Garlic Parmesan Ritz Bites

This addictive garlic Ritz snack transforms ordinary cheese crackers into an irresistible treat your whole family will devour. The combination of butter, herbs, and Parmesan cheese creates a savory coating that takes these humble crackers to a whole new level of deliciousness.

I first made these for a last minute game night when I had nothing prepared and they disappeared faster than any fancy appetizer I've ever made. Now my teenagers request them weekly and even help with the preparation.

Ingredients

• 2 8.8 oz boxes cheese Ritz Bits: these small sandwich crackers have the perfect size and texture for absorbing flavors
• 3/4 cup melted butter: use real butter for the richest flavor and best coating results
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder: provides that savory punch without the sharpness of fresh garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: adds depth and complements the garlic beautifully
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: this herb blend brings complexity and aroma
• 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese: opt for freshly grated for the best texture and flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup incredibly easy. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking for even cooking.

Prepare the Crackers:

Place all the cheese Ritz Bits into a large mixing bowl. Make sure your bowl is spacious enough to allow for gentle tossing without crackers spilling over the sides. You want plenty of room to coat the crackers evenly.

Create the Flavor Base:

In a separate small bowl whisk together the melted butter garlic powder onion powder and Italian seasoning until completely combined. The warm butter helps dissolve the seasonings ensuring they distribute evenly over the crackers.

Coat the Crackers:

Pour the seasoned butter mixture over the crackers in the large bowl. Use a rubber spatula or your hands to gently toss making sure each cracker gets evenly coated. Then sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the butter coated crackers and toss again to ensure the cheese adheres to all surfaces.

Bake to Perfection:

Spread the seasoned crackers in a single layer on your parchment lined baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding or stacking to ensure even browning. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes watching carefully as they can go from perfectly golden to overdone quite quickly.

Cool and Crisp:

Allow the crackers to cool completely on the baking sheet. This crucial step allows them to crisp up as they cool. The texture improves dramatically during cooling so resist the temptation to eat them immediately.

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The Italian seasoning is my secret weapon in this recipe. While it might seem like a simple addition it contains oregano basil thyme rosemary and marjoram which creates such a complex flavor profile that people always ask for my recipe. My son once called these "fancy crackers" and now thats their official name in our house.

Make Ahead Options

These garlic Ritz snacks can be prepared up to a week in advance making them perfect for busy entertaining schedules. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If they lose some crispness refresh them with a quick 5 minute bake at 300°F before serving. The flavors actually intensify over time making this an ideal make ahead snack.

Flavor Variations

Creating different flavor profiles is simple by adjusting the seasonings. For a spicy version add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Ranch lovers can substitute the Italian seasoning with 2 tablespoons of dry ranch seasoning mix. For a taco version use 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning instead of Italian herbs. My family particularly enjoys the ranch version for movie nights.

Serving Suggestions

These savory crackers pair wonderfully with a variety of dips including hummus spinach artichoke dip or even a simple cream cheese spread. They also make an excellent addition to a charcuterie board alongside olives cured meats and various cheeses. For casual gatherings serve them in small bowls placed throughout the entertaining space so guests can easily grab a handful.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use regular Ritz crackers instead of Ritz Bits?

Yes, regular Ritz crackers can be used, but they may require more careful mixing to avoid breaking. Adjust the amount of seasoning and cheese accordingly to achieve even coating.

→ What can I substitute for Italian seasoning?

If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can mix dried basil, oregano, and parsley for a similar flavor profile.

→ How do I store the garlic Ritz snacks?

Store the snacks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Make sure they're fully cooled before sealing to maintain crispness.

→ Can I add other spices or ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to personalize with paprika, cayenne for heat, or even some finely chopped fresh herbs for extra flavor.

→ How do I keep the crackers from becoming soggy?

Ensure the crackers are baked in a single layer and cooled completely before storing. This helps them crisp up perfectly and prevents sogginess.