A Savory, Crunchy Snack Bursting with Flavor
Garlic Ritz Snacks are a simple, savory treat that combines the buttery crunch of Ritz crackers with the bold, aromatic taste of garlic. Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or an easy after-school bite, these snacks are beloved for their addictive flavor and effortless preparation. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or craving something flavorful with minimal ingredients, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Why This Recipe Is a Hit
- Quick to make – ready in under 20 minutes.
- Minimal ingredients – pantry staples come together effortlessly.
- Highly customizable – add cheese, herbs, or spice.
- Crowd-pleaser – great for parties, game nights, or snacking.
Ingredients
- 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers (about 32 crackers)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder (or 2 cloves minced garlic, sautéed)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, to taste)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter with garlic powder (or sautéed minced garlic), parsley, and salt if using.
- Coat the crackers: Place Ritz crackers in a large bowl. Drizzle the garlic butter over them and gently toss to coat each cracker evenly.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Lay the coated crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Optional topping: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the crackers before baking for a cheesy twist.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning.
- Cool and serve: Let the crackers cool slightly before serving. They will crisp up as they cool.
Variations
- Spicy Garlic Ritz: Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Cheesy Herb Mix: Use Italian seasoning and sharp cheddar instead of Parmesan.
- Sweet and Savory: Add a tiny drizzle of honey after baking for a sweet contrast.
- Vegan Version: Substitute with vegan butter and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings (about 8 crackers per serving)
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 10–12 minutes
- Total time: 15–17 minutes
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: For extra crispness, reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3–5 minutes.
FAQs
What kind of butter works best?
Unsalted butter is preferred to control the salt level, but salted butter can be used—just omit the added salt.
Can I use garlic salt instead of garlic powder?
Yes, but reduce or eliminate the additional salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting.
Are these snacks suitable for kids?
Absolutely. Just avoid spicy additions if serving to children.
Can I make this recipe in the microwave?
It’s best baked for crispness, but in a pinch, you can microwave for 1–2 minutes—though texture may vary.
How can I make them gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free buttery cracker alternative to Ritz.
What pairs well with Garlic Ritz Snacks?
Serve with dips like hummus, spinach artichoke dip, or even marinara for a pizza-inspired twist.
Can I make a large batch?
Yes! Double or triple the ingredients as needed—just bake in batches to maintain crispness.
Do I need to flip the crackers while baking?
No flipping is necessary. Just spread them evenly in one layer for consistent baking.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes, sauté minced garlic in butter for 1–2 minutes before mixing with the crackers.
Can these be made ahead?
Yes, they store well and remain crispy for a few days, making them ideal for prepping in advance.
Conclusion
Garlic Ritz Snacks are a flavorful, fast, and flexible treat that anyone can make. With minimal ingredients and endless variations, they’re perfect for everything from casual snacking to party trays. Once you try them, you’ll keep coming back for more.
PrintGarlic Ritz Snacks
- Total Time: 15-17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Garlic Ritz Snacks are a quick, savory treat made with buttery Ritz crackers and bold garlic flavor. Perfect for parties, after-school snacks, or easy appetizers, they’re crisp, addictive, and ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 32 crackers)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder or 2 cloves minced garlic, sautéed
1/2 tsp dried parsley (optional)
1/4 tsp salt (optional, to taste)
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Make garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter with garlic powder (or sautéed minced garlic), parsley, and salt if using.
-
Toss crackers: Place Ritz crackers in a large bowl, drizzle with garlic butter, and gently toss until evenly coated.
-
Arrange: Spread crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
-
Optional topping: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
-
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden and crisp. Watch closely to avoid over-browning.
-
Cool: Let cool before serving. Crackers will crisp up further as they cool.
Notes
-
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
-
Reheat: To re-crisp, bake at 300°F for 3–5 minutes.
-
Vegan option: Use vegan butter and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
-
Flavor variations: Add cayenne for spice, Italian herbs and cheddar for a cheesy twist, or a touch of honey post-bake for sweet-savory contrast.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: garlic ritz crackers, savory party snack, baked cracker recipe, easy garlic appetizer, quick snack idea