If you adore the cozy, comforting flavor of garlic bread and love a crunchy snack, you are going to fall head over heels for this Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe. It transforms everyday cheese Ritz Bits into an irresistible savory treat bursting with cheesy, garlicky goodness and Italian herbs. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or anytime you crave that classic garlic bread flavor in a crunchy, bite-sized snack, this recipe is quick, simple, and so satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is delightfully straightforward, relying on just a few essential ingredients that each play a star role in turning plain Ritz Bits into something extraordinary. From the rich melted butter that knits everything together to the fragrant Italian seasoning that adds depth, every component works in harmony to create the perfect snack.
- Cheese Ritz Bits (2 boxes, 8.8 oz each): These buttery, cheesy crackers make the perfect base for absorbing all the flavorful toppings.
- Butter (3/4 cup, melted): Acts as the luscious glue that coats each cracker while adding richness and moisture.
- Parmesan cheese (1 1/2 cups, grated): Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and helps create a cheesy crust that crisps up beautifully.
- Garlic powder (2 tsp): The garlic star that gives each bite its signature savory punch.
- Onion powder (1 tsp): Introduces a subtle sweetness and depth, enhancing the overall savoriness.
- Italian seasoning (2 tsp): A fragrant blend of herbs like oregano and basil that infuses that unmistakable garlic bread vibe.
How to Make Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the perfect temperature to toast the crackers without burning them. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking. This simple preparation step makes all the difference for evenly toasted Ritz Bits.
Step 2: Mix the Crackers and Seasoning
Pour both boxes of cheese Ritz Bits into a large mixing bowl. Then, pour in the melted butter along with the grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring each cracker is coated in that flavorful butter-cheese-herb blend. This coating is the magic that transforms every bite into a garlic bread celebration.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Spread the coated crackers out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Pop them into the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Make sure to toss or stir the crackers halfway through baking to promote even toasting and browning, which is key to crispy, golden bites with maximum flavor.
Step 4: Cool and Store
Once baked, allow the Garlic Bread Ritz Bits to cool completely on the baking sheet. Cooling enables the Parmesan and butter mixture to set, giving the crackers a perfect crisp texture. After cooling, transfer the crackers to an airtight container or a Ziploc bag to keep them fresh until you’re ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or a little extra grated Parmesan right before serving. This not only adds a burst of color but also enhances the fresh herbaceous quality reminiscent of restaurant-style garlic bread.
Side Dishes
These Garlic Bread Ritz Bits are fantastic alongside a fresh tomato soup or a creamy pasta dish. Their crunchy, garlicky flavor complements warm, saucy mains beautifully and adds a satisfying textural contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond just a snack bowl! Serve these crackers in a rustic breadbasket lined with a colorful cloth or scatter them around a cheese and charcuterie board for an unexpected pop of garlicky crunch. They also make delightful toppings on salads or soups for that extra punch of flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Garlic Bread Ritz Bits in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay crisp and flavorful for up to a week, making them a fantastic snack to enjoy throughout your busy week without any fuss.
Freezing
While freezing is not typically recommended because the crackers may lose their crispness, if you need to freeze them, place them in a tightly sealed freezer bag. When thawed, you can give them a quick re-toast in the oven to revive some of that crisp texture.
Reheating
If the Garlic Bread Ritz Bits have lost some of their crunch, a short 3 to 5-minute toast in a 350-degree oven will breathe fresh life into them. Keep a close eye to avoid burning and enjoy them warm and crispy just like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use regular Ritz crackers instead of Ritz Bits?
Absolutely! Regular Ritz crackers will work just as well, though the texture and size will be slightly different. The key flavors will remain the same and just as delicious.
Is Parmesan cheese necessary for this recipe?
Parmesan plays a crucial role in delivering that cheesy, nutty depth which is essential to garlic bread flavor. You could experiment with other hard cheeses, but Parmesan is the classic choice.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and replace Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese option. Keep in mind that flavor and texture may vary slightly.
How spicy is this Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe?
This recipe is mild and focuses on savory, garlicky, and herb flavors without any heat. You can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you want a spicy kick.
How long do these crackers stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these crackers stay crunchy and fresh for about a week, making them perfect for batch prepping snacks.
Final Thoughts
If there is one snack you need to add to your rotation, it’s this Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe. It’s incredibly easy to make, bursting with nostalgic garlic bread flavors, and has the perfect crunchy texture that will have everyone coming back for more. Go ahead and try this recipe—you might just discover your new favorite snack obsession!
Print
Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crunchy and flavorful Garlic Bread Ritz Bits made by baking buttery, parmesan-coated Ritz crackers seasoned with garlic, onion powder, and Italian herbs. Perfect as a savory snack or party appetizer.
Ingredients
Crackers
- 2 (8.8 oz) boxes cheese Ritz Bits
Seasoning Mix
- 3/4 cup butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and allow even cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the cheese Ritz Bits crackers into a large mixing bowl. Add the melted butter, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning to the bowl.
- Coat Crackers: Mix all ingredients thoroughly to evenly coat each cracker with the buttery, cheesy, and seasoned mixture.
- Bake: Spread the coated crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, tossing the crackers halfway through baking to ensure they crisp up evenly.
- Cool and Store: Remove from the oven and allow the crackers to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, store in an airtight container or Ziploc bag to maintain their freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Ensure the crackers are evenly coated for balanced flavor.
- Tossing halfway through baking helps to brown them evenly and avoid burning.
- Let the crackers cool fully before storing to retain their crispiness.
- Use either parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
