Name: Garlic Ritz Snacks Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (About 30 crackers); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh, finely chopped); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe

If you are searching for a snack that perfectly balances buttery richness, bold garlic flavor, and irresistible crunch, then you will absolutely love making Garlic Ritz Snacks. These delightful bites transform simple Ritz crackers into a savory treat that’s bursting with garlicky goodness and a touch of herbaceous charm. Whether served at a casual get-together or as an everyday indulgence, Garlic Ritz Snacks bring that cozy homemade vibe with little effort and a big payoff.

Garlic Ritz Snacks Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving the perfect harmony of flavor and texture in your Garlic Ritz Snacks. These basics come together to enrich the simple cracker foundation, making every bite memorable and satisfying.

Ritz crackers: The buttery, flaky base that holds everything together and adds tremendous crunch.
Unsalted butter: Brings creamy richness and helps meld the garlic and spices onto the crackers.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for a sharp, aromatic kick that’s the star of this snack.
Dried parsley: Offers a subtle herbaceous note and a splash of green color for visual appeal.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and depth to the seasoning mix.
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Sprinkled on top for a delightful salty twist and a golden finish.

How to Make Garlic Ritz Snacks

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper if you want an easy cleanup and to prevent the crackers from sticking. This small step makes the process smoother and ensures your crackers bake evenly.

Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, melt the unsalted butter either gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Once melted, stir in the freshly minced garlic, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly is essential so every cracker gets an even coating that’s rich with flavor.

Step 3: Arrange the Crackers

Lay your Ritz crackers out in a single layer across the baking sheet, making sure none overlap. This arrangement guarantees that each cracker gets crispy all around and highlights that golden, buttery texture essential to Garlic Ritz Snacks.

Step 4: Coat and Parmesan Topping

Use a brush or spoon to generously spread the garlic butter mixture over each cracker. Don’t be shy here — the more evenly coated, the better the flavor in every bite. If you like, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top at this stage for an extra burst of savory goodness and a beautifully toasted finish after baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake the crackers for about 10 minutes. Keep a close eye towards the end to catch that perfect golden-brown color. The crackers should turn crispy, and the cheese (if added) should melt and develop a gentle crust. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool just a bit before diving in.

How to Serve Garlic Ritz Snacks

Garnishes

To make these snacks even more inviting, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese right before serving. This adds a fresh, vibrant touch and enhances the visual appeal of your Garlic Ritz Snacks.

Side Dishes

Garlic Ritz Snacks pair wonderfully with dips like creamy ranch, tangy marinara, or even a smooth spinach artichoke spread. They also complement soups and salads perfectly, making them a versatile addition to any meal or party spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, try serving Garlic Ritz Snacks in a beautiful wooden bowl or a tiered appetizer stand to showcase their golden, glossy coating. You can also stack them with small cheese chunks and grape tomatoes for a charming snack platter that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps the crackers crispy and maintains the fresh garlic flavor for up to 2-3 days.

Freezing

While these snacks are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them for up to a month. Place the cooled Garlic Ritz Snacks in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag or container. This prevents sogginess and keeps their crunch intact.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven crispiness after storing, pop the snacks in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This refreshes their delightful texture and warms the garlic butter, reviving the full-bodied flavor.

FAQs

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, you can use garlic powder, but fresh minced garlic provides a much more vibrant and aromatic flavor. If using powder, start with about 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste.

Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?

Unsalted butter gives you full control over the salt level in the snack. Using salted butter is fine but reduce or omit the additional salt to avoid an overly salty taste.

Can I make Garlic Ritz Snacks gluten-free?

Ritz crackers are not gluten-free, but you could substitute with a gluten-free buttery cracker to create a similar snack suitable for gluten sensitivities.

What other herbs can I use in place of parsley?

Fresh or dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary all complement the garlic butter beautifully. Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs for a unique twist on Garlic Ritz Snacks.

Are Garlic Ritz Snacks suitable for parties?

Absolutely! They make a fantastic finger food that’s easy to prepare in batches and enjoyed by guests of all ages. Their mix of buttery crunch and bold flavor is always a crowd-pleaser.

Final Thoughts

There is something so wonderfully comforting about homemade Garlic Ritz Snacks that makes them impossible to resist. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can craft these irresistible bites any day of the week. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch how Garlic Ritz Snacks transform simple moments into delicious memories. Trust me, once you start, they might just become your new favorite go-to snack.

Garlic Ritz Snacks Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 22 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: About 30 crackers 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Garlic Ritz Snacks are a simple and savory appetizer or snack made by coating buttery Ritz crackers with a flavorful garlic mixture and baking them to golden perfection. Enhanced with parsley and optional Parmesan cheese, they make a perfect crunchy treat for gatherings or casual munching.

Ingredients

Scale

Ritz Crackers

1 sleeve Ritz crackers (About 30 crackers)

Garlic Butter Mixture

1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh, finely chopped)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Topping (Optional)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Melt Butter: In a small mixing bowl, melt the unsalted butter either in the microwave for about 30 seconds or on the stovetop over low heat until fully melted.
Mix Garlic Butter: Add the minced garlic, dried parsley, salt, and pepper to the melted butter. Stir well to combine all the flavors evenly.
Arrange Crackers: Spread the Ritz crackers out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re not overlapping for even cooking.
Coat Crackers: Using a brush or a spoon, generously coat each cracker with the garlic butter mixture, making sure each cracker is well covered with flavorful butter.
Add Parmesan: If desired, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of each buttered cracker for an extra cheesy kick.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the crackers are golden, crispy, and the cheese (if added) is melted and slightly browned.

Notes

Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, but garlic powder can be substituted in a pinch.
For a spicier snack, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture.
Make sure to spread the crackers in a single layer to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature and consume within 2-3 days for best texture.
To make it vegan, substitute butter with vegan margarine and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American