Pin it
I stumbled on my go-to party trick - Cheesy Garlic Ritz Bites! Found this when I wanted garlic bread vibes but in a more shareable form. These buttery, garlicky crackers are so darn good that I always make extra batches now because they vanish so fast. The combo of that garlicky punch with the crunchy cheese-filled crackers is just snack heaven!
What Makes This Snack Special
I've made these for tons of get-togethers, and they never miss. It still blows my mind how easily regular cheese crackers turn into these zesty, cheesy little treats. And you probably have everything you need for them sitting in your kitchen right now!
What You'll Need
- Cheese Ritz Bits: 2 (8.8 oz) boxes; these tiny cheese sandwiches make the perfect starting point.
- Butter: 3/4 cup, melted; go with unsalted to better manage the flavor.
- Garlic Powder: 2 teaspoons to get that knockout garlic taste.
- Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon to round out the savory notes.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 1/2 teaspoons for that herb-forward aroma.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 1/2 cups, grated; splurge on good cheese for better results.
Making Your Snack
- Warm Up Your Oven
- Get your oven going at 375°F (190°C) and put parchment on a baking sheet so nothing sticks.
- Flavor Your Crackers
- Drop the Ritz Bits into a big bowl. Melt your butter in another bowl and mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herbs. Pour this tasty butter all over the crackers and mix them up good.
- Cheese Time
- Throw the parmesan on your buttered crackers and toss everything together until coated evenly.
- Into The Oven
- Lay out your seasoned crackers on the baking sheet. Bake them for 7-9 minutes until they look golden and smell amazing.
- Let Them Rest
- Give the crackers a few minutes to cool down before you serve them. If you're making them ahead, wait until they're totally cool before you put them away.
How To Enjoy Them Best
They're truly fantastic when they're just a bit warm from the oven! But don't worry, they stay tasty for days in a sealed container. Just make sure they cool down completely first so they don't get soggy.
A Hit At Any Gathering
These vanish faster than anything else at parties! I always keep the instructions handy since someone will definitely ask how to make them. Try them with some marinara sauce on the side for dipping. It's like tiny portable garlic bread!
Make Them Your Own
I've tried so many twists on these! A bit of crushed red pepper makes them zingy, and switching up the herbs works great too. My newest favorite trick is throwing in some asiago with the parmesan. Trust me, it takes these to a whole new level!
Your New Signature Snack
There's a reason I keep coming back to this recipe. It comes together in no time, uses stuff you already have, and always gets compliments. And that smell while they're cooking? It'll bring everyone running to your kitchen!
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long will they stay crispy?
Keep them in an airtight container, and they'll stay fresh for about two weeks. Make sure they're fully cooled before sealing the container.
- → Can I swap Ritz Bits for larger crackers?
Sure, standard Ritz are great too. Just tweak the seasoning amounts to suit their bigger size.
- → What other spices can I try?
Mix it up with ranch powder, taco spices, or your go-to seasoning blends. Keep the butter quantity the same.
- → Why aren't they crunchy?
Let them cool down entirely before storing. Excess butter or storing warm can cause them to lose their crunch.
- → Can I prep these a few days ahead?
Yes! Make them up to seven days in advance. Just store them airtight at room temperature to keep them crispy.