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Gotta tell you about my go-to party trick - Cheesy Garlic Ritz Bites! I came up with this when I was hungry for the taste of garlic bread but needed something easier to pass around at get-togethers. These cheesy, buttery treats are so darn good that I always make two batches now because they're gone in seconds flat. The combo of that garlic bread taste with the crunch of those little Ritz Bits is just snack heaven!
What Makes This Snack Special
I've tweaked this creation through dozens of movie nights and family gatherings, and trust me, it never lets me down. It still blows my mind how easy it is to turn ordinary Ritz Bits into these garlicky, cheese-covered munchies. And you'll love that they come together super fast with stuff you've probably got sitting in your kitchen right now!
Items for Your Shopping List
- Cheese Ritz Bits: 2 (8.8 oz) boxes; these tiny cheese sandwiches make the ultimate foundation for our snack.
- Butter: 3/4 cup, melted; go with unsalted to better manage the flavor.
- Garlic Powder: 2 teaspoons to give that unmistakable garlic punch.
- Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon for an extra layer of savory goodness.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 1/2 teaspoons to add those wonderful herb flavors.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 1/2 cups, grated; don't skimp here, good cheese makes all the difference.
How to Make Them
- Get Your Oven Ready
- Turn your oven up to 375°F (190°C) and put some parchment paper on a baking sheet so nothing sticks.
- Mix Up Your Flavors
- Put all your Ritz Bits into a big bowl. Melt the butter in another bowl and mix in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Pour this tasty butter mix onto the crackers and toss them around till they're all coated.
- Cheese Time
- Dump the grated parmesan over your buttered crackers and toss everything again so each piece gets its fair share of cheese.
- Into the Oven
- Lay out all your seasoned crackers on your lined baking sheet. Bake them for about 7-9 minutes until they turn golden and your kitchen smells amazing.
- Let Them Rest
- Give the crackers a few minutes to cool down before you start munching. If you're making them ahead, wait till they're totally cool before you put them in a container or bag.
How to Enjoy and Keep Them Fresh
These taste out of this world when they're still a bit warm from the oven! But they're also great kept in a sealed container for snacking all week long. Just make sure they've cooled down completely before you put them away, or they'll lose that awesome crunchiness.
The Star of Any Get-Together
Whenever I show up with these at a friend's place, they're gone before anything else! I now keep the instructions on my phone cause someone will definitely ask how to make them. They taste even better when you dip them in some marinara sauce - it's like having little bites of garlic bread you can carry around!
Make Them Your Own
I've tried so many different twists on these over time! A little sprinkle of red pepper flakes makes them zippy, and sometimes I'll try different herb mixes for fun. My newest favorite thing is mixing some asiago with the parmesan - it totally takes them to another level!
The Reasons You'll Keep Making These
There's a good reason this has become my trademark party snack. You can throw it together without any fuss, it uses basic ingredients, and people always go crazy for it. And let's not forget how your whole house fills with that mouth-watering smell while they bake!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long will these stay crunchy?
Keep them in a sealed container, and they’ll remain fresh for about 2 weeks. Make sure they’re fully cooled before you store them.
- → Can regular Ritz crackers be used?
Absolutely. Just tweak the seasoning amounts since the larger crackers may need more flavoring.
- → Can I try other spices?
Of course! Test out ranch, taco spices, or any blends you like, but don’t change the butter quantity.
- → Why aren’t they crispy?
Make sure to fully cool them down before putting them away. Storing them before cooling or using too much butter can cause sogginess.
- → Can I prep these in advance?
Yes, they’re great to make ahead. Store them in a sealed container at room temp for up to a week.