What if you could turn an everyday box of Ritz crackers into something so flavorful and irresistible, it rivals your favorite garlic bread? As convenient cooking continues to rise in popularity—with more than 70% of Americans favoring quick, low-effort meals according to a 2024 survey—this Garlic Bread Ritz Bits recipe fits right in. Loaded with buttery garlic, melted Parmesan, and a hint of fresh parsley, these bite-sized snacks come together in under 15 minutes. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or a snack enthusiast, you’ll love how easy and delicious this dish is. Plus, the garlic bread Ritz Bits keyword gets you in on one of the hottest snack trends of the year.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Only 5 minutes of prep and 10-12 minutes in the oven.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Budget-Friendly: Minimal ingredients with maximum flavor.
- Snack or Side: Perfect for parties, after-school snacks, or a crispy side to soups and salads.
- Customizable: Add cheese, herbs, or spices to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these tasty bites:
- 30 Ritz crackers (approximately one sleeve)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, to taste)
Kitchen Tools:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Basting brush
- Mixing bowl
How to Make Garlic Bread Ritz Bits
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Garlic Butter: In a bowl, stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, and salt if using.
- Arrange Crackers: Spread the Ritz crackers evenly in a single layer on the prepared sheet.
- Brush Generously: Use a basting brush to coat each cracker with the garlic butter mixture.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle each cracker with grated Parmesan.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and melty. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with chopped parsley. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t Overbake: Ritz crackers can burn quickly; stay close during the final minutes.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Avoid jarred garlic for the best flavor punch.
- Uniform Sizing: Try to spread cheese and butter evenly so every bite is consistent.
Substitutions And Variations
- Cheese Swap: Try mozzarella or shredded cheddar for a gooier version.
- Herb Variations: Basil, thyme, or oregano make great alternatives to parsley.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mix.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! Store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Do I have to use Ritz crackers? No, but Ritz has the perfect buttery base. Any round buttery cracker works.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan? Yes, but freshly grated gives better melt and flavor.
Storage Instructions
Once cooled, store your Garlic Bread Ritz Bits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To re-crisp, pop them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.
Conclusion
This Garlic Bread Ritz Bits recipe takes a simple cracker and transforms it into a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed snack in just minutes. Perfect for any occasion and endlessly customizable, it deserves a spot in your weekly snack rotation. Ready to surprise your tastebuds? Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your creations in the comments or tag us on social media. Looking for more quick snack ideas? Explore our other savory snack recipes today!
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Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe: The 15-Minute Snack You Didn’t Know You Needed
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 30 crackers 1x
Description
Garlic Bread Ritz Bits recipe transforms buttery crackers into crispy, cheesy bites with garlic and Parmesan—ready in under 15 minutes. Try it now!
Ingredients
30 Ritz crackers (about one sleeve)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Garlic Butter: In a bowl, stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, and salt if using.
- Arrange Crackers: Spread the Ritz crackers evenly in a single layer on the prepared sheet.
- Brush Generously: Use a basting brush to coat each cracker with the garlic butter mixture.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle each cracker with grated Parmesan.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and melty. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with chopped parsley. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Keep a close watch during baking to prevent over-browning.
Customize with different cheeses or herbs to suit your taste.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes