If you are craving a snack that combines the buttery, garlicky goodness of classic garlic bread with the irresistible crunch of bite-sized crackers, then you are in for a treat with this Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe. Each crunchy Ritz Bits cracker gets coated in a fragrant blend of melted garlic butter and herbs, then baked to golden perfection and finished with a shower of Parmesan cheese. It’s a snack that’s simple to make yet full of vibrant flavors that will instantly elevate any snack time, party platter, or movie night.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in layering texture and flavor. The combination of melted butter and garlic creates that rich, aromatic base, while the dried herbs enhance the overall depth. Finally, the Parmesan cheese adds a savory kick that perfectly complements every bite.
- Ritz Bits crackers: Cheese-filled crackers provide the perfect crunchy, buttery bite, ideal for absorbing garlic butter.
- Unsalted butter: Melts smoothly and carries garlic and herbs to every cracker.
- Minced garlic cloves: Fresh garlic brings a bright and pungent flavor that’s key to the garlic bread vibe.
- Garlic powder: Amplifies the garlic taste with a subtle depth that lingers pleasantly.
- Dried parsley: Adds a touch of color and mild earthiness to the seasoning.
- Dried oregano: Brings a slightly peppery, herbal note that complements garlic beautifully.
- Dried basil: Infuses a sweet and aromatic flavor that rounds out the herb mix.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness of butter and cheese.
- Black pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and subtle spice in the background.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a sharp, savory finish and adds a delightful texture contrast.
How to Make Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Garlic Butter
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it reaches the perfect temperature for baking your crackers evenly. Meanwhile, melt the unsalted butter gently on medium heat in a small saucepan. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook it just until it becomes fragrant—about 1 to 2 minutes. This step ensures the garlic infuses the butter but doesn’t burn, giving you a rich and mellow garlic flavor.
Step 2: Create the Herb Seasoning Mix
While the garlic butter is getting its aroma on, mix together the garlic powder, dried parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This combination is what brings that classic garlic bread herb blend to your crackers, layering on that complex, savory flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
Step 3: Coat the Ritz Bits with Garlic Butter
Pour the warm garlic butter over the Ritz Bits crackers in a large mixing bowl. Toss them gently but thoroughly to ensure every cracker gets a good coating. This step is crucial for making sure the flavors stick and the crackers develop that irresistible garlicky crust.
Step 4: Toss the Crackers with Seasoning
Sprinkle your prepared herb seasoning over the buttered Ritz Bits and toss again evenly. This brings the herbs front and center in every bite, elevating the simple cracker to a snack packed with layered flavors and a gorgeous golden color once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Spread the coated crackers out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to avoid burning or sticking. Bake them for about 10 to 15 minutes, halfway through stirring gently to ensure each cracker bakes evenly and achieves that perfect balance of golden crunch and enhanced flavor.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan Cheese
Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the hot crackers. The warmth helps the cheese melt slightly, creating an extra layer of savory goodness. Let your Garlic Bread Ritz Bits cool down a little before serving—they’ll crisp up perfectly while staying melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
How to Serve Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can enhance both the appearance and flavor of your Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe. Consider sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of color and heat. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving can also give a fresh, glossy finish that ties all the herbs and cheese together.
Side Dishes
This snack pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides. Try serving it alongside a cool, creamy tomato soup for dipping, or as an accompaniment to a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. For a heartier bite, try it with pasta dishes, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables to add a crunchy, flavorful contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Garlic Bread Ritz Bits into a festive party snack by arranging them on a large platter surrounded by small bowls of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. You can also pile them into decorative glass jars or mini baskets lined with parchment for casual gatherings. For kids’ parties or movie nights, serve them in colorful paper cones for easy hand-held snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Garlic Bread Ritz Bits, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay crispy and flavorful for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigeration as it can cause the crackers to lose their crunch.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked Garlic Bread Ritz Bits by placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure they are completely cooled before freezing to prevent sogginess. When frozen properly, they can last for up to 1 month without losing much of their texture or flavor.
Reheating
To bring back that crunch after storing or freezing, simply reheat the crackers in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, and enjoy them warm and crispy as if freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use regular Ritz crackers instead of Ritz Bits?
Absolutely! While Ritz Bits are perfect because of their size and cheese filling, regular Ritz crackers work just fine. Just expect slightly larger bites and a marginally different texture experience.
Is the Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe gluten-free?
Regular Ritz Bits crackers contain gluten. If you need a gluten-free option, you can look for gluten-free small crackers and customize the recipe accordingly. The garlic butter and herbs will still deliver incredible flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative, and use a dairy-free cheese substitute or omit the Parmesan cheese entirely. The seasonings will still provide a fantastic flavor boost.
How can I make the Garlic Bread Ritz Bits extra cheesy?
Feel free to sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese before baking and again after baking for a double hit of cheesy goodness. You can also add some shredded mozzarella or cheddar for a gooey twist.
What’s the best way to store freshly baked Garlic Bread Ritz Bits?
The best way is in an airtight container at room temperature, away from moisture. This keeps them crispy and fresh for a few days. Avoid stacking heavily to prevent breakage.
Final Thoughts
If you want a snack that captures the heart of homemade garlic bread but with a fun, crunchy twist, the Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe is your new best friend. It’s effortless to prepare, bursts with bold flavors, and fits perfectly into any casual gathering or solo treat time. Give this recipe a try—you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed crackers any other way.
Print
Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Bread Ritz Bits are a deliciously savory and crispy snack that combines the classic buttery garlic bread flavors with the convenient, bite-sized Ritz Bits crackers. Perfect for parties, snacking, or as a flavorful appetizer, this easy recipe infuses crackers with a mixture of melted garlic butter, herbs, and Parmesan cheese, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Crackers
- 1 box of Ritz Bits crackers (cheese-filled preferred)
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the seasoned crackers.
- Melt Butter and Infuse Garlic: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant, infusing the butter with its rich flavor.
- Prepare Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, dried parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to create a robust herb seasoning blend.
- Coat Crackers with Garlic Butter: Pour the melted garlic butter mixture over the Ritz Bits crackers placed in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently to ensure each cracker is evenly coated with the butter.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the prepared seasoning mix over the coated crackers and toss again thoroughly, distributing the herbs and spices evenly.
- Bake the Crackers: Spread the seasoned crackers out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the crackers turn golden brown and crispy.
- Add Parmesan Cheese and Cool: Remove the crackers from the oven and immediately sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the hot crackers. Allow them to cool before serving to let the cheese adhere and flavors meld.
Notes
- Be sure to stir the crackers halfway through baking to ensure even crispiness and browning.
- Use unsalted butter to control the overall saltiness, adjusting seasoning if using salted butter.
- For a stronger garlic flavor, increase the amount of minced garlic or garlic powder.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
