There’s something magical about the aroma of garlic and cheese wafting through the kitchen. Whether you’re prepping snacks for a casual game night, packing a flavorful treat for a picnic, or simply looking for a cozy movie-night indulgence, these Garlic Ritz Snacks check every box.
Born from a craving for something savory, crispy, and irresistibly cheesy, this recipe is a nostalgic nod to childhood snacks — but elevated with rich flavors and a grown-up twist. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again, especially when time is short but taste is non-negotiable.
With minimal ingredients, a prep time of just 10 minutes, and a bake time under 15, this is your new go-to when snack cravings strike.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Ritz Snack Recipe
✅ Quick & Easy
No need for fancy kitchen gadgets or hard-to-find ingredients. This recipe is perfect for beginners or anyone short on time.
✅ Irresistibly Cheesy
The combination of shredded cheddar and Parmesan gives these crackers a bold, melty, cheesy finish that’s hard to resist.
✅ Packed with Flavor
Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and parsley transform simple crackers into a flavor-packed, savory snack.
✅ Perfect for Sharing
Make a batch and bring it to your next get-together — we promise it’ll disappear fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make a batch of these crave-worthy garlic Ritz snacks:
- 1 (8 oz) box Ritz Bits crackers
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt, to taste
💡 Pro Tip: You can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
How to Make Garlic Ritz Snacks (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake and just the right level of crispness.
Step 2: Prep the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
Step 3: Make the Flavor Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, paprika, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the spices are well blended into the butter.
Step 4: Coat the Crackers
Add the Ritz Bits crackers to the bowl and gently toss to ensure each cracker is evenly coated with the buttery, garlicky mixture.
Step 5: Layer and Cheese It Up
Spread the coated crackers evenly across your prepared baking sheet. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the tray in the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crackers are a light golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the crackers to cool slightly before serving. They’ll continue to crisp up as they cool, reaching peak snackability.
Serving Suggestions
These Garlic Ritz Snacks are incredibly versatile. Here’s how you can enjoy them:
- Party Platter Star: Serve them in a bowl alongside mixed nuts and pretzels.
- After-School Snack: A hit with kids and adults alike!
- Soup or Salad Topper: Crumble them over creamy tomato soup or a Caesar salad for an extra crunch.
- Beer or Wine Pairing: The bold garlic and cheese flavors pair beautifully with crisp beers or white wines like Sauvignon Blanc.
Variations and Customizations
Want to get creative? Here are some fun twists on the classic recipe:
🌶️ Spicy Kick
Add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a fiery upgrade.
🧀 Triple Cheese Delight
Mix in some shredded mozzarella or pepper jack for even more cheesy depth.
🌿 Herb Garden
Swap dried parsley for Italian seasoning or add fresh minced herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Storage Tips
If (and that’s a big if) you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:
- Cool Completely: Before storing, make sure the crackers are fully cooled to prevent sogginess.
- Airtight Container: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat for Crunch: To refresh the crispness, pop them back in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes.
⚠️ Avoid refrigeration — it can make the crackers lose their crunch and become chewy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Can I use regular Ritz crackers instead of Ritz Bits?
Yes! If you use regular Ritz crackers, break them into halves or quarters so the seasoning sticks better and they bake more evenly.
❓ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just use a gluten-free cracker substitute like Glutino or Simple Mills crackers.
❓ Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes — you can make these up to a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container and reheat if desired.
❓ What if I don’t have parchment paper?
No problem. You can lightly grease your baking sheet with cooking spray instead. Just be cautious of the cheese sticking.