Garlic Ritz Snacks

Garlic Ritz Snacks are the perfect combination of buttery, crispy Ritz crackers and the bold, aromatic flavors of garlic and herbs. This quick and easy recipe transforms an everyday cracker into an irresistible snack that’s ideal for parties, game nights, or just satisfying a craving. With a blend of garlic butter and a hint of Parmesan cheese, every bite is bursting with flavor, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes something simple and elevates it into a flavorful snack that’s versatile and addictively good. Here’s why it will become a favorite in your kitchen:

• Quick and Easy: With minimal ingredients and just a few steps, you can whip up a batch in no time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These garlic-infused crackers make a fantastic appetizer, snack, or side dish for soups and salads.
• Customizable: The recipe can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences, with endless variations to try.
• Budget-Friendly: Using pantry staples like Ritz crackers, garlic, butter, and Parmesan, this snack is as affordable as it is delicious.
• Kid-Friendly: The buttery crackers and mild garlic flavor appeal to all ages, making it a hit with little ones and adults alike.

Ingredients

• Ritz crackers
• Unsalted butter
• Garlic cloves
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the Garlic Butter
   Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
3. Coat the Crackers
   Arrange the Ritz crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Using a pastry brush, generously coat each cracker with the garlic butter mixture.
4. Add Toppings
   Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the crackers. Follow with a light sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Bake
   Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crackers are golden and fragrant.
6. Garnish and Serve
   Remove the crackers from the oven and immediately sprinkle them with finely chopped fresh parsley. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Variations

• Spicy Garlic Ritz Snacks: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a kick of heat.
• Cheesy Ranch Flavor: Replace the Parmesan with shredded cheddar and sprinkle ranch seasoning over the crackers.
• Herb Blend: Mix dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary into the garlic butter for an herby twist.
• Vegan Option: Use vegan butter and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.
• Lemon-Garlic: Add a splash of fresh lemon juice to the garlic butter for a zesty flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 20-22 minutes
• Servings: Makes about 30 snacks, depending on the number of crackers used.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Once cooled, store the Garlic Ritz Snacks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To bring back their crispness, reheat the crackers in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the crackers soggy.

FAQs

What makes Ritz crackers a good base for this recipe?

Ritz crackers are buttery, crisp, and lightly salted, making them an ideal base that complements the rich garlic butter and Parmesan cheese.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, you can substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic.

How do I prevent the crackers from becoming soggy?

Ensure that the butter mixture isn’t overly greasy and bake the crackers until they’re golden to achieve a crispy texture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free crackers as a substitute for Ritz to make the recipe gluten-free.

Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?

Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control the salt level, but salted butter can be used if that’s what you have on hand. Just reduce the added salt.

Can I add other cheeses?

Absolutely! Shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or even crumbled feta can be used for a different flavor profile.

Are these snacks good for kids?

Yes, the mild garlic flavor and crispy texture make these snacks kid-friendly. Adjust the seasoning to suit your child’s taste.

Can I prepare these in advance for a party?

Yes, you can bake the crackers a few hours before your event and store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.

What’s the best way to serve these snacks?

Serve Garlic Ritz Snacks on their own, or pair them with dips like marinara sauce, hummus, or a creamy garlic dip.

Can I double the recipe?

Certainly! Simply double the ingredients and use additional baking sheets to prepare a larger batch.

Conclusion

Garlic Ritz Snacks are a simple yet irresistible treat that’s sure to impress your family and guests. With their buttery texture, rich garlic flavor, and savory Parmesan topping, these crackers are the ultimate snack for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a quick bite, this recipe delivers on flavor and convenience. Try them today, and watch them disappear in no time!

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