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Turn ordinary cheese crackers into mouthwatering bites with these buttery, garlicky treats. The combo of parmesan and savory seasonings makes these little Ritz Bits taste just like your favorite garlic bread. They're super easy to whip up and trust me - they'll vanish in seconds at your next get-together or movie marathon!
Basic Components Needed
- Cheese Ritz Bits Sandwiches: They're the crunchy, cheesy foundation that makes this snack work so well.
- Melted Butter: Creates a smooth coating and adds that luscious buttery taste.
- Garlic Powder: Gives that warm, familiar garlic bread flavor we all love.
- Onion Powder: Adds underlying sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile.
- Dried Italian Herbs: This oregano, basil and thyme mix brings in that Mediterranean magic.
- Freshly Shredded Parmesan: Adds a delicious salty, nutty layer to every cracker.
- Extra Flavor Boosters: Try some cayenne for kick or lemon zest for brightness if you're feeling adventurous.
Easy Preparation Guide
- Ready Your Oven: Get it warming up to 375°F (190°C) before you start mixing ingredients.
- Set Up Your Tray: Cover a baking sheet with parchment to keep things from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Blend Your Flavors: Put your Ritz Bits in a big bowl. In another smaller bowl, stir together your melted butter and all dry seasonings until they're well combined.
- Dress Your Crackers: Drizzle the seasoned butter over your crackers and gently toss everything together. Sprinkle the fresh parmesan in and mix again until evenly coated.
- Arrange For Baking: Lay out your seasoned crackers in one layer on your parchment-lined tray.
- Get Them Toasty: Pop the tray in your hot oven for about 7–9 minutes until they turn golden and the cheese gets a bit crispy.
- Let Them Rest: Take them out and don't touch! Let them cool right on the tray to get extra crunchy.
- Keep Them Fresh: After they've cooled down completely, put them in a sealed container. They'll stay tasty for about a week at room temp.
How To Enjoy Them
These tasty bites are best eaten while they're still warm. They go amazingly with a bowl of soup or alongside a crisp salad, but they're totally snackable on their own too. Got leftovers? Just seal them up tight and give them a quick warm-up when you're ready for more crunch.
Personalize Your Snack
Wanna switch things up? Toss in some crushed red pepper for a fiery kick or swap in another cheese variety. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top looks pretty and tastes great. And remember - using good butter and real, freshly grated parmesan (not the powdered stuff) makes all the difference in flavor.
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Fantastic Party Favorite
Who knew simple pantry items could create something so addictive? These tasty bites come together in no time but taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Once you try them, they'll definitely become your go-to snack for any gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why use parchment on the pan?
This stops the butter and cheese from sticking during baking. Plus, cleanup’s way easier, and it keeps the crackers from burning underneath.
- → How long can I keep them fresh?
Sealed in a good container, they stay crunchy for about a week. If they soften up, pop them in the oven for a bit to crisp them again.
- → Can regular Ritz crackers work?
You can use them, but the cheese-filled ones give that extra cheesy punch. Plain Ritz will still taste good, just not as cheesy.
- → Is it important to cool them first?
Yes! Letting them cool avoids sogginess from trapped moisture. Warm snacks in containers can get soft fast.
- → Can I spice it up with other flavors?
Totally! You can mix in ranch powder, taco spices, or even chili flakes for some heat. Just don’t overdo it with butter.