Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Snack

This garlic bread Ritz Bits recipe transforms ordinary cheese crackers into an addictive snack that tastes just like garlic bread but with the perfect crunch. My family devours these faster than I can make them, especially during movie nights when we need something more exciting than plain chips.

I first made these during a rainy weekend when my kids were complaining of boredom. The aroma of garlic and butter filled our kitchen, and they've been requesting "those special crackers" ever since. They're now our go-to contribution for potlucks and game days.

Ingredients

• Cheese Ritz Bits: these small sandwich crackers already have cheese flavor that pairs perfectly with garlic butter
• Butter: use real butter for the best flavor, it creates the rich base for all our seasonings
• Garlic powder: provides that classic garlic bread flavor without burning like fresh garlic might
• Onion powder: adds subtle depth that complements the garlic without overpowering
• Italian seasoning: brings herbaceous notes that elevate these from simple crackers to gourmet snack
• Parmesan cheese: opt for freshly grated when possible for superior melting and flavor distribution

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Equipment:

Preheat your oven to exactly 375°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless. A good quality rimmed baking sheet works best to keep crackers from sliding off.

Create The Butter Mixture:

Melt your butter completely in a microwave-safe bowl until liquified but not bubbling. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices. The mixture should look uniform with no spice clumps.

Coat The Crackers:

Pour all crackers into a large mixing bowl that gives you plenty of room to toss. Drizzle the flavored butter gradually over the crackers while gently tossing. Continue until every cracker has a light, even coating of the butter mixture.

Add The Cheese Layer:

Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the butter-coated crackers in batches, tossing between additions. This ensures the cheese adheres evenly to all surfaces instead of clumping at the bottom of the bowl.

Arrange And Bake:

Spread the coated crackers in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper crisping. Bake for 7-9 minutes, watching closely after 6 minutes as they can go from golden to burnt quickly.

Cool Completely:

Allow the crackers to cool directly on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes. They will continue to crisp as they cool, and handling them too soon might make them soggy from steam.

The Italian seasoning is truly the secret ingredient here. I once made these without it when I ran out, and while they were still good, they lacked that special something that makes everyone ask for the recipe. My husband now buys Italian seasoning in bulk just for these crackers!

Make-Ahead and Storage

These garlic bread Ritz Bits actually improve in flavor after sitting for a day, making them ideal for preparing ahead of gatherings. Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For maximum freshness, add a paper towel to the bottom of your storage container to absorb any excess moisture. Avoid refrigeration as this can make the crackers soggy.

Perfect Flavor Variations

The basic recipe is addictive on its own, but you can create delicious variations with simple tweaks. Try adding 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick that adults love. For a ranch version, replace the Italian seasoning with 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning mix. Cheese lovers can experiment with different hard cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano in place of some or all of the parmesan.

Serving Suggestions

These elevated crackers deserve to be showcased properly. Serve them in a pretty bowl alongside a marinara dipping sauce for a garlic bread experience. They make a wonderful accompaniment to soups and stews, replacing traditional croutons with more flavor and texture. For entertaining, pair them with a cheese board and watch how quickly they disappear compared to plain crackers.

When Things Go Wrong

If your crackers turn out too greasy, you likely used too much butter or didn't bake them long enough. An extra minute or two in the oven can help. If they taste bland, a light sprinkle of kosher salt right after baking can wake up all the flavors. Should they lose their crispness after storage, you can refresh them with 3-5 minutes in a 300°F oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use regular Ritz crackers for this recipe?

Yes, regular Ritz crackers can be used, but the smaller size of Ritz Bits works best for even seasoning and a bite-sized snack.

→ Can I add extra cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more grated parmesan or try other hard cheeses like Romano or Asiago for added flavor.

→ How do I store these crackers?

Store them in an airtight bag or container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their crunchiness.

→ Can I customize the seasoning?

Yes, you can adjust the garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning to suit your taste. Adding a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika is also a great option.

→ Can I make these ahead of time for a party?

Yes, these crackers are perfect for making ahead. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh and crispy until serving.

→ What kind of butter works best?

Unsalted butter is recommended so you can control the saltiness. If using salted butter, consider reducing the amount of parmesan cheese slightly.