If you’re a fan of garlicky, buttery snacks with a crispy edge and a rich pop of flavor, you’re going to fall in love with Garlic Bread Ritz Bits! This mouthwatering twist on classic Ritz Bits cheese crackers transforms them with a savory, herby coating that tastes just like garlic bread—only in delightfully poppable, cheesy bites. They’re crunchy, utterly addictive, and absolutely perfect for parties, movie nights, or anytime you crave a tasty munch with minimal effort. Trust me, once you make a batch of Garlic Bread Ritz Bits, it’ll be impossible to go back to plain crackers!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the simple yet magical lineup for Garlic Bread Ritz Bits. Each ingredient plays an important role, from the cheese-stuffed crackers that deliver crunch and that iconic Ritz flavor, to the buttery, herby coating that gives these snacks their signature garlic bread vibe. Ready to see what you need?
- Ritz Bits Cheese Crackers: The base for this recipe, these tiny cheese-filled crackers are ultra-crunchy and perfect for soaking up all that buttery, garlicky goodness.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Melted butter coats the crackers, giving them that irresistible garlic bread richness without overpowering the flavor.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): The star seasoning—garlic powder delivers strong, aromatic flavor without the harshness of raw garlic.
- Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle savory note and deepens the overall flavor profile.
- Dried Parsley (1 teaspoon): Not only for color, parsley gives a burst of freshness that brightens the snack.
- Italian Seasoning (1/4 teaspoon): A hint of classic herbs ties the garlic bread flavors together wonderfully.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (2 tablespoons): Brings extra cheesiness and a little salty bite to each cracker.
- Pinch of Salt: Just a touch sharpens every other flavor—don’t skip it!
How to Make Garlic Bread Ritz Bits
Step 1: Prep the Baking Sheet and Crackers
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this makes clean-up a breeze and keeps your crackers from sticking. Pour all your Ritz Bits cheese crackers into a large mixing bowl so there’s plenty of room for tossing in the flavorful coating.
Step 2: Mix Up the Garlicky Butter
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Don’t forget the Parmesan cheese! This fragrant mixture should be smooth, herby, and totally tempting. Make sure everything is fully combined for even flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Toss and Coat the Crackers
Pour the seasoned butter mixture directly over the bowl of Ritz Bits. Now, gently toss everything together—take your time with this step to make sure every cracker gets a generous coating. The butter will seep into all the little nooks, soaking the crackers with cheesy garlic bread flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spread the coated crackers onto your parchment-lined baking sheet in a single, even layer. Pop the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Give them a good stir about halfway through so they toast up evenly and don’t stick together. You’ll know they’re done when they smell simply irresistible and take on a gorgeous golden color.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your Garlic Bread Ritz Bits cool completely on the baking sheet. This brief cool-down makes them extra crisp and snackable. When they’re at room temperature, pour into a serving bowl and enjoy!
How to Serve Garlic Bread Ritz Bits
Garnishes
For a colorful and flavorful touch, sprinkle your Garlic Bread Ritz Bits with a little extra chopped fresh parsley or a dusting of Parmesan right before serving. If you want a bit of kick, try a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes as a garnish—your guests will love this customizable crunch!
Side Dishes
Pair these addictive crackers with a simple marinara dip, a creamy ranch, or even alongside a cheese board filled with bold cheddar, soft mozzarella, and slices of juicy tomato. Garlic Bread Ritz Bits also make a crowd-pleasing side for soups and salads, giving your meal a tasty, savory crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile the crackers into mini ramekins or stylish bowls for individual servings at your next party. Or use them as crunchy croutons in a Caesar salad for a playful twist! For a family movie night, serve the Garlic Bread Ritz Bits in big, shareable bowls—the more, the better.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Garlic Bread Ritz Bits are fantastic for make-ahead snacking. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days—they’ll stay crisp and flavorful. Just be sure to keep them out of humid areas to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
While these crackers are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooled Garlic Bread Ritz Bits in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, simply let them come back to room temperature before serving, or reheat for a minute or two in a low oven to restore maximum crunch.
Reheating
If your leftover crackers start to lose their signature crispiness, spread them back onto a parchment-lined baking tray and heat them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. Let them cool again, and they’ll be perfectly snappy!
FAQs
Can I use regular Ritz crackers instead of Ritz Bits?
You can, but the charm of Garlic Bread Ritz Bits is truly in the bite-sized crunch and cheesy filling! If you only have regular Ritz crackers, break them into quarters and follow the same method, though the texture will be a little different.
Are these crackers spicy?
Not at all! The base recipe is wonderfully savory and garlicky, but if you want some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture or on top after baking for an extra kick.
Is it possible to make these vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely—try using vegan butter and subbing in a dairy-free parmesan-style cheese. Of course, you’ll want to double-check the ingredients on your crackers, as Ritz Bits are typically cheese-filled.
Can I double or halve the recipe easily?
Yes! This recipe is incredibly flexible, so you can scale it up for a party or down if you’re snacking solo. Just adjust your baking time slightly and use larger or smaller baking sheets as needed.
What other seasonings could I try?
Feel free to get creative! Smoked paprika, ranch seasoning, or even everything bagel spice make delicious add-ins or alternatives for your next batch of Garlic Bread Ritz Bits.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for an easy, crowd-pleasing snack that brings big smiles every time, you simply can’t go wrong with Garlic Bread Ritz Bits. This recipe is the ultimate upgrade for your next party, family movie night, or even as a crunchy salad topper. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at just how quickly these cheesy, garlicky bites disappear!
Print
Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the delicious and savory flavors of homemade Garlic Bread Ritz Bits with this easy recipe. These seasoned cheese crackers are the perfect snack for parties or movie nights.
Ingredients
Ritz Bits Cheese Crackers:
- 1 box Ritz Bits cheese crackers (about 8.8 ounces)
Seasoned Butter Mixture:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the crackers: Place the Ritz Bits crackers in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix the butter seasoning: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, Italian seasoning, Parmesan, and salt.
- Coat the crackers: Pour the seasoned butter mixture over the crackers and toss until coated.
- Bake: Spread the coated crackers on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Let the crackers cool completely before serving.
Notes
- These make a great party snack or movie night treat.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
