Description
Delight in these Cheesy Garlic Ritz Bits Snacks, a perfect blend of crunchy Ritz crackers coated in a savory, buttery, garlic-infused cheese mixture. Baked to golden perfection, these snacks are ideal for parties, movie nights, or as a flavorful garnish for soups and salads. With a combination of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese enhanced by garlic, onion, and smoked paprika, these bites are irresistibly tasty and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 box (12.5 oz) Ritz Bits Crackers, Original
Seasoned Butter Mixture
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, melted
- 2 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Dried Parsley Flakes
- 1/2 tsp Fine Sea Salt
- 1/4 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika (optional)
- Pinch Cayenne Pepper (optional)
Cheeses
- 1/2 cup Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1/2 cup Finely Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Melt Butter and Infuse Spices: Melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in a bowl. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, parsley flakes, sea salt, black pepper, and optionally smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper until well combined, creating a flavorful seasoned butter base.
- Add Cheeses: Incorporate 1/2 cup each of finely grated Parmesan and shredded sharp cheddar cheeses into the seasoned butter mixture, stirring until thoroughly mixed to coat the crackers with cheesy goodness.
- Coat Ritz Bits: Pour the cheesy butter mixture over the Ritz Bits crackers placed in a very large bowl. Gently toss the crackers until every piece is evenly coated with the rich, savory blend.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Spread the coated Ritz Bits in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, stirring gently halfway through baking. Look for a light golden color and melted cheese; if the crackers feel soft, extend baking for another 3-5 minutes while monitoring closely to avoid burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the crackers from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet to maximize crispiness. Once cooled, gently separate any clusters stuck together and transfer to a serving bowl. Enjoy as a party appetizer, movie night treat, or a crispy garnish for soups and salads.
- Storage: Store any leftover cheesy garlic Ritz Bits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days to maintain freshness and crunch.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper slightly.
- Use parchment paper to prevent the crackers from sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Ensure crackers are spread in a single layer to bake evenly and become crispy.
- Do not overbake to avoid burning the cheese and butter.
- These snacks are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for a few days without losing texture.
