Garlic Ritz Snacks Recipe are the perfect savory treat, combining the buttery crunch of Ritz crackers with the bold flavors of garlic and Parmesan. These easy-to-make snacks are baked to golden perfection and make an excellent appetizer, party snack, or afternoon pick-me-up. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a flavorful treat in no time!
Easy Garlic Ritz Snacks Recipe
These Garlic Ritz Snacks are simple, crispy, and packed with flavor. Brushed with garlic butter, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese, and baked to perfection, they’re an elevated twist on a classic cracker. Whether served as a party snack, alongside soup, or just enjoyed on their own, they’re irresistible and incredibly easy to make.
Why Our Garlic Ritz Snacks Are the Best
Our Garlic Ritz Snacks take a beloved cracker and turn it into a gourmet snack with minimal effort. The combination of melted butter, garlic powder, dried parsley, and Parmesan cheese adds layers of flavor to the buttery Ritz cracker base. Baked until golden and crispy, these snacks are a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
Ingredients Notes for Garlic Ritz Snacks
- 1 box Ritz crackers: The buttery, flaky base for this snack. Use original Ritz crackers for the best flavor.
- 1/2 cup butter, melted: Adds richness and helps the seasoning adhere to the crackers.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the crackers with bold garlic flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds a subtle herbaceous note and a pop of color.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the savory flavors (optional if using salted butter).
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, cheesy finish that pairs perfectly with the garlic butter.
Kitchen Tools Needed for Garlic Ritz Snacks
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
How to Make Garlic Ritz Snacks
Follow these quick and easy steps to make crispy, flavorful Garlic Ritz Snacks:
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature ensures the crackers bake evenly without burning.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir until well combined.
3. Arrange the Crackers
- Lay the Ritz crackers in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure they’re evenly spaced for even baking.
4. Add Garlic Butter and Cheese
- Use a pastry brush to lightly coat each cracker with the garlic butter mixture.
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the crackers.
5. Bake
- Bake the crackers in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning.
6. Cool and Serve
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the crackers to cool for about 5 minutes.
- Serve immediately as a snack or appetizer, and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!
How to Store Garlic Ritz Snacks
- Room Temperature: Store the cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: These crackers can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Garlic Ritz Snacks Variations
- Spicy Garlic Ritz: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
- Cheddar Garlic Ritz: Replace Parmesan with shredded cheddar cheese for a richer, sharper flavor.
- Herb Garlic Ritz: Mix in Italian seasoning or thyme for an herby twist.
- Ranch-Flavored Ritz: Sprinkle ranch seasoning mix over the crackers instead of Parmesan for a tangy variation.
- Everything Seasoning Ritz: Add everything bagel seasoning to the crackers before baking for a fun and flavorful twist.
What to Serve With Garlic Ritz Snacks
These Garlic Ritz Snacks are versatile and pair well with:
- Dips: Serve with ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or hummus for dipping.
- Charcuterie Boards: Add them to a cheese and charcuterie platter for an extra crispy element.
- Soup or Salad: Serve alongside creamy tomato soup or Caesar salad for added texture.
Top Tips for Perfect Garlic Ritz Snacks
- Use Fresh Garlic Powder: Fresh garlic powder will give the best and boldest flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the crackers in the oven to avoid burning.
- Brush Evenly: Use a pastry brush to ensure the garlic butter mixture is evenly distributed.
- Serve Fresh: These snacks are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while still warm and crispy.
- Customize: Adjust the garlic and Parmesan levels to suit your taste preferences.
Helpful Notes
- If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, add minced fresh garlic to the melted butter instead of garlic powder.
- Mini Ritz crackers can also be used for bite-sized snacks.
- For an extra crispy texture, broil the crackers for 1–2 minutes after baking.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ina Garten recommends always using fresh Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor.
- Gordon Ramsay emphasizes the importance of evenly coating each cracker for consistent flavor.
- Rachael Ray suggests experimenting with seasonings to make the recipe your own.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt to prevent the crackers from becoming too salty.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These crackers store well for up to 5 days, making them a great make-ahead snack.
3. Can I use fresh parsley instead of dried?
Yes, but add the fresh parsley after baking to avoid wilting.
4. What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
Grated Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese are great substitutes.
5. Can I use other crackers?
Yes! This recipe works well with saltines, club crackers, or any buttery cracker.
Garlic Ritz Snacks Recipe
Ingredients
- – 1 box Ritz crackers about 40 crackers
- – 1/2 cup butter melted
- – 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- – 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- – 1/4 teaspoon salt
- – 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, dried parsley, and salt.
- Arrange the Crackers: Place the Ritz crackers on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Add Garlic Butter and Cheese: Brush each cracker with the garlic butter mixture, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the crackers.
- Bake: Bake the crackers in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
- Cool: Remove the crackers from the oven and allow them to cool for 5 minutes.
- Serve: Serve as a snack or appetizer and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of paprika or red pepper flakes.
- Store the crackers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.