Cheesy Garlic Ritz Bits Snacks Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Garlic Ritz Bits Snacks are a quick and irresistible bite-sized treat featuring crispy mini Ritz crackers coated in a savory blend of melted butter, garlic, and cheese. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, these snacks are ideal for parties, movie nights, or anytime a flavorful crunch is desired.

Ingredients

• 1 box (12.5 oz) Ritz Bits Crackers, Original Flavor
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons Garlic Powder
• 1 tablespoon Onion Powder
• 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley Flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 1/2 cup Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1/2 cup Finely Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (optional)
• Pinch of Cayenne Pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley flakes, sea salt, black pepper, and if using, smoked paprika and cayenne pepper until well combined.
3. Step 3: Add the Parmesan and sharp cheddar cheeses to the seasoned butter mixture and stir to combine.
4. Step 4: Pour the cheesy butter mixture over the Ritz Bits crackers in a large bowl. Gently toss to coat every cracker evenly.
5. Step 5: Spread the coated crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring gently halfway through baking. Look for a lightly golden color and melted cheese. If still soft, bake for an additional 3-5 minutes while watching closely.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let the snacks cool completely on the baking sheet for maximum crispiness. Break apart any clusters formed by melted cheese, then transfer to a serving bowl.
7. Step 7: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes alongside the garlic powder.
• Try different cheese blends like smoked gouda or pepper jack to vary the flavor.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like chives or parsley over the snacks after baking for a fresh finish.
• Consider adding crispy bacon bits before the final bake for an indulgent touch.
• Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking; foil can work but may affect crispiness.

Storage

Store leftover Cheesy Garlic Ritz Bits Snacks in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp and flavorful for 3-5 days. Adding a paper towel at the bottom of the container helps absorb moisture. Reheat briefly in a low oven if needed to refresh their crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Unsalted butter is recommended to control the overall saltiness since Ritz Bits crackers already contain salt. Using salted butter might make the snacks too salty, but you can adjust the added salt to compensate.

How do I prevent the crackers from becoming soggy?

To keep the crackers crispy, spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet without overcrowding. Baking at a moderate temperature and allowing them to cool completely on the baking sheet also helps achieve maximum crunch.

Cheesy Garlic Ritz Bits Snacks Recipe

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4.5 from 128 reviews

Quick and irresistible bite-sized snacks featuring crispy Ritz Bits crackers coated in a savory blend of melted butter, garlic, onion, and a generous mix of Parmesan and sharp cheddar cheeses, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or as a flavorful snack to complement soups and salads.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crackers

• 1 Box (12.5 oz) Ritz Bits Crackers, Original Flavor

Butter and Seasonings

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons Garlic Powder
• 1 tablespoon Onion Powder
• 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley Flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (Optional, but highly recommended)
• Pinch of Cayenne Pepper (Optional)

Cheeses

• 1/2 cup Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1/2 cup Finely Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Melt Butter: Melt 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan over low heat until fully liquid but not browned.
3. Mix Spices into Butter: Stir garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley flakes, fine sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the optional smoked paprika and cayenne pepper into the melted butter until well combined and aromatic.
4. Add Cheeses: Add the finely grated Parmesan and finely shredded sharp cheddar cheeses to the seasoned butter mixture and stir well to combine, creating a thick, cheesy coating.
5. Coat Ritz Bits Crackers: Pour the cheesy butter mixture over the Ritz Bits crackers in a very large bowl. Gently fold and toss the crackers with a rubber spatula until all are evenly coated with the cheesy, savory mixture.
6. Spread and Bake: Spread the coated Ritz Bits in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, stirring gently halfway through to ensure even toasting. Look for a light golden color and melted cheese. If needed, bake an additional 3-5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the crackers cool completely on the baking sheet. This allows the cheese to firm up, and crackers to crisp nicely. Break apart any clusters and transfer to a serving bowl.
8. Store Leftovers: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days to maintain crispness.

Notes

• Ensure crackers are spread in a single layer to prevent steaming and maintain crispness.
• Use parchment paper for best non-stick results; foil is an alternative.
• Adjust salt and pepper to personal preference, especially since Ritz Bits crackers have some salt already.
• Optional smoked paprika adds smoky depth; cayenne pepper adds gentle heat.
• Cool snacks completely before storing to preserve texture.
• Variations include adding red pepper flakes, different cheese blends, fresh herbs, or crispy bacon bits.

Keywords: Cheesy, Garlic, Ritz Bits, Snack, Appetizer, Party Food, Baked Crackers, Parmesan, Cheddar, Easy Snack