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I stumbled on my go-to party trick - Garlicky Cheese Ritz Bits! I came up with this when I wanted garlic bread but needed something easier for get-togethers. These crunchy, cheese-loaded nibbles are so tasty I always make twice as many now since they're gone in seconds. The combo of that familiar garlic bread taste with the snap of Ritz Bits is seriously next-level snacking!
What Makes This Munchie Special
I've tweaked this recipe through dozens of hangouts and watch parties, and it never fails to win everyone over. It still blows my mind how easy it is to turn ordinary Ritz Bits into these garlicky, cheesy little wonders. The best part? You can whip them up super fast with stuff you've probably got sitting in your kitchen already!
What To Grab From Your Pantry
- Cheese Ritz Bits: 2 (8.8 oz) boxes; these tiny cheese sandwiches create the ideal foundation for our snack.
- Butter: 3/4 cup, melted; go with unsalted to better manage the flavor.
- Garlic Powder: 2 teaspoons to give that punchy garlic flavor.
- Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon to boost the overall taste profile.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 1/2 teaspoons for those fragrant herb touches.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 1/2 cups, grated; spring for good quality cheese for maximum flavor.
Easy Cooking Instructions
- Get Your Oven Ready
- Warm your oven to 375°F (190°C) and put parchment paper on a baking sheet so nothing sticks.
- Flavor Your Crackers
- Dump the Ritz Bits into a big mixing bowl. In another smaller bowl, melt your butter and mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Drizzle this butter mix all over the crackers and mix well until they're all coated.
- Mix In The Cheese
- Toss in the grated parmesan with the crackers and stir again, making sure everything gets an even coating.
- Pop Them In The Oven
- Lay out your seasoned crackers on your lined baking sheet. Bake them for 7-9 minutes, until they turn golden and smell amazing.
- Let Them Rest
- Give the crackers a few minutes to cool before you start munching. If you're making them ahead, wait until they're totally cool before putting them in a sealed container or bag.
How To Enjoy And Keep Them Fresh
They're so good when they're still a bit warm - that's when you can't stop eating them! But they also taste great kept in a sealed container for snacking all week long. Just don't forget to let them cool completely before you pack them away so they stay nice and crunchy.
The Ultimate Party Snack
Whenever I show up with these at a get-together, they're gone in a flash! I always keep the instructions handy since somebody always wants to know how to make them. They're super tasty with some marinara sauce on the side - it's like having little bites of garlic bread without the mess!
Switch Up The Taste
I've tried so many different ways to make these! Adding some red pepper flakes gives them an awesome spicy kick, and sometimes I'll try different herb mixes. My newest trick was throwing in some asiago with the parmesan - it totally changed the game!
The Snack You'll Always Come Back To
This has turned into my trademark party food for a good reason. You can put it together so fast, it needs basic ingredients, and it always gets compliments. And let's not forget that amazing smell while they're cooking - everyone will end up hanging out in your kitchen!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long will they stay good?
If you store them in a sealed container, they'll stay fresh for up to two weeks. Make sure they’re totally cool before locking them up or they’ll lose their crunch.
- → Can I try this with regular Ritz?
Yes, larger Ritz crackers work too. You might need to tweak the seasoning since the size is different.
- → What other seasonings can I use?
Go wild with ranch, taco spices, or your favorite mix! Keep the butter amount as is.
- → Why are mine soggy instead of crunchy?
Make sure they cool completely before storing. Overusing butter or sealing them while warm can cause this.
- → Can I make them in advance for an event?
Yes! You can prepare them up to seven days ahead. Keep them sealed and at room temperature to keep them crisp.