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Gotta tell you about my ultimate snack obsession - Buttery Garlic Cheese Crackers! I stumbled on this idea when I was dying for garlic bread but needed something easier for my get-togethers. These cheesy, garlicky munchies are so darn good that I always prep extra batches now 'cause they vanish so fast. There's something magical about mixing that traditional garlic bread taste with crunchy little Ritz Bits!
What Makes This Snack Special
I've tweaked this recipe through tons of movie nights and hangouts, and it never fails to wow everyone. It still blows my mind how you can turn ordinary Ritz Bits into these tasty, garlicky treats. The best part? You can whip them up super fast with stuff you've probably got sitting in your kitchen right now!
What You'll Need
- Cheese Ritz Bits: 2 (8.8 oz) boxes; these tiny cheese sandwiches create the perfect foundation for our snack.
- Butter: 3/4 cup, melted; go with unsalted to better manage the flavor.
- Garlic Powder: 2 teaspoons to bring that punchy garlic taste.
- Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon to bump up the savory notes.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 1/2 teaspoons for those fragrant herb vibes.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 1/2 cups, grated; splurge on good cheese for maximum yumminess.
Easy Cooking Instructions
- Get Your Oven Ready
- Turn your oven to 375°F (190°C) and put parchment paper on a baking sheet so nothing sticks.
- Mix In The Flavors
- Drop the Ritz Bits into a big bowl. In another bowl, melt the butter and mix in the Italian seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder. Pour this tasty butter mix over your crackers and toss until they're all coated.
- Cheese It Up
- Throw in the grated parmesan and toss again so every cracker gets its fair share.
- Into The Oven
- Lay out your seasoned crackers on the baking sheet you prepared. Bake them for 7-9 minutes until they look golden and smell amazing.
- Let Them Rest
- Give the crackers a few minutes to cool before you dig in. If you're making them ahead, wait until they're totally cool before you pack them away in a container or bag.
How To Enjoy Your Snack
Trust me, they're beyond amazing when they're still a bit warm! But they're also super good stored away for snacking all week long. Just make sure they've cooled down completely before you stash them away so they stay nice and crunchy.
The Ultimate Party Snack
Whenever I show up with these at gatherings, they're gone in a flash! I always keep the recipe handy 'cause someone will definitely ask for it. They're incredibly good with some marinara sauce on the side for dipping. It's basically like having grab-and-go garlic bread!
Make It Your Own
I've tried so many different versions over time! Adding some red pepper flakes gives them an awesome kick, and sometimes I switch up the herbs completely. My newest trick was mixing in some asiago cheese with the parmesan. Wow, what a difference that made!
The Snack You Can't Stop Making
There's a good reason this has become my go-to party treat. You can throw it together so fast, it uses basic ingredients, and it always gets compliments. And man, when they're baking, the smell will bring everyone running to your kitchen!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long will these stay crispy?
When sealed in an airtight container, they'll stay fresh for two weeks. Let them cool fully before storing to keep them crunchy.
- → Can I swap for regular Ritz crackers?
Sure, regular Ritz crackers work great! Just tweak the seasonings slightly since larger crackers need less.
- → What if I want different flavors?
Try other seasonings like ranch, taco spices, or your favorite blends. Keep the butter measurements the same.
- → Why aren't my crackers crisp?
Make sure they're completely cool before sealing. Too much butter or storing them warm can cause them to soften.
- → Can I prep these ahead of time?
Definitely! Make them up to a week before your event. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature.