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My go-to munchies trick has gotta be these Buttery Garlic Ritz Bits! I stumbled on this idea when I wanted garlic bread but needed something easier for get-togethers. They're so buttery and cheese-packed that I always make two batches now since they vanish so fast. The combo of that yummy garlic bread taste with crunchy crackers is total snack heaven!
What Makes This Snack Special
I've tweaked this recipe through dozens of movie nights and hangouts, and it never fails to win everyone over. I'm still wowed by how simple it is to turn ordinary Ritz Bits into these garlicky, cheese-loaded bites. And the best part? You can whip them up super fast with stuff you've probably got sitting in your kitchen already!
What You'll Need
- Cheese Ritz Bits: 2 (8.8 oz) boxes; these tiny cheese sandwiches create the foundation for our munchies.
- Butter: 3/4 cup, melted; grab unsalted to manage the saltiness yourself.
- Garlic Powder: 2 teaspoons for that rich, garlicky taste.
- Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon to boost the flavor profile.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 1/2 teaspoons for those fragrant herb notes.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 1/2 cups, grated; spring for good cheese for maximum tastiness.
Making Your Snack
- Get Your Oven Ready
- Turn your oven to 375°F (190°C) and put parchment paper on a baking sheet so nothing sticks.
- Mix The Flavors
- Drop the Ritz Bits into a big bowl. In another bowl, melt your butter and mix in the Italian seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder. Pour this tasty butter mix over your crackers and toss until they're all coated.
- Cheese It Up
- Toss in the grated parmesan and mix again so every cracker gets its fair share.
- Into The Oven
- Lay your seasoned crackers on the baking sheet. Pop them in for 7-9 minutes until they look golden and smell amazing.
- Let Them Rest Then Enjoy
- Give them a few minutes to cool before diving in. If you're making them ahead, wait till they're totally cool before putting them in a container or bag.
How To Enjoy Them Best
These taste incredible when they're a bit warm, that's when they're totally addictive! But they're also great kept in a sealed container for snacking all week long. Just make sure they've cooled down completely before you pack them away so they stay nice and crunchy.
Crowd-Pleasing Party Snack
Whenever I bring these to hangouts, they're gone in a flash! I now keep the recipe on my phone because someone always wants to know how to make them. They're super tasty dipped in marinara sauce too, it's like having grab-and-go garlic bread!
Mix Up The Taste
I've tried so many different versions over time! Adding some red pepper flakes gives them an awesome zing, and sometimes I'll try different herb mixes. My newest favorite twist is throwing in some asiago with the parmesan, and wow, it really takes them to another level!
The Snack You'll Make On Repeat
This has turned into my signature party treat for a reason. You can put it together so fast, it needs basic ingredients, and it always gets compliments. And don't get me started on that smell while they're baking, it'll draw everyone straight to your kitchen!
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe
- → How long do these stay fresh?
They'll stay good for up to 2 weeks when kept in a sealed container. Just make sure they're totally cool before you put them away so they stay crunchy.
- → Can I use regular Ritz crackers?
Absolutely, standard Ritz crackers do the job too. Just tweak your seasonings as needed since they're bigger than the Bits version.
- → Can I use different seasonings?
Sure thing, try playing around with ranch mix, taco spices, or whatever flavors you love. Just keep using the same amount of butter.
- → Why did my crackers get soggy?
They need to cool all the way before storage. Using too much butter or putting them away while they're still warm can make them lose their crunch.
- → Can I make these ahead for a party?
Definitely, you can fix them up to seven days before. Keep them in an airtight box at room temp to keep them fresh and tasty.