Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate savory snack that’s bold, buttery, and absolutely addictive, Garlic Bread Ritz Bits deserve a top spot on your to-make list. These bite-sized treats transform classic cheese-filled Ritz Bits crackers into flavor-packed morsels kissed with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan—all roasted to golden perfection. Garlic Bread Ritz Bits are effortless to whip up but impressive enough for parties, movie nights, or simply satisfying your snack cravings at home. Let me walk you through how to turn a humble box of crackers into a gloriously seasoned snack you’ll want to make on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of kitchen staples, you can bring big flavor and snackable delight to your table. Each ingredient is simple, but they come together to create that irresistible garlic bread magic in every bite.
- Ritz Bits crackers (cheese-filled): These little crackers are the star, providing a salty, cheesy base that soaks up all the delicious flavorings.
- Unsalted butter (melted): The rich, buttery coating gives the Ritz Bits that classic garlic bread taste and keeps everything crisp after baking.
- Garlic powder: This is the essential ingredient for that warm, robust garlic aroma you love in garlic bread.
- Onion powder: Just a touch rounds out the savory flavor profile, adding depth without overpowering the garlic.
- Italian seasoning: A sprinkle of herbs brings an herby complexity, reminiscent of your favorite pizzeria breadsticks.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For a nutty, salty finish that melts slightly onto the warm crackers—so good!
- Chopped parsley (optional): Adds a fresh pop of green color and a hint of brightness right before serving.
How to Make Garlic Bread Ritz Bits
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This gentle heat ensures the Garlic Bread Ritz Bits turn wonderfully crisp without over-browning, while the parchment paper makes cleanup an absolute breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Coating
In a large bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until you have a fragrant, well-blended buttery mix—that’s where all the flavor magic begins.
Step 3: Coat the Ritz Bits
Add the cheese-filled Ritz Bits crackers to the bowl and gently toss to coat every little sandwich evenly. Take your time with this part, so each cracker gets its fair share of savory, garlicky goodness.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spread the coated Ritz Bits out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they’re lightly golden and smell absolutely irresistible. This step helps lock in all those flavors and crisps up the crackers.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Parsley
Right after you pull them from the oven, shower the hot Garlic Bread Ritz Bits with grated Parmesan, and sprinkle fresh parsley if you’re using it. The cheese will lightly melt over the warm crackers, tying all the flavors together.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let your seasoned crackers cool completely on the tray before snacking. They’ll crisp up perfectly as they cool, making them even more fun and flavorful to munch on!
How to Serve Garlic Bread Ritz Bits
Garnishes
After your Garlic Bread Ritz Bits have cooled, consider amping up the presentation with a little extra grated Parmesan or a final sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. Even a touch of crushed red pepper flakes can add a nice gentle heat. It’s all about those finishing touches that make each bite even more delightful!
Side Dishes
These crackers are fantastic on their own, but they also shine as part of a snack board. Think of serving Garlic Bread Ritz Bits alongside crisp veggies, marinated olives, or a bowl of tomato soup for dunking. They also make a playful addition to party mixes or as a sidekick to sandwiches during lunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t limit yourself to the snack bowl! Try layering Garlic Bread Ritz Bits in a mason jar for a cute take-home party favor, or pile them high in a rustic basket lined with parchment for movie nights. You can also sprinkle them over salads or creamy soups for an extra burst of flavor and crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Garlic Bread Ritz Bits crunchy and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay at their best for up to a week—which is honestly impressive, though they rarely last that long!
Freezing
If you want to batch-prep or save some for later, freeze your Garlic Bread Ritz Bits in a zip-top bag with as much air removed as possible. They freeze wonderfully and can be revived to near-fresh perfection with a quick reheat in the oven.
Reheating
To restore the crispy texture, spread your Garlic Bread Ritz Bits on a baking sheet and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 4–5 minutes. Let them cool a minute or two before serving to get back that signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Snack
Absolutely! While the cheese-filled Ritz Bits are classic for this recipe, you can swap in regular Ritz crackers or even mini sandwich crackers in other flavors. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as thinner crackers may crisp up faster.
What’s the best way to get every cracker evenly coated?
The trick is to toss the Ritz Bits gently but thoroughly in the seasoning and butter mixture. You can also use a large plastic or paper bag to shake the crackers with the coating if you want an extra even distribution.
Are Garlic Bread Ritz Bits suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegetarian-friendly. Just be sure your Parmesan cheese is labeled as vegetarian if that’s important to you, as some brands use animal rennet.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Of course! Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the butter mixture or at the finishing step brings a subtle heat that pairs incredibly well with all the savory flavors.
How long do Garlic Bread Ritz Bits stay fresh?
If stored in an airtight container, your tasty treats should stay crunchy and flavorful for up to a week—though they are so tempting, you might find the container empty a lot sooner!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about homemade Garlic Bread Ritz Bits—the kind of snack that makes you smile bite after bite. Whether you’re prepping for a party, packing lunchboxes, or simply want a quick flavor-packed treat, these cheesy, garlicky crackers truly deliver on taste and fun. I hope you’ll give them a try and discover just how addictive homemade snacking can be!
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Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Bread Ritz Bits are a savory and addictive snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with cheese-filled Ritz Bits crackers and seasoned with garlic, onion, and Parmesan, they are baked to crispy perfection. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
Ritz Bits crackers:
- 1 box Ritz Bits crackers (cheese-filled, about 8.8 oz)
Seasoning:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare seasoning: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Coat crackers: Add the Ritz Bits and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Bake: Spread the crackers on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 12–15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until lightly golden and fragrant.
- Finish: Remove from oven, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley if using. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Perfect for snacking, game day, or party mixes.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- For extra flavor, use garlic-infused butter or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
