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I stumbled on this amazing snack trick - Buttery Garlic Ritz Bits! Found it when I wanted garlic bread but needed something easier for get-togethers. These crunchy, garlicky goodies are so darn tasty that I always make two batches now because they're gone in seconds. The mix of that garlicky goodness with the crunch of Ritz Bits makes snack time absolutely fantastic!
What Makes This Snack Special
I've tweaked this recipe through tons of movie nights and family meetups, and it never fails to make everyone happy. I'm still surprised how easy it is to turn regular Ritz Bits into these garlicky, cheesy little bites of deliciousness. And the best part? You can whip them up super fast with stuff you've probably got sitting in your kitchen right now!
What You'll Need
- Cheese Ritz Bits: 2 (8.8 oz) boxes; these tiny cheese sandwiches make the ultimate foundation for our snack.
- Butter: 3/4 cup, melted; go for unsalted to manage the flavor better.
- Garlic Powder: 2 teaspoons to bring that punchy garlic flavor.
- Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon to bump up the taste profile.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 1/2 teaspoons for that fragrant herb touch.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 1/2 cups, grated; don't skimp here, good cheese makes all the difference.
How To Make Them
- Get The Oven Ready
- Turn your oven to 375°F (190°C) and put some parchment paper on a baking sheet so nothing sticks.
- Flavor The Crackers
- Dump the Ritz Bits into a big bowl. In another bowl, melt your butter and mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Pour this tasty butter mix over the crackers and give everything a good toss until they're all coated.
- Mix In The Cheese
- Throw the grated parmesan on top of the crackers and toss again so they're evenly covered.
- Pop Them In The Oven
- Spread your seasoned crackers on the baking sheet. Bake them for 7-9 minutes until they look golden and smell amazing.
- Let Them Rest Then Enjoy
- Give the crackers a few minutes to cool down before you dig in. If you're making them ahead, let them cool completely before putting them in a sealed container or bag.
How To Serve And Store
These taste so good when they're a bit warm - that's when they're totally unbeatable! But they're also great kept in a sealed container for munching throughout the week. Just make sure they cool down completely before you pack them away so they stay nice and crunchy.
Great For Social Gatherings
Whenever I take these to a get-together, they're always the first thing to run out! I now carry the recipe with me because someone always wants to know how to make them. They taste even better when you dip them in marinara sauce - it's like having bite-sized garlic bread!
Make Them Your Own
I've tried so many different versions over time! Adding some red pepper flakes gives them a nice little heat, and sometimes I switch up the herbs. My newest trick was throwing in some asiago with the parmesan - it completely changed the game!
A Go-To Snack You'll Love
This has turned into my trademark party treat for a good reason. You can put it together so fast, it uses basic ingredients, and it always wows everyone. And when they're cooking, the smell will have the whole house coming to check what's in the oven!
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Common Questions
- → How long do these stay fresh?
They'll last up to 2 weeks if you keep them in a sealed container. Just make sure they're totally cool before you put them away so they stay crunchy.
- → Can I use regular Ritz crackers?
You can definitely use normal Ritz crackers too. Just add more or less seasoning since they're bigger than the Bits version.
- → Can I use different seasonings?
Sure thing. Try ranch mix, taco spices, or whatever flavors you love. Just don't change how much butter you use.
- → Why did my crackers get soggy?
They might get soft if you don't let them cool all the way. Using too much butter or putting them away while still warm can make them lose their crunch.
- → Can I make these ahead for a party?
You can make them up to a week before your event. Just store them at room temp in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crunchy.