If you love the irresistible charm of garlic bread and the delightful crunch of bite-sized snacks, you are going to absolutely adore this Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe. It’s a brilliant, easy-to-make snack that combines buttery, garlicky goodness with the satisfying crisp of Ritz Bits Cheese sandwiches, all brought together with a sprinkle of Parmesan and herbs. Whether you’re planning a casual get-together, packing lunchbox treats, or craving something flavorful and snackable, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to whip up again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect flavor and crunch in this Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe is all about the few simple ingredients you choose. Each plays a key role in creating that flawless blend of garlicky butter, cheesy richness, and a hint of herbaceous freshness.
- Ritz Bits Cheese sandwiches: These bite-sized crackers are the crunchy, cheesy base that’s both creamy and crispy, essential for this snack’s texture.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Butter adds that rich, luscious mouthfeel and helps carry the garlic and seasonings evenly across every cracker.
- Garlic powder: This gives that unmistakable deep garlic flavor without overpowering the snacks.
- Onion powder: Adds a subtle savory depth that complements the garlic perfectly.
- Dried parsley: Brings a fresh, green pop of color and a mild herb note that brightens the overall taste.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the butter’s richness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: This sharp, nutty cheese finish adds an irresistible punch that transforms ordinary crackers into gourmet bites.
How to Make Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Crackers
Start by preheating your oven to a low 250°F. This gentle heat allows the flavors to meld without burning the butter or cheese. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your Ritz Bits don’t stick and cleanup is a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Seasoned Butter
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and salt. This mixture is where all the magic happens — it’s your flavor powerhouse that will coat each tiny cracker with that signature garlic bread taste.
Step 3: Combine Crackers and Butter Mixture
Pour the box of Ritz Bits into a large mixing bowl, then drizzle your seasoned butter over them. Gently stir, making sure every nugget of cracker is evenly coated without crushing them. This step is key for that perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Step 4: Add the Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and toss everything once more. The Parmesan will add a savory, tangy crust as it bakes, creating little pockets of cheesy goodness on each Ritz Bit.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread the coated crackers into an even layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they’re lightly toasted and the aroma of garlic fills your kitchen. Let them cool completely before serving or storing — this ensures they stay crisp and crunchy.
How to Serve Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a bit of fresh parsley or extra grated Parmesan on top just before serving to give your Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe a pop of color and an extra hit of flavor. A light dusting of smoked paprika can add a subtle smoky warmth, perfect if you want to jazz things up.
Side Dishes
These crunchy, flavorful Ritz Bits are fantastic on their own but also pair beautifully with creamy dips like spinach-artichoke or a zesty marinara sauce. They make a terrific crunchy counterpoint to soups or salads, perfect for adding texture and a burst of garlicky goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, make a snack mix by combining these Garlic Bread Ritz Bits with roasted nuts, pretzels, and dried cranberries for a sweet-salty treat. Alternatively, serve them in little paper cones or mason jars for an adorable appetizer presentation that invites everyone to grab and snack joyfully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which we doubt), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them crisp and tasty for up to one week, making it easy to enjoy your Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe long after baking.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to enjoy these freshly baked so the buttery crispiness stays intact. If you do freeze, keep them in a sealed freezer bag and thaw at room temperature, then re-crisp in a warm oven for a few minutes.
Reheating
Should you want to refresh your crackers, simply spread them out on a baking sheet and warm in a 250°F oven for about 5 minutes to bring back their crunch and that freshly baked aroma without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cracker instead of Ritz Bits?
Absolutely! While Ritz Bits Cheese sandwiches have the perfect size and flavor, other buttery, bite-sized crackers can work. Just be sure to adjust baking times slightly if the crackers are thicker or thinner.
Can I add fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Fresh garlic can overpower the snack and risk burning during baking since this is a low-temp recipe. Garlic powder is best for evenly distributing flavor without that bitterness.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This dish is vegetarian-friendly, using no animal-based gelatin or meat ingredients. Just double-check the Parmesan cheese if strict vegetarian standards require it, as some use animal rennet.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, swap the butter for vegan butter or olive oil and use a plant-based Parmesan alternative. This will give a slightly different but still delicious result.
What’s the best occasion to serve Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe?
They are incredibly versatile—perfect for casual parties, game days, kids’ snacks, lunchbox treats, or whenever you want a quick, flavorful bite. They always disappear fast!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and joyful about the Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe that makes it impossible not to smile after just one bite. This snack shows how a few simple pantry ingredients can transform ordinary crackers into something special and crave-worthy. I encourage you to try it at your next gathering or just because you deserve a treat—you won’t regret it!
Print
Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Bread Ritz Bits recipe transforms classic Ritz Bits Cheese sandwiches into a flavorful, savory snack with a garlicky butter coating and a hint of Parmesan cheese. Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or a crunchy treat for lunchboxes, this easy-to-make snack requires just a few ingredients and minimal prep time.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 (8.8-ounce) box Ritz Bits Cheese sandwiches
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Crackers: Pour the Ritz Bits Cheese sandwiches into a large mixing bowl, setting the stage for even seasoning.
- Make Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and salt. This mixture imparts the classic garlic bread flavor.
- Coat Crackers: Pour the butter mixture over the Ritz Bits and gently stir to evenly coat each cracker without breaking them.
- Add Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the coated crackers, then toss again gently to distribute the cheese and enhance flavor.
- Arrange for Baking: Spread the coated crackers in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet to ensure uniform toasting.
- Bake: Bake in the oven for 15–20 minutes, stirring once halfway through to toast the crackers evenly until they are lightly toasted and fragrant.
- Cool: Allow the crackers to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or storing to achieve optimal crunch.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a little heat.
- Store the cooled Garlic Bread Ritz Bits in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- This snack is excellent for parties, lunchboxes, or as an addition to a snack mix for variety and flavor.
