Garlic Butter Ritz Crackers

Sometimes, the simplest ingredients come together to create something truly irresistible, and that’s exactly the case with these Garlic Butter Ritz Crackers. Imagine warm, flaky crackers coated in rich, melted butter infused with fresh garlic, Parmesan, and herbs. They’re baked until golden and crispy, making them the perfect snack or side dish for just about any occasion.

These crackers are incredibly easy to make. With just a few pantry staples—butter, garlic, herbs, and Ritz crackers—you can whip up a batch in under 15 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a party, need a crunchy soup topping, or just want a savory, cheesy snack, these Garlic Ritz Crackers will hit the spot. Plus, they’re customizable! Want a little spice? Add red pepper flakes. Love cheese? Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top. The possibilities are endless.

If you love garlic bread, buttery crackers, or cheesy snacks, you’re about to be obsessed with this recipe. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love These Garlic Ritz Crackers

These buttery, garlicky crackers are about to become your new favorite snack. Here’s why:

First, they’re crispy, flaky, and packed with flavor. Ritz crackers are already delicious on their own, but when you coat them in a mix of garlic-infused butter, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, they become next-level addictive. Each bite is the perfect balance of salty, buttery, garlicky goodness with a hint of cheesiness.

Second, they’re super versatile. You can serve these as a crunchy appetizer alongside cheese and dips, use them as a topping for soups and salads, or just snack on them straight from the baking sheet. Want to spice them up? Add some cayenne or red pepper flakes. Prefer extra cheesiness? Load up on the Parmesan.

Finally, they’re ridiculously easy to make. No fancy kitchen skills required—just toss the crackers in the buttery garlic mixture, bake for a few minutes, and you’re done. Snack perfection in under 15 minutes!

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4-6

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 220
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

Ingredients for Garlic Ritz Crackers

• 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for extra garlic flavor)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Ritz Crackers

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture

1. In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop.
2. Stir in the minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Add the dried parsley and mix well.

Step 3: Coat the Ritz Crackers

1. Place the Ritz crackers in a large mixing bowl.
2. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the crackers and gently toss to coat each cracker evenly.
3. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and mix again to distribute the cheese.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy

1. Arrange the crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until they become golden brown and slightly crispy.
3. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley, if desired.
2. Serve warm or at room temperature as a snack, appetizer, or crunchy topping.

Ingredient Background

Why Use Ritz Crackers?

Ritz crackers are light, buttery, and flaky, making them the perfect base for absorbing the rich garlic butter mixture. Their slightly salty, melt-in-your-mouth texture elevates this simple snack.

Garlic and Butter: A Classic Combo

Garlic and butter are a match made in heaven. The butter adds richness, while the garlic brings bold, savory depth. The combination coats the crackers perfectly, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.

Parmesan Cheese for Extra Flavor

Parmesan cheese isn’t just for pasta! It adds a nutty, salty umami boost to these crackers, making them extra delicious. For an even richer taste, use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-packaged.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Garlic Ritz Croutons – Crush the crackers and sprinkle them over salads or soups for a garlicky crunch.
2. Cheesy Garlic Ritz – Add shredded mozzarella before baking for a cheesy twist.
3. Spicy Garlic Ritz – Mix in extra red pepper flakes or cayenne for a fiery version.

Freezing and Storing Garlic Ritz Crackers

How to Store Leftovers

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• To re-crisp, bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

Can You Freeze Garlic Ritz Crackers?

Yes! Store them in a sealed freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for a fresh taste.

Healthier Twist Ideas

1. Use Whole Wheat Crackers – Swap regular Ritz for whole wheat for extra fiber.
2. Reduce Butter – Use 2 tablespoons of butter and replace the rest with olive oil.
3. Dairy-Free Version – Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy, vegan-friendly alternative.

Serving Suggestions for Events

1. Game Night Snack – Serve with a side of marinara or ranch for dipping.
2. Soup & Salad Topper – Crumble over tomato soup or Caesar salad.
3. Cheese Board Addition – Pair with cheeses, nuts, and dried fruit for an elegant appetizer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes! Air frying is a great way to make these Garlic Butter Ritz Crackers extra crispy. Set your air fryer to 325°F (163°C) and cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning since air fryers can cook faster than traditional ovens.

2. What’s the best way to reheat them?

The best way to restore crispiness is to bake them at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. If you’re using an air fryer, heat them at 300°F for 2-3 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soft instead of crunchy.

3. Can I use a different type of cracker?

Absolutely! While Ritz crackers have a signature buttery, flaky texture, you can experiment with:

• Saltine crackers – For a lighter, crunchier version.
• Club crackers – For a slightly sweeter, buttery alternative.
• Whole wheat crackers – For a healthier, fiber-rich choice.
• Pretzel crisps – For a salty, extra crunchy twist.

4. Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes! To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free butter crackers like Glutino or Simple Mills almond flour crackers. The buttery garlic coating works just as well on them!

5. What dips go well with these?

These crackers pair well with a variety of dips. Try:

• Marinara sauce – For an Italian-style garlic bread flavor.
• Ranch dressing – A creamy, cooling dip to complement the garlic.
• Garlic aioli – If you love double garlic flavor!
• Spicy cheese dip – Adds a bold, cheesy kick.
• Spinach and artichoke dip – A rich and savory pairing.

6. Can I add extra cheese to these crackers?

Yes! While the Parmesan adds a nice salty bite, you can sprinkle additional cheddar, mozzarella, or even a little Gruyère before baking for a cheesier snack. Just be careful not to add too much or the crackers may get soggy.

7. How can I make them spicier?

For a spicier version, try:

• Adding more red pepper flakes (up to ½ teaspoon).
• Drizzling hot honey over the crackers after baking.
• Mixing in cayenne pepper with the butter mixture.
• Using spicy garlic butter (add chopped jalapeños or sriracha).

8. Can I prepare these in advance?

Yes! You can mix the garlic butter sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to make the crackers, just melt the butter mixture, toss the crackers in, and bake. You can also store the baked crackers in an airtight container and reheat them when needed.

9. How do I prevent the crackers from getting too greasy?

To avoid excess grease:

• Use unsalted butter instead of margarine, which has more water content.
• Lightly coat the crackers instead of drenching them.
• Let them cool on a wire rack after baking to prevent sogginess.

10. What are some fun variations of this recipe?

Here are a few creative twists:

• Garlic Herb Ritz – Add dried basil, oregano, and thyme for an herby flavor.
• Everything Bagel Ritz – Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning for a unique taste.
• Sweet and Savory Ritz – Mix honey into the butter for a hint of sweetness.
• Cajun Spiced Ritz – Add Cajun seasoning for a bold, smoky kick.
• Pizza-Flavored Ritz – Add dried oregano, tomato powder, and a little shredded mozzarella before baking.

Conclusion

These Garlic Butter Ritz Crackers are the perfect crispy, buttery, and garlicky snack. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and highly versatile. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a side, or just snack on them straight from the pan, they’ll be a guaranteed hit.

Try this recipe today and elevate your snack game!

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