Crispy Garlic Ritz Bits

These garlicky Ritz snacks turn plain crackers into a mouthwatering treat that vanishes from my countertop quicker than I can whip them up. When buttery crackers meet savory garlic and cheese, you get that amazing garlic bread taste in tiny, snackable bites.

I came up with these while scrambling for a quick snack before hosting friends. They wolfed them down so fast I needed to make another batch before we even got to dinner. Now they're my go-to fix when people drop by unexpectedly.

• 1 cup Ritz crackers: This buttery foundation gives that perfect garlic bread feel. Go for unopened packages for maximum freshness.
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese: Grab a block and grate it yourself for better melt and deeper flavor. The longer-aged stuff tastes richer.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Try the European kind with extra fat for a more luxurious coating. Stick with unsalted so you can adjust the saltiness yourself.
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder: The California-grown stuff packs the biggest punch. Keep it away from light and heat to stay potent.
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Brings a mild earthy touch and nice green flecks. The French kind often has stronger flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Flaky sea salt sticks better to these crackers than regular table salt does.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Crack it fresh for better aroma. The little chunks add nice texture too.

Warm Up Your Oven:

Get your oven going at 350°F with the rack right in the middle. This temp makes sure the crackers toast up evenly without burning the butter mixture. Let it warm up fully for the best results.

Mix Your Flavors:

Toss Parmesan, garlic powder, parsley, salt and pepper together in a bowl. Stir with a fork until everything's well combined. You want the cheese and spices all mixed up evenly.

Liquify Your Butter:

Melt the butter slowly in your microwave or a small pot until it's all liquid but not super hot. Keep an eye on it so it doesn't start to brown. You need it warm enough to pour but not so hot it cooks the garlic powder.

Butter Your Crackers:

Pour the melted butter over crackers in a big bowl. Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to gently turn them over until coated. Don't stir too roughly or you'll end up with cracker pieces instead of whole ones.

Sprinkle On The Good Stuff:

Dump your cheese and seasoning mix over those buttery crackers. Keep folding carefully until each cracker gets an even coating. The mixture should stick nicely without clumping up.

Set Them Up:

Lay out your seasoned crackers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Keep them in one layer with tiny gaps between each. This lets air flow around them so they crisp up everywhere.

Bake Them Right:

Pop them in for 10-12 minutes exactly, turning the pan around halfway. Look for slightly golden edges and that wonderful garlic smell filling your kitchen. The cheese should be all melty but not burnt.

Let Them Rest:

Give the crackers 5 minutes on the baking sheet before moving them to your serving dish. This waiting step helps the butter mixture stick properly to the crackers, making them taste way better.

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The garlic powder really makes these special. I've tried tons of versions and found that spending a bit more on better quality garlic powder completely changes how good these taste. My kids who usually turn down homemade snacks actually ask for these specifically when their friends come over for our family game nights.

Keeping Them Fresh

These tasty garlic Ritz bites stay crunchy for three days when kept in a sealed container at room temp. Just make sure they're totally cool before you put them away. Any trapped moisture will make them soft. If they do lose their crunch, just spread them on a baking sheet and warm at 300°F for 3-5 minutes. Don't put them in the fridge though, they'll get damp and soggy.

Flavor Twists

You can switch up this snack to match what you like. Try adding a pinch of Italian seasoning for more herby flavor. Want some heat? Mix in a dash of cayenne with your spices. You can also play around with different cheeses like sharp cheddar or asiago for new taste combos. My favorite version includes a tiny bit of smoked paprika which gives them amazing depth.

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Perfect Pairings

These little bites work in so many ways. Float them on tomato soup for a fancy comfort food upgrade. Add them to your cheese board to complement different cheeses. They're great during wine tastings too, especially with bold red wines that can handle the garlic kick. For a complete snack spread, serve them with olives, some sliced meats, and fresh veggies with dip.

Tasty Tradition

This snack takes inspiration from classic Italian garlic bread but makes it into an easy-to-grab form. While traditional garlic bread has been around for hundreds of years in Mediterranean cooking, this modern take brings those beloved flavors to casual snacking. The combo of butter, garlic and herbs on a crunchy base just works so well across different food cultures, which explains why these simple crackers disappear so quickly at get-togethers.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How should I serve Crispy Garlic Ritz Bits?

They’re best enjoyed warm right after baking. You can also use them as a crunchy addition to salads or soups.

→ What’s the best way to keep them fresh and crispy?

After baking, store the crackers in a sealed container to keep their crunch. For that freshly baked feel, lightly reheat them.

→ Can I swap dried parsley for fresh?

Sure! Fresh parsley will give them a brighter kick of flavor. Just chop it finely and use the same quantity.

→ How can I mix up the flavors?

Add a touch of red pepper for a spicy kick or try different cheeses like Romano or cheddar for a fun change.

→ What’s the best kind of butter to use?

Use a high-quality unsalted butter for better flavor that coats the crackers evenly.