If you love a snack that’s crunchy, savory, and bursting with flavor, the Garlic Parmesan Ritz Snacks Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to whip up. This easy-to-make treat brings together buttery Ritz crackers coated in a fragrant blend of garlic, parsley, and melted Parmesan cheese, baked to golden perfection. It’s a simple yet irresistible snack that’s perfect for gatherings, movie nights, or anytime you want something with a punch of cheesy, garlicky goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, but each one plays a vital role in creating that perfectly balanced taste and delightful texture that make this snack so addictive.
- Ritz crackers: Their buttery, flaky texture forms the irresistible base that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Melted to coat each cracker, it brings richness without overpowering the garlic and cheese.
- Garlic powder: Adds that powerful, savory kick that makes every bite pop with flavor.
- Dried parsley: Offers a fresh, herbaceous note and a lovely touch of green color.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient for that crisp, cheesy finish that elevates these snacks beyond ordinary.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Ritz Snacks Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 300°F (150°C). This temperature is perfect for gently toasting the crackers and melting the cheese without burning or drying them out.
Step 2: Mix the Seasoning
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley until they form a smooth, fragrant mixture. This blend is the secret to that irresistible garlic and herb flavor coating every cracker.
Step 3: Coat the Crackers
Put the Ritz crackers into a large bowl and pour the buttery seasoning mixture over them. Gently toss everything together to make sure every cracker is evenly coated with that delicious gooey mixture.
Step 4: Arrange Crackers on the Baking Sheet
Spread the coated crackers out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This helps keep them crispy and prevents sticking while baking.
Step 5: Add the Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese liberally and evenly on top of the crackers. This layer creates the glorious cheesy crust that turns these simple snacks into something truly special.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch for the crackers to turn a beautiful golden brown and for the cheese to melt and get just a little crispy, signaling that snack time is almost here.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the crackers from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This step helps them firm up perfectly, so you get that satisfying crunch in every bite.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Ritz Snacks Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle a pinch of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving. This adds a fresh color contrast and a burst of herbal brightness that complements the garlic and cheese beautifully.
Side Dishes
This snack pairs wonderfully with fresh vegetables dipped in ranch or hummus for a light crunch alongside. It also works great with a charcuterie board featuring cured meats, olives, and soft cheeses, adding a crunchy, cheesy element to your spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these snacks in a rustic wooden bowl for a cozy vibe, or layer them in small glass jars for an elegant party presentation. You can also skew them with cocktail sticks alongside cherry tomatoes and small mozzarella balls for fun, bite-sized appetizers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be rare because these are so good), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay crunchy for up to 2 days, perfect for a quick snack later.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended because the crackers can lose their crispness and the cheese can change texture. It’s best to enjoy this snack fresh or within a couple of days.
Reheating
If you want to refresh your snacks, pop them briefly into a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes. This warms them through and brings back some of the original crispness.
FAQs
Can I use regular garlic instead of garlic powder?
While fresh garlic has a stronger and more pungent flavor, garlic powder is preferred here for even coating and to avoid clumps or sogginess on the crackers. You can experiment with finely minced garlic, but reduce the amount to avoid overpowering the snack.
Is it possible to make this snack gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out Ritz crackers for a gluten-free buttery cracker of your choice. Just make sure it has a similar texture to maintain that perfect crunch you desire.
How long do these snacks stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these Garlic Parmesan Ritz Snacks stay fresh and crisp for about 2 days at room temperature. Beyond that, they might start to lose their crunch.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to add a pinch of smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or even a little cayenne pepper for extra depth and a spicy kick. The Garlic Parmesan Ritz Snacks Recipe is quite flexible to your flavor preferences.
What’s the best cheese to use besides Parmesan?
Parmesan gives a sharp, nutty flavor that crisps beautifully, but you could try Pecorino Romano for a similar effect or even finely shredded sharp cheddar for a different cheesy twist. Just keep in mind the melting properties when choosing alternatives.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Garlic Parmesan Ritz Snacks Recipe enough—it’s one of those magical little bites that’ll keep you reaching for more. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the unbeatable flavor makes it a go-to snack that impresses every time. Trust me, once you give it a try, you’ll want to make these your new party favorite or just a selfish treat whenever snack cravings hit.
Print
Garlic Parmesan Ritz Snacks Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 12m
- Total Time: 0h 22m
- Yield: About 30-35 snacks
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Ritz Snacks are a quick and delicious appetizer made by coating buttery Ritz crackers with a flavorful mixture of garlic powder, dried parsley, and Parmesan cheese, then baked to golden perfection. These crunchy, savory bites are perfect for parties, snacking, or pairing with dips.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 sleeve (about 30–35) Ritz crackers
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the crackers evenly and properly.
- Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley. Stir well to blend the flavors thoroughly.
- Coat Crackers: Place the Ritz crackers into a large mixing bowl. Pour the butter and seasoning mixture over the crackers and gently toss until each cracker is evenly coated with the flavorful butter mixture.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated crackers out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese uniformly over the top of the coated crackers to add a savory, cheesy flavor.
- Bake: Bake the crackers in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crackers become golden brown, and the cheese melts and crisps slightly for optimal texture and flavor.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the crackers to cool for a few minutes. This cooling helps them to crisp further and makes them easier to handle for serving.
Notes
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat on the baking sheet to prevent crackers from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Keep an eye on the crackers during baking to avoid burning, as oven temperatures can vary.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the butter mixture.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
- These snacks can be served warm or at room temperature.
