Garlic Ritz Snacks

Introduction

I first made Garlic Ritz Snacks for a casual family gathering, not expecting much beyond the usual snack fare. However, as soon as I pulled the baking sheet out of the oven, the house was filled with the irresistible aroma of garlic and butter. My family quickly gathered around, eagerly awaiting the warm, crispy crackers. Once we tasted them, everyone was hooked! The combination of rich butter, garlic, and Parmesan on the crisp Ritz crackers was so addictive, it was hard to stop eating. These snacks are perfect for any occasion — from a simple afternoon snack to a party appetizer. They’ve quickly become one of my go-to recipes for gatherings, and I’m always asked to bring them along!

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Why You’ll Love Garlic Ritz Snacks

• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With just a handful of basic ingredients, you can elevate ordinary Ritz crackers into a flavorful, savory snack. The garlic butter mixture and Parmesan cheese bring out the best in the crackers, making them extra crispy and delicious.
• Quick and Easy to Make: This recipe is perfect when you need a snack in a pinch. It requires minimal preparation and just 10 minutes in the oven. It’s the ultimate quick and easy treat for unexpected guests or last-minute get-togethers.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party, serving appetizers, or enjoying a cozy movie night, these Garlic Ritz Snacks are a hit. Their savory taste pairs well with almost anything, from cocktails to soft drinks.
• Customizable Flavor: While the recipe calls for garlic, Parmesan, and parsley, feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or some Italian seasoning for added depth.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The best part about these snacks is their universal appeal. Everyone loves the crispy texture of Ritz crackers combined with the rich, garlicky flavor. They’re perfect for both kids and adults!

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Ingredients

To make these delicious Garlic Ritz Snacks, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 box Ritz crackers
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your own batch of Garlic Ritz Snacks:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This moderate temperature ensures the crackers bake evenly, becoming golden and crispy without burning.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, dried parsley, and salt. Stir until well mixed. The garlic and butter will form a flavorful coating that’ll perfectly season the crackers.

Step 3: Arrange the Ritz Crackers

Place the Ritz crackers on a baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure the crackers are not overlapping so that they bake evenly and become crisp all around.

Step 4: Brush the Crackers

Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously brush each cracker with the garlic butter mixture. Be sure to coat each cracker thoroughly, allowing the flavors to soak in.

Step 5: Add Parmesan

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the crackers. This adds an extra layer of flavor and helps the crackers achieve that golden, slightly crispy finish.

Step 6: Bake

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the crackers are golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, as they can crisp up quickly.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the crackers from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This will help them crisp up even more. Serve the Garlic Ritz Snacks warm and enjoy the irresistible, savory flavors!

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Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional information for Garlic Ritz Snacks:

• Serving Size: 1 serving = approximately 4-5 crackers
• Calories per serving: 120 kcal
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 230mg
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 2g

(Note: Nutritional values are estimated and may vary based on portion size and ingredient brand.)

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Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Bake Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

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How to Serve

These Garlic Ritz Snacks are a versatile treat that can be served in various ways depending on your occasion:

• As a Snack: Perfect for munching during a movie night or casual get-together. Serve them in a bowl for easy snacking.
• As an Appetizer: Serve these crunchy treats as an appetizer at parties. They pair wonderfully with dips like ranch, hummus, or guacamole.
• With Drinks: Serve these snacks alongside your favorite beverages. They are a great accompaniment to wine, beer, or cocktails.
• For a Charcuterie Board: Add these snacks to your cheese and charcuterie board for a savory touch that balances well with cheeses, cured meats, and fruits.
• As a Side: These crispy crackers can also make a great side dish with soups, salads, or pasta.

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Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Parsley: While dried parsley works fine, fresh parsley adds a vibrant color and fresh flavor to the crackers. You can chop some fresh parsley and sprinkle it on top for extra color and taste.
2. Make It Spicy: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the butter mixture. It’ll give the crackers a spicy kick that balances the garlic perfectly.
3. Try Other Cheeses: If you want to mix it up, try using grated Romano cheese or Parmesan blend for a slightly different flavor profile.
4. Double the Recipe: If you’re serving a crowd, it’s easy to double the recipe. Just make sure to use a larger baking sheet or bake in batches.
5. Customize with Herbs: You can experiment with other herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme to create different flavor combinations. Try adding a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean twist.

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FAQ

1. Can I use a different brand of crackers? While Ritz crackers are the best for this recipe due to their buttery flavor and crisp texture, you can use other buttery crackers as a substitute. Just make sure they are thin and crispy for the best results.
2. Can I use unsalted butter? Yes! If you prefer to control the amount of salt in the recipe, you can use unsalted butter and adjust the salt to your taste.
3. Can I prepare these snacks ahead of time? These snacks are best served fresh and warm, but you can store them in an airtight container for a few days. To reheat, place them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispness.
4. How can I make these snacks vegan? Use vegan butter and substitute the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free Parmesan alternative to make these snacks vegan-friendly.
5. How do I prevent the crackers from getting soggy? Make sure to cool the crackers on the baking sheet for a few minutes after baking. Storing them in an airtight container will help preserve their crispiness.
6. Can I make these snacks without garlic powder? If you don’t have garlic powder, you can use fresh minced garlic instead. Sauté the garlic in the melted butter to release its flavor before brushing it onto the crackers.
7. Can I freeze the Garlic Ritz Snacks? Freezing is not recommended, as it can alter the texture of the crackers. It’s best to make them fresh.
8. Can I make these snacks spicier? Yes! Add more garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or jalapeños to the butter mixture for a spicier version of this snack.
9. Can I use whole wheat Ritz crackers? Absolutely! If you prefer a healthier option, whole wheat Ritz crackers work just as well in this recipe.
10. Can I add other toppings to the crackers? Yes, you can sprinkle additional toppings like chopped nuts, cheese, or herbs for variety. Try adding crispy bacon bits or sun-dried tomatoes for a savory twist.

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Conclusion

Garlic Ritz Snacks are a simple yet incredibly flavorful treat that everyone will love. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a snack that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night in. The combination of buttery crackers, garlic, Parmesan, and spices creates a savory bite that’s impossible to resist. Quick, easy, and customizable, these snacks will quickly become a favorite in your home. Make a batch, serve them up, and watch them disappear in no time!

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