These Garlic Bread Ritz Bits are the perfect savory snack for when you crave something crispy, buttery, and full of garlic flavor. Made with buttery Ritz crackers and a blend of garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese, these bite-sized treats are baked to perfection for the ultimate crunchy snack. They’re great for serving at parties, as an afternoon snack, or simply for enjoying with your favorite dip. Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to make and are ready in no time!
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook Notes & Tips
- Recipe Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
- 2 sleeves Ritz crackers
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Prepare the Butter Mixture
- In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir until well combined.
- Coat the Ritz Crackers
- Place the Ritz crackers in a large mixing bowl. Pour the butter mixture over the crackers, tossing gently to coat each cracker evenly.
- Add Parmesan Cheese
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the coated crackers and gently toss again until all the crackers are coated with cheese and butter mixture.
- Bake
- Spread the coated crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crackers are golden and crisp. Stir halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning.
- Cool and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let the crackers cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy!
Cook Notes & Tips
- Butter Coating: Make sure all the crackers are evenly coated with the butter mixture for the best flavor.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the crackers during the last few minutes of baking to prevent them from burning. They should be golden and crisp.
- Storage: Store the cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. These snacks keep well, making them great for preparing ahead of time.
Recipe Variations
- Cheesy Garlic Bits: Add an extra 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese to the crackers before baking for a cheesy twist.
- Spicy Version: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a bit of heat.
- Italian Blend: Substitute the dried herbs with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning for a more robust herb flavor.
- Lemon Herb: Add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest to the butter mixture for a fresh, citrusy flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use garlic salt instead of garlic powder? A: Yes, you can use garlic salt, but be careful with additional salt since garlic salt already contains salt. Adjust to taste.
Q: Can I use salted butter? A: Absolutely! If using salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt to avoid making the crackers too salty.
Q: How do I prevent the crackers from getting soggy? A: Make sure to bake the crackers long enough to dry out the butter coating and achieve a crisp texture. Letting them cool completely on the baking sheet also helps keep them crunchy.
These Garlic Bread Ritz Bits are the ultimate snack for garlic bread lovers. With their buttery, herb-infused flavor and satisfying crunch, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them with a movie, or packing them for an afternoon snack, these savory bites are guaranteed to disappear quickly. Give this easy recipe a try, and savor the delicious taste of garlic bread in every crunchy bite!