If you adore the irresistible combination of buttery garlic flavors with a satisfying crunch, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe. Imagine those iconic Ritz Bits Cheese Sandwich Crackers, lovingly coated in a rich blend of melted butter, garlic powder, and herbs, then baked to golden perfection and dusted with savory Parmesan cheese. It’s a snack packed with bold flavor, perfect for parties, quick bites, or whenever you need a comfort-food pick-me-up. The Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe takes a simple store-bought treat and transforms it into something downright addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe lies in using straightforward ingredients that each elevate the flavors with ease. From rich butter to fragrant garlic and the sharp bite of Parmesan, every component plays a crucial role in making these crackers sing.
- 1 box (8.8 ounces) Ritz Bits Cheese Sandwich Crackers: The crunchy, cheesy base that holds all the flavors together perfectly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Brings richness and helps the seasonings stick to every cracker.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder: Essential for that unmistakable garlic bread taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and lovely color contrast.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts savory depth without overpowering the garlic.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances all flavors and enhances overall taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle peppery kick for complexity.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for that nutty, savory finish that makes every bite memorable.
How to Make Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This low temperature ensures the crackers bake gently, allowing the flavors to meld without burning the butter or chips. Having a lined baking sheet also makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Butter Blend
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, dried parsley, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to create a fragrant, well-balanced garlic butter mixture—the heart of the Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe.
Step 3: Coat the Ritz Bits
Add the whole box of Ritz Bits Cheese Sandwich Crackers to your bowl and gently toss them until each cracker is evenly coated with the luscious garlic butter blend. Be gentle to avoid breaking the crunchy crackers but thorough enough to ensure every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spread the coated crackers evenly on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, giving them a stir halfway through to toast them evenly. You’ll notice they turn a beautiful golden color with a hint of crispiness that’s simply irresistible.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch
Once baked, immediately sprinkle the Ritz Bits with grated Parmesan cheese while they’re still warm. The heat will slightly melt the cheese, creating a savory, cheesy texture that completes the Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe beautifully. Let them cool before serving for the perfect crunch.
How to Serve Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or even a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky aroma. These small touches make your snack look vibrant and add bursts of flavor to each bite.
Side Dishes
These crackers make fantastic companions to creamy dips like spinach-artichoke, ranch, or garlic aioli. They’re also great alongside soups or salads as a crunchy, flavorful side that brings a little extra excitement to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve the Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe in a festive bowl surrounded by fresh vegetable sticks or cheese cubes. You can even layer them in small jars dotted with herbs to give guests a charming grab-and-go snack experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. These flavorful crackers stay crunchy and delicious for up to a week, making them perfect for snacking anytime.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal since the crackers might lose their crunch, you can freeze them carefully in a sealed bag for up to a month if necessary. Just be sure to thaw them fully and re-crisp if needed before enjoying again.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked crunch, spread leftover Garlic Bread Ritz Bits on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This quick step refreshes their texture without drying out the garlic flavor.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but adjust the added salt in the recipe accordingly to avoid oversalting. Using unsalted butter gives you better control over the seasoning balance.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and omit the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative for a similarly tasty snack.
How long will the Garlic Bread Ritz Bits stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these crackers stay fresh and crunchy for up to one week.
Can I add other spices or herbs?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding Italian seasoning, chili flakes, or rosemary to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
What if I don’t have Ritz Bits Cheese Sandwich Crackers?
You can try similar bite-sized cheese crackers, but the signature flavor and texture of Ritz Bits make the Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe especially delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe is an effortless, crowd-pleasing snack that turns simple crackers into crave-worthy bites of garlicky goodness. Whether you’re preparing for a party, a movie night, or just treating yourself, these irresistible crackers deliver flavor and crunch in every handful. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to snacks!
Print
Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Bread Ritz Bits are a deliciously savory, cheesy snack made by coating Ritz Bits Cheese Sandwich Crackers in a flavorful garlic butter mixture, then baked to golden perfection with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. These crunchy, buttery bites are perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or a tasty snack anytime.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 box (8.8 ounces) Ritz Bits Cheese Sandwich Crackers
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Mix Seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, dried parsley, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
- Coat Crackers: Add the Ritz Bits Cheese Sandwich Crackers to the bowl and gently toss them until they are evenly coated with the garlic butter mixture.
- Arrange for Baking: Spread the coated crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Bake the crackers in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through the baking time, until the crackers turn golden and slightly crispy.
- Add Cheese and Cool: Remove the crackers from the oven and immediately sprinkle them with grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the crackers to cool before serving or storing.
Notes
- For extra cheesy flavor, add more Parmesan or a pinch of mozzarella cheese before baking.
- These make a perfect party snack or lunchbox treat.
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
