezing
If you want to preserve these snacks for even longer, freezing is a great option. Place cooled snacks into a sealable freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature—this keeps their texture surprisingly well.
Reheating
To revive that freshly baked crunch after storage, heat leftovers in a preheated 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. This brief warming crisps them right back up without drying out the cheese or overcooking the crackers.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cracker instead of Ritz Bits?
Absolutely! While Ritz Bits are ideal for their buttery flavor and size, you can experiment with similar sandwich crackers or buttery crackers. Just keep in mind that different crackers might bake differently, so watch your baking time closely.
Is this recipe spicy?
The Cheesy Garlic Ritz Bits Snacks Recipe is mild by default, but if you love a bit of heat, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika gives it a gentle, smoky spice that’s perfectly balanced with the cheesy garlic flavors.
Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?
You can swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative and use vegan cheeses to make a dairy-free version. The flavor profile will change slightly, but you’ll still get tasty, crispy snacks with cheesy garlic appeal.
How do I know when the snacks are done baking?
Look for a light golden color on the crackers and melted cheese coating. The crackers should feel crisp to the touch—not soft or soggy. Stir halfway through baking to ensure even cooking and check a few minutes before the timer to avoid overbaking.
Can I make a larger batch for parties?
Definitely! This recipe scales up well. Just be sure to use a large enough bowl for tossing and a wide enough baking sheet for even baking. You may need to bake in batches to keep the crackers crisp and perfectly coated.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Garlic Ritz Bits Snacks Recipe is one of those delightful discoveries that turns simple crackers into an irresistible treat. With its perfect balance of garlic, cheese, and buttery goodness, it’s guaranteed to become a fast favorite for snacking anytime. Give it a try and watch how quickly these crunchy morsels disappear—they’re that good!
Print
Cheesy Garlic Ritz Bits Snacks Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheesy Garlic Ritz Bits Snacks are an irresistible party appetizer or movie night treat, featuring crispy Ritz Bits crackers coated in a savory mixture of melted butter, garlic, onion, herbs, and a perfect blend of Parmesan and sharp cheddar cheeses. Baked at a low temperature, they develop a golden, crispy texture with a rich cheesy flavor and subtle hints of smoked paprika and cayenne for a mild kick.
Ingredients
Snacks
- 1 box (12.5 oz) Ritz Bits Crackers, Original
Seasoned Butter Mixture
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, melted
- 2 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Dried Parsley Flakes
- 1/2 tsp Fine Sea Salt
- 1/4 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika (optional)
- Pinch Cayenne Pepper (optional)
Cheeses
- 1/2 cup Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1/2 cup Finely Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Melt Butter and Infuse Spices: Melt the unsalted butter in a bowl, then stir in garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley flakes, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and, if using, smoked paprika and cayenne pepper until thoroughly combined to create a flavorful seasoned butter.
- Add Cheeses: To the seasoned butter mixture, add finely grated Parmesan cheese and finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir well to blend the cheeses evenly with the butter and spices.
- Coat Ritz Bits: Place the Ritz Bits crackers in a very large bowl. Pour the cheesy butter mixture over the crackers and gently toss them until all crackers are thoroughly coated with the mixture, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Spread the coated Ritz Bits in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring gently halfway through cooking to promote even browning. The crackers should be lightly golden, and the cheese melted. If still soft after 20 minutes, bake an additional 3 to 5 minutes while watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the snacks from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet to achieve maximum crispiness. Break apart any clusters that have formed and transfer the snacks to a serving bowl. Serve immediately as a tasty party appetizer, movie snack, or a crunchy topping for soups and salads.
- Storage: Store any leftover Cheesy Garlic Ritz Bits in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crispy for 3 to 5 days.
Notes
- For an extra smoky flavor, add the optional smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter mixture.
- Make sure to toss the crackers gently to avoid breaking them while coating.
- Cooling on the baking sheet is critical to keep the snacks crispy.
- Use fresh grated cheeses for the best melting and flavor.
- If your oven runs hot, consider reducing the baking time to prevent over-browning.
- Leftovers can be refreshed by warming briefly in a low oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
