There’s just something magical about simple snacks that hit all the right notes—crispy, buttery, savory, and just a little bit addictive. That’s exactly what these Garlic Ritz Snacks are. I can’t even count how many times I’ve whipped up a batch “just to taste test” and ended up with an empty plate before the guests even arrived. These are the kind of snacks you make for a party but end up keeping half for yourself. No shame in that.
I first stumbled on this idea during a holiday gathering when I had a half-used box of Ritz crackers sitting in the pantry, and I needed a fast, crowd-pleasing snack. The idea was simple: buttery crackers dressed up with garlic and baked until golden. But when I added just a sprinkle of Parmesan and a touch of parsley? Game over. These little bites became my go-to for everything from lazy Sunday afternoons to last-minute game day spreads.
What I love most is how incredibly easy they are. We’re talking six ingredients (and that’s including the optional ones), one baking sheet, and about 10 minutes in the oven. That’s it! It’s the kind of recipe you’ll memorize after your first try, and you’ll come back to it again and again. Let’s get into it.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
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1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers)
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
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1 teaspoon dried parsley, for garnish (optional)
If you don’t have onion powder or Parmesan on hand, don’t stress—these are just extra layers of flavor. The garlic-butter base does most of the heavy lifting flavor-wise.
STEP 1: PREHEAT THE OVEN
Let’s get things going. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). I always recommend lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat—not just for easier cleanup, but also to make sure your crackers don’t stick or overbrown on the bottom. This little step makes a big difference.
STEP 2: MIX YOUR FLAVOR BASE
Next up: the buttery flavor bomb that makes these crackers shine. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder (if you’re using it). Give it a good stir to evenly mix the spices into the butter.
Tip: If you want to kick things up a notch, a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika would work beautifully here too. Totally optional, but great if you like a little heat or depth.
Now, if you’re using Parmesan, hold off on adding it just yet—we’re going to sprinkle that on after the crackers are coated.
STEP 3: COAT THE CRACKERS
Lay your Ritz crackers out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. You don’t want any overlapping—each one should have its moment to shine.
Using a pastry brush or even the back of a spoon, gently coat each cracker with the seasoned butter mixture. Try to get them evenly coated, but don’t stress if it’s not perfect. They’ll still be delicious.
At this stage, your kitchen is already starting to smell a little amazing, thanks to that garlic butter combo.
STEP 4: SPRINKLE ON THE CHEESE (OPTIONAL BUT HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
Now’s the time to bring in the cheese. If you’re going the Parmesan route—and really, why wouldn’t you?—sprinkle it evenly over the crackers. You don’t need a lot; just enough to get that salty, nutty kick that Parmesan brings.
I like to use the finely grated kind here because it melts a little better and sticks nicely to the buttered tops.
STEP 5: BAKE TO GOLDEN PERFECTION
Slide that tray into your preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep a close eye around the 8-minute mark. You’re looking for the edges of the crackers to turn golden brown and the cheese (if using) to slightly melt and toast up just a bit.
It’s easy to let them go a little too long, so I like to peek at around 7 minutes, just to be safe. Every oven is a little different, and Ritz crackers can go from beautifully toasted to a bit too dark in a flash.
Once they’re done, remove the tray from the oven and let the crackers cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. They’ll crisp up even more as they cool, so resist the urge to move them too quickly.
STEP 6: GARNISH AND SERVE
If you’re using dried parsley, now’s the time to sprinkle it on. It adds a pop of color and just a touch of herby flavor, but it’s totally optional. The crackers are honestly amazing on their own, but a little green never hurt, especially if you’re serving these at a gathering.
Let them cool a few more minutes if you’re planning to serve at room temperature, or dive in while they’re still a little warm if you’re like me and can’t wait. Either way, they’re totally irresistible.
TIPS FOR THE BEST GARLIC RITZ SNACKS
Even though this is one of the easiest recipes you’ll ever make, a few small tweaks can take things from good to seriously next level. Here are a few tips I’ve picked up after making these countless times:
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Use freshly grated Parmesan if you can. Pre-shredded works in a pinch, but the fresh kind melts better and gives a much richer flavor.
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Don’t over-butter. A light coat is perfect—if you soak the crackers, they can get soggy rather than crisp.
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Bake on the middle rack to prevent the bottoms from over-browning.
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Let them cool completely before storing, if you’re making them ahead. This helps them stay crispy.
EASY VARIATIONS TO TRY
Once you’ve made this version once or twice, you’ll definitely want to play around. Here are a few fun variations that keep things interesting:
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Spicy Garlic Ritz: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a little heat.
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Italian-Style: Mix some Italian seasoning into the butter and top with mozzarella instead of Parmesan.
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Cheddar Ranch: Skip the garlic and mix a teaspoon of ranch seasoning with the butter. Top with shredded cheddar before baking.
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Everything Bagel Crackers: Swap out the garlic and onion powders for a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. It’s a whole new flavor profile, and absolutely addictive.
STORING & REHEATING TIPS
If you somehow end up with leftovers (which is rare in my house), these store surprisingly well.
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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If they lose a little of their crisp, pop them back in the oven at 300°F for about 3-4 minutes to refresh.
These are great for prepping ahead of a party or even for packing in a snack container for a road trip or lunchbox treat.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can! Just be mindful of the Parmesan if you’re adding it, since it’s salty too. You might want to reduce or skip the added cheese or seasoning salt to avoid overdoing it.
2. What can I use if I don’t have garlic powder?
Fresh minced garlic can work in a pinch, but it’s best sautéed briefly in the butter to mellow out its sharpness. Garlic salt is another option—just reduce or skip any other salt-based ingredients.
3. How long do these crackers stay fresh?
They’re best eaten within 1–2 days for optimal crispness, but they’ll keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’ve cooled completely before storing.
4. Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely—just use a gluten-free buttery cracker in place of Ritz. There are some great options out there now that hold up well to baking and flavoring.
5. Do these freeze well?
Not really. While you can freeze them, they lose their crisp texture after thawing. They’re quick enough to make fresh that freezing usually isn’t necessary.
6. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just use two baking sheets or bake in batches. Make sure the crackers stay in a single layer for even baking.
7. How do I keep them from getting soggy?
Don’t overdo the butter, and make sure they bake long enough to dry out slightly and crisp up. Letting them cool completely before storing also helps a ton.
FINAL THOUGHTS
There’s something really satisfying about having a quick, go-to recipe that makes people think you’ve pulled off something fancy—when in reality, you just threw together six pantry ingredients in under 15 minutes. That’s what I love most about these Garlic Ritz Snacks.
They’re buttery, crispy, and full of garlicky flavor with just enough flair to make them feel special. You can dress them up with cheese and herbs or keep them plain and simple—either way, they disappear fast. And honestly, sometimes those are the best kind of recipes. No stress, no fancy prep, just good food that hits the spot every single time.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear what you think! Let me know if you put your own spin on it, whether you added a little heat, swapped the cheese, or used a fun seasoning blend. Drop a comment, share your variations, and don’t forget to pin or bookmark this one—you’ll definitely want to come back to it.
Until next time, happy snacking!
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GARLIC RITZ SNACKS
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Description
These crispy, buttery Garlic Ritz Snacks are the ultimate savory treat! Perfect for parties, game days, or just a cozy snack session, they’re simple to whip up and packed with garlicky flavor. Optional Parmesan and parsley add an extra punch of flavor and a bit of flair.
Ingredients
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
2️⃣ Mix the flavor base
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with garlic powder and onion powder (if using).
Set the Parmesan aside if you’re planning to sprinkle it later.
3️⃣ Coat the crackers
Lay the Ritz crackers in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Using a pastry brush or spoon, gently coat each cracker with the seasoned butter mixture.
4️⃣ Sprinkle the cheese (optional)
If desired, evenly sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the buttered crackers for extra flavor.
5️⃣ Bake to perfection
Place the tray in the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the crackers are golden and aromatic.
Watch closely toward the end to avoid burning.
6️⃣ Garnish and enjoy
Once out of the oven, optionally sprinkle with dried parsley.
Allow to cool slightly and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Customizable Flavors: Feel free to tweak the seasoning—try adding a pinch of paprika, cayenne, or Italian seasoning for a flavor twist.
- Cheese Variations: Instead of Parmesan, experiment with finely shredded cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Make it a Mix: Add some pretzels or mini breadsticks to the tray and coat them with the same butter mixture for a snack mix vibe.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
