Name: Garlic Bread Ritz Bits Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 (8.8 oz) boxes Cheese Ritz Bits crackers; ¾ cup butter, melted; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese

These Garlic Bread Ritz Bits are a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful snack that’s perfect for parties, game day, or simply satisfying your crunchy, savory cravings! Made with cheese Ritz Bits, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of spices, these bite-sized snacks are bursting with flavor and ready in under 15 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a batch of these tasty bites ready to enjoy in no time. They’re perfect for a last-minute snack or appetizer.
Flavorful and Addictive: The combination of buttery Ritz Bits, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning creates a savory and irresistible flavor that’s perfect for snacking or serving alongside your favorite dips and soups.
Versatile: These garlic bread bites are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them on their own as a snack, serve them alongside your favorite dips and spreads, or use them as a crunchy topping for salads or soups.

Ingredients

Cheese Ritz Bits: These cheesy crackers provide a delicious base for the garlic bread flavor.
Melted butter: Adds richness and helps to bind the seasonings and cheese to the crackers.
Garlic powder: Adds a savory garlic flavor.
Onion powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor and enhances the savory notes.
Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty, and cheesy flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Garlic Bread Ritz Bits

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Pour the cheese Ritz Bits into a large mixing bowl.
In a separate bowl, melt the butter. Whisk in the garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
Pour the melted butter mixture over the crackers and toss to coat evenly.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the cracker mixture and toss again to combine.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

Spread the cracker mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 7-9 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the crackers to cool completely before serving or storing.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Even Coating: Make sure the crackers are evenly coated with the butter mixture and Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this can cause the crackers to steam instead of bake to a crisp texture.
Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the amount of seasonings to your liking. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Fresh Herbs: For an extra burst of flavor, add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or oregano, to the butter mixture.

How to Serve

These Garlic Bread Ritz Bits are delicious on their own as a snack or can be served with:

Dips: Enjoy them with your favorite dips, such as hummus, guacamole, or salsa.
Soups: They make a great crunchy topping for soups and stews.
Salads: Crumble them over salads for added texture and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover garlic bread bites in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can also freeze the baked bites for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container.

Reheating

Reheat the bites in the oven or toaster oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness, if desired.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cracker?

Yes, you can experiment with other types of crackers, such as Wheat Thins, Triscuits, or even saltine crackers. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary.

2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While butter is recommended for the best flavor, you can substitute it with margarine if needed.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, make sure to use gluten-free crackers and double-check that your other ingredients, such as the Italian seasoning, are also gluten-free.

4. How can I make these bites spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture for a spicier kick.