Description

If you're looking for the perfect party snack or a delicious, crunchy treat for movie night, these Garlic Bread Ritz Bits are the answer. Combining the classic buttery flavor of Ritz Bits with rich Parmesan cheese, fragrant garlic powder, and a hint of Italian seasoning, this snack is both flavorful and addictive. They’re quick to whip up and pack a punch of savory goodness with every bite. Whether served on their own or alongside a creamy dip, these cheesy, garlicky bits are bound to become a new favorite in your snack repertoire

Ingredients

• 2 boxes cheese-filled Ritz Bits crackers
• 3/4 cup melted butter
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation Method

Preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.

Prepare the seasonings
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to create a uniform blend of flavors. These spices are essential for recreating the classic flavors of garlic bread but with a cheesy twist.

Coat the Ritz Bits
Place the cheese-filled Ritz Bits in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted butter over the crackers, making sure each piece is evenly coated. The melted butter serves as the perfect base for the seasonings to adhere to, and it also gives the crackers a deeper, richer flavor as they bake.

Season the crackers
Once the Ritz Bits are coated in butter, sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning mix over the crackers. Toss them gently to ensure that every cracker gets an even distribution of the seasoning. This step is crucial in infusing the garlic bread flavor into each bite-sized piece.

Add the Parmesan
Next, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the seasoned crackers. Toss the mixture again to make sure the Parmesan clings to the buttered crackers, adding a cheesy depth of flavor and a subtle crispiness when baked.

Bake to perfection
Spread the seasoned and coated Ritz Bits in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. This allows them to cook evenly and ensures that each cracker will get that golden-brown crunch. Bake in the preheated oven for 7 to 9 minutes, or until the Ritz Bits are lightly toasted and golden. The cheese should also crisp up a bit, giving them an irresistible texture.

Cool and serve
Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the crackers cool for a few minutes. This cooling period helps them crisp up even more, making them the perfect crunchy snack. Serve them warm for maximum enjoyment, or store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for later snacking

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tip:

For an extra punch of flavor, consider adding a touch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. This will introduce a mild heat that pairs wonderfully with the garlic and Parmesan. Alternatively, for a slightly more decadent version, you can drizzle the crackers with a bit more melted butter after baking and toss them again to lock in even more flavor.

Conclusion:

Garlic Bread Ritz Bits are an easy yet incredibly flavorful snack that takes the beloved flavors of garlic bread and transforms them into a bite-sized treat. The buttery Ritz crackers, combined with aromatic garlic, savory Parmesan, and Italian herbs, create a truly addictive snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party, looking for an easy snack to take to a potluck, or simply craving something savory and cheesy, these Garlic Bread Ritz Bits deliver. Simple to prepare and ready in under 15 minutes, this is one recipe you’ll find yourself returning to time and again.