If you love garlic bread and cheesy snacks, then these Garlic Bread Ritz Bits will become your new go-to treat. This simple and quick recipe combines the irresistible flavors of garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese in bite-sized Ritz crackers. Perfect for a party appetizer, movie night snack, or a fun side dish, this easy-to-make snack will disappear fast! Crispy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, these crackers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

In this recipe, we’re using Ritz Bits Cheese Sandwich Crackers as the base for our garlic bread-inspired snack. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a snack that’s loaded with flavor and sure to satisfy any craving.

Ingredients

To make this delicious garlic bread-inspired Ritz Bits snack, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 box (8.8 oz) Ritz Bits Cheese Sandwich Crackers
  Ritz Bits provide the perfect crispy texture and are already loaded with cheesy flavor, making them an ideal base for this recipe.
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  Butter is key for adding richness and helps all the seasonings stick to the crackers.
• 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
  Garlic powder gives that strong, savory garlic flavor that we all know and love from garlic bread.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
  Onion powder adds depth to the flavor, complementing the garlic for a well-rounded taste.
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
  Parsley is a classic herb that adds color and a touch of freshness to the rich, buttery flavor.
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  This blend of dried herbs brings a little extra flair to the flavor profile and makes it reminiscent of classic Italian-style garlic bread.
• ¼ teaspoon salt
  Salt enhances all the flavors in the mixture, ensuring every bite is full of taste.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  Black pepper adds a little spice to balance out the richness of the butter and cheese.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  Parmesan cheese adds a savory, nutty flavor and brings a cheesy touch to the final product.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). While the oven is heating, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. This step will help ensure that your crackers don’t stick and that you can quickly clean up once the crackers are ready.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s fully liquefied. Once the butter is melted, add the following ingredients to the bowl:

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• Dried parsley (or fresh, chopped parsley)
• Salt and black pepper

Stir the mixture well to ensure all of the ingredients are fully combined, and the garlic butter is seasoned perfectly.

Step 3: Coat the Ritz Bits

Place the Ritz Bits Cheese Sandwich Crackers into a large mixing bowl. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the crackers, and gently toss to coat them evenly. Be careful not to crush the crackers while stirring, as you want them to stay intact and crispy.

Make sure every cracker is well-coated with the garlic butter, as this will ensure that every bite is bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Bake for Extra Crispiness

Spread the coated Ritz Bits in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Try to avoid overcrowding the crackers to ensure they bake evenly and get that crispy texture.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through the baking time. The crackers should turn golden brown and become crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as they can burn quickly. You want them to be just golden and crisp, not overly dark.

Step 5: Add Parmesan & Cool

Once the crackers are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the warm crackers with grated Parmesan cheese and toss gently to coat. The cheese will melt slightly, sticking to the crackers and adding even more savory flavor.

Allow the crackers to cool for a few minutes before serving. The crackers will continue to crisp up as they cool.

Cooking Tips & Variations

• Spicy Version: If you like a little heat, you can add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture. This will give your Garlic Bread Ritz Bits an extra kick.
• Extra Cheesy: For those who love cheese, you can sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top of the Ritz Bits after baking. This will create an even cheesier snack.
• Ranch Flavor: If you enjoy ranch flavors, try adding 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning to the garlic butter mixture before tossing with the crackers. This will give your snack a cool, tangy ranch flavor.
• Air Fryer Method: If you’re short on time or prefer a quicker cooking method, you can use an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 300°F and cook the crackers for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these Garlic Bread Ritz Bits ahead of time. After they’ve cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This makes them a perfect make-ahead snack for parties or gatherings.

Can I use different crackers?

While Ritz Bits are ideal for this recipe due to their flavor and texture, you can experiment with different crackers. Cheez-Its, Goldfish, or mini club crackers would all work well and bring their unique flavors to the recipe.

Can I freeze them?

While you can freeze these crackers, it’s not recommended. Freezing may cause them to lose their crispness and texture. It’s best to enjoy them fresh, but if you do freeze them, store them in an airtight container and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crunch.

These Garlic Bread Ritz Bits are a simple and delicious snack that’s packed with flavor. The crispy crackers, garlicky butter, and Parmesan cheese combine to create a snack that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making them for a party, a movie night, or just as a fun treat, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family—they’ll be asking for the recipe