Garlic Ritz Snacks Recipe

There’s just something magical about a recipe that transforms a handful of pantry staples into the kind of crave-worthy treat you’ll want to make on repeat. Garlic Ritz Snacks are exactly that: a quick, ultra-flavorful bite with buttery, garlicky goodness and a crunchy, cheesy finish. Whether you’re prepping for a cozy movie night or need a fast crowd-pleaser for game day, this snack packs huge flavor into every bite, showing off its irresistible charm time and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Garlic Ritz Snacks are as approachable as they are essential. Each one plays a star role, building layers of flavor, crunch, and color for a snack that’s deceptively easy but wonderfully impressive. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Ritz crackers: Their buttery, flaky crunch forms the perfect canvas for all the tasty toppings.
• Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Infuses richness and helps the garlic and cheese stick—don’t skimp!
• Minced garlic (2 cloves): Brightens the whole snack with that unmistakable garlicky aroma.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons): Delivers a savory, nutty topping that crisps up in the oven.
• Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon): Lends a pop of green and a fresh, herby finish.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors—just a pinch goes a long way.
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and balances the butteriness.

How to Make Garlic Ritz Snacks

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your Garlic Ritz Snacks come off cleanly and don’t stick—it makes cleanup a breeze, too.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt your butter gently so it doesn’t brown. Stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle just until fragrant—about a minute. This is the foundation of flavor for the entire snack, so give it some love!

Step 3: Lay Out the Crackers

Arrange the Ritz crackers in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. It’s best if none are overlapping, that way every cracker gets its share of melty toppings.

Step 4: Brush with Garlic Butter

Brush each cracker generously with the garlic butter mixture. Go for full coverage—every nook and cranny should get a little buttery goodness. Don’t forget to stir the garlic around as you go so it doesn’t settle at the bottom!

Step 5: Add Toppings

Sprinkle the crackers evenly with the Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. This is where all those flavors come together and make these Garlic Ritz Snacks memorable.

Step 6: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Pop the sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, keeping an eye out for that golden, fragrant topping. Remove when they’re crisped up and lightly browned—your kitchen will smell amazing.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the crackers cool slightly before transferring to a serving platter. Garlic Ritz Snacks are best enjoyed warm, but truly delicious at room temperature, too.

How to Serve Garlic Ritz Snacks

Garnishes

Just before serving, add a little extra sprinkle of Parmesan or finely chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish. If you love a little heat, a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes ups the wow factor.

Side Dishes

Garlic Ritz Snacks are so versatile—they go great with creamy tomato soup, a crisp green salad, or even nestled alongside a colorful cheese and charcuterie board for snacking perfection.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking them in a mason jar for a party-friendly grab-and-go snack, or arrange them in a spiral on a platter for a pretty appetizer. You can even pop a small slice of mozzarella or fresh basil on top for a bite-sized flavor twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any Garlic Ritz Snacks left (trust me, that’s rare!), keep them crisp by storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Line the bottom with a piece of paper towel to absorb any extra moisture.

Freezing

These snacks are at their best fresh, but if you really need to freeze them, lay them in a single layer in a freezer-friendly bag with parchment between layers. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven to crisp them up again.

Reheating

To bring Garlic Ritz Snacks back to their original crunch, pop them in a 300°F oven for 3 to 4 minutes. They’ll be as irresistible as when they first came out of the oven!

FAQs

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, if you’re out of fresh garlic, you can absolutely use garlic powder. About 1/2 teaspoon should do the trick, though fresh will always give the most aromatic punch in Garlic Ritz Snacks.

Do these work with other types of crackers?

You can use other buttery crackers if Ritz aren’t available, but Ritz have that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture that really takes these snacks over the top.

How can I make them spicier?

For a little kick, try mixing a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the melted butter, or add a sprinkle on top before baking. Garlic Ritz Snacks are super adaptable to your taste!

Can I prepare the butter mixture ahead of time?

Yes! You can melt the butter and mix in garlic in advance, then store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just reheat gently before brushing over the crackers for even flavor.

Are these snacks vegetarian?

They certainly are! Garlic Ritz Snacks use simple, plant-based ingredients (with Parmesan), making them a delightful vegetarian-friendly treat for any table.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Garlic Ritz Snacks, now’s your moment! With so little effort and just a handful of favorite ingredients, this playful, crowd-pleasing recipe is proof you don’t need a culinary degree to whip up something that gets gobbled up in seconds. Give them a try and let the snacking begin!

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