How to Make Garlic Ritz Snacks: A Quick & Addictive Treat Everyone Will Love
Have you ever craved a snack that’s buttery, garlicky, crunchy, and completely addictive—all in one bite? What if we told you it only takes a few ingredients and a few minutes to whip up? Meet your new favorite snack: Garlic Ritz Snacks. This recipe is one of those simple pleasures that you’ll find yourself making over and over again.
Whether you need a last-minute party appetizer, a crunchy movie-night munchie, or a quick snack for the kids after school, Garlic Ritz Snacks check all the boxes. Let’s dive into what makes this snack so special and how you can make it today!
What Are Garlic Ritz Snacks?
PrintHow to Make Garlic Ritz Snacks: A Quick & Addictive Treat Everyone Will Love
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 32 crackers 1x
Description
These Garlic Ritz Snacks are buttery, garlicky, and perfectly crisp—ideal for parties, after-school snacks, or any time you crave something quick and delicious. Made with Ritz crackers coated in a garlic butter mix and lightly baked, they’re impossible to resist and take less than 25 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 32 crackers)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (fresh or dried)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Make garlic butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter and stir in minced garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- Coat the crackers: Place Ritz crackers in a large bowl. Pour the garlic butter mixture over them and gently toss until fully coated.
- Arrange and bake: Spread crackers in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Cool and enjoy: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. The crackers will continue to crisp as they cool.
Notes
Use garlic powder for a milder flavor or fresh garlic for a stronger kick. Try adding crushed red pepper for spice or ranch seasoning for a fun twist. Best eaten fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 crackers
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Garlic Ritz Snacks are buttery Ritz crackers baked with a savory garlic-butter coating, often paired with herbs and cheese for extra flavor. The crackers crisp up slightly in the oven, soaking up that delicious butter mixture. The result? A perfectly seasoned, melt-in-your-mouth snack that’s hard to resist.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10–12 minutes
- Total time: Under 25 minutes
- Skill level: Easy
- Best for: Parties, road trips, school snacks, or anytime snacking
This recipe is a go-to for busy home cooks looking for big flavor without the fuss. No fancy tools, no complicated steps—just bold flavor and simple ingredients.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make classic Garlic Ritz Snacks. Most items are probably already in your kitchen!
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 32 crackers) – Buttery, flaky, and the perfect base. Substitute with any buttery round crackers if needed.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – Salted butter works too, just reduce added salt.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder) – For strong garlic flavor. Garlic powder offers a milder taste.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (fresh or dried) – Optional, but adds color and herby flavor.
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional) – Adds a rich, salty touch.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional) – Boosts the flavor with a blend of herbs.
- Salt to taste
Substitutions and Variations:
- Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
- Swap parsley for chives or dill for a fresh flavor twist.
- Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use vegan butter and omit cheese for a fully vegan snack.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Garlic Ritz Snacks. Preheat your oven, melt the butter, coat the crackers, bake—and enjoy!
Step 1: Prep the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave (about 30 seconds).
Stir in the minced garlic (or garlic powder), parsley, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
Step 3: Coat the Crackers
Place the Ritz crackers in a large mixing bowl. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the crackers.
Gently toss the crackers with a spoon or your hands until each one is evenly coated.
Tip: Be gentle when mixing to avoid breaking the crackers.
Step 4: Bake
Spread the coated crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and crispy.
Watch closely during the last few minutes to avoid burning the garlic.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the crackers cool for about 5 minutes before serving. They’ll crisp up more as they cool.
Assembly Tips and Presentation
Once your crackers are baked and cooled, serve them:
- In a bowl for easy grabbing during game night or movie night
- On a snack platter with cheeses, olives, and cured meats
- In snack bags or containers for school lunches or road trips
Want to get fancy? Sprinkle a little extra cheese or chopped herbs on top right before serving for a gourmet touch.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Garlic Ritz Snacks are best served fresh but can be stored for later snacking.
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to refresh their crispness.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the garlic butter mix in advance and store it in the fridge. Just melt and toss when ready to bake.
Tip: Avoid storing them in the fridge—they may get soggy.
Recipe Variations
Here are a few fun ways to change up your Garlic Ritz Snacks:
- Cheddar Explosion: Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top before baking.
- Spicy Garlic: Add cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the butter mix.
- Sweet and Savory: Add a drizzle of honey and a pinch of sea salt for a unique combo.
- Ranch Style: Mix in 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning with the garlic butter.
- Everything Bagel Mix: Replace herbs with everything bagel seasoning for a bolder flavor.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Ritz Snacks
- Quick: Done in under 25 minutes
- Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples
- Kid-Approved: Savory, not spicy
- Versatile: Easy to customize
- Party-Friendly: Easy to scale for a crowd
Plus, garlic is known for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, and if you’re using fresh herbs or cheese, you’re adding a little extra nutrition to every bite.
FAQs
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes! Use ½ teaspoon garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic. It gives a milder, more even garlic flavor.
Are Garlic Ritz Snacks spicy?
No, the basic version isn’t spicy at all. But you can add chili flakes if you want to turn up the heat.
Can I freeze these snacks?
Freezing is not recommended—they can lose their crisp texture. Instead, store at room temperature in a sealed container.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free crackers and double-check that your butter and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
Can kids help make these?
Absolutely! Kids can help toss the crackers and sprinkle on cheese or herbs before baking.
What other seasonings go well with this?
Try Cajun seasoning, onion powder, smoked paprika, or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Conclusion
Garlic Ritz Snacks are the ultimate quick-and-easy treat. Whether you’re making a batch for the family or whipping some up before a get-together, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With so many ways to customize it—cheesy, spicy, herby, or sweet—you’ll never get bored.
So grab that box of Ritz, melt some butter, and let the garlic goodness begin. Once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever snacked without them!