These Garlic Bread Ritz Bits transform your favorite cheese crackers into an irresistible snack. With buttery garlic flavor and a touch of parmesan, these Garlic Bread Ritz Bits bring the comfort of garlic bread in perfect bite-sized pieces. They're quick to make and disappear even faster at parties or movie nights.
Simple Ingredients List
- Cheese Sandwich Ritz Bits: These little crackers form the perfect crunchy and cheesy base for the recipe.
- Rich Melted Butter: Adds a smooth, buttery flavor while helping bind the seasonings to the crackers.
- Classic Garlic Powder: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic garlic flavor.
- Savory Onion Powder: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth to the seasoning blend.
- Italian Herb Blend: A mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme for a burst of Mediterranean flavor.
- Fresh Grated Parmesan: Offers a nutty, salty finish that enhances every bite.
- Optional Spices: Add a dash of cayenne or paprika for heat, or some lemon zest for a bright, citrusy twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when the crackers are prepared.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup effortless.
- Mix the Crackers and Seasonings: Place the cheese sandwich Ritz Bits crackers into a large mixing bowl. In a separate small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herb blend until smooth.
- Coat the Crackers: Pour the butter mixture over the crackers and toss gently to coat them evenly. Add freshly grated parmesan and toss again to distribute the cheese.
- Spread on the Baking Sheet: Arrange the coated crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet for even baking.
- Bake the Crackers: Bake in the preheated oven for 7–9 minutes, or until the crackers turn golden and the cheese becomes slightly crisp.
- Cool Completely: Remove the crackers from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Store Properly: Once cooled, transfer the crackers to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to a week to keep them fresh.
Serving Your Treats
Enjoy your Garlic Bread Ritz Bits warm for the best flavor. They make a perfect partner for soups and salads or shine on their own. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and warm briefly to restore their crunch.
Make Them Your Own
Add some heat with red pepper flakes or try different cheeses. Fresh herbs make a beautiful garnish. Using quality butter and fresh parmesan really makes these Garlic Bread Ritz Bits special.
Quick and Delicious
Your pantry staples become something magical in these Garlic Bread Ritz Bits. Ready in minutes yet tasting totally gourmet, they're sure to become your new favorite snack for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why line the baking sheet with parchment?
The butter and cheese can stick to the pan during baking. Parchment makes cleanup easy and prevents the crackers from burning on the bottom.
- How long do these stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container and they'll keep their crunch for about a week. If they get soft, you can refresh them with a quick trip through the oven.
- Can I use regular Ritz instead of Ritz Bits?
The cheese Ritz Bits work best because they're already cheesy inside. Regular Ritz will still taste good but won't have that extra cheese flavor.
- Why cool before storing?
Letting them cool completely helps keep them crispy. If you store them warm, condensation can make them soggy.
- Can I add other seasonings?
Absolutely! Try ranch seasoning, taco seasoning, or even some red pepper flakes for heat. Just keep the butter amount the same.