Garlic Ritz Snacks

When it comes to simple yet crowd-pleasing snacks, I’ve always believed that the best recipes start with the most unexpected ingredients—and these Garlic Ritz Snacks prove that point perfectly. They’re buttery, garlicky, and just crispy enough to keep everyone reaching for more. Whether you’re prepping for a game day appetizer spread or just need something quick to satisfy your salty snack cravings, this recipe is about to become your go-to.

I discovered this little snack hack during a last-minute party prep moment. I had some Ritz crackers in the pantry, a little butter on the stove, and just enough time to make something special. With a pinch of garlic powder and a little sprinkle of Parmesan, these plain crackers were instantly transformed into a savory treat that disappeared within minutes of serving. And let me tell you—I’ve been making them on repeat ever since.

So today, I’m walking you through this quick, flavor-packed recipe that takes only a few pantry staples and about 10 minutes in the oven. You’re going to love how easy it is to make a batch of these snackable bites, whether you dress them up with cheese and herbs or keep them plain and simple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Garlic Ritz Snacks are:

• Fast and easy – just 6 ingredients and 10 minutes of baking time.

• Versatile – perfect on their own or paired with soups, dips, or cheese boards.

• Customizable – from Parmesan and parsley to a little chili heat, you can play with the flavor to suit your taste.

They’re also a great make-ahead option. Just let them cool and store them in an airtight container—if they last that long!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers)

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish)

STEP 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives you just enough time to gather your ingredients and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. That little prep step makes cleanup a breeze—and trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

STEP 2: Make the Garlic Butter Mix

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder (if using). Stir it all together until the spices are fully mixed into the butter. This mixture is the base flavor bomb for the crackers, so don’t skip the stir—it makes sure each cracker gets evenly seasoned.

If you’re planning to add Parmesan cheese, hold off for now. We’ll sprinkle it on later.

STEP 3: Coat the Crackers

Lay out your Ritz crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Grab a pastry brush (or a small spoon if that’s what you have) and brush the tops of each cracker with the seasoned butter mixture. Be generous but not drippy—you want each one to be coated, not soggy.

This step is where the magic happens. That buttery garlic flavor is going to soak into the cracker just enough to crisp up beautifully in the oven.

STEP 4: Add Parmesan Cheese (Optional)

If you’re going for the cheesy version (and honestly, who wouldn’t?), now’s the time to sprinkle that grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Try to get an even layer so every bite has a little hit of salty, cheesy flavor. It’ll melt slightly and bake into the cracker, adding extra texture and richness.

Alright, now that our buttery, garlicky Ritz crackers are prepped and topped, it’s time to slide them into the oven and let the magic happen. This is where they go from simple pantry staples to full-blown snack-table stars. The baking process is quick but crucial, and I’ve got a few tips to help you nail that perfect golden crunch.

These crackers come out of the oven fragrant, warm, and just begging to be devoured. And honestly, once you try them warm, fresh out of the oven, you might never want to eat a plain cracker again. Let’s keep going!

STEP 5: Bake Until Golden and Fragrant

Once your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C), pop the tray of crackers in and bake for 8 to 10 minutes.

This part goes fast, so keep an eye on them—especially during the last couple of minutes. You’re looking for the edges to turn golden brown and for the cheese (if you’re using it) to melt slightly and form those dreamy, crispy bits on top. The garlic butter will soak into the cracker just enough to crisp up without turning soggy.

Pro Tip: Every oven runs a little differently, so check them around the 8-minute mark. You don’t want them too dark or they’ll taste burnt instead of buttery.

STEP 6: Garnish and Cool

As soon as the crackers come out of the oven, go ahead and sprinkle them with dried parsley if you’re using it. This adds a little color and a touch of herby freshness that balances out the rich butter and garlic.

Let them cool for a few minutes before serving—this helps the crackers firm up and gives the flavors time to settle. They’re amazing warm, but also just as tasty at room temperature if you’re planning to serve them later.

Storage Tips and Make-Ahead Options

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make ahead. If you’re planning for a party, you can bake a batch earlier in the day and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp and flavorful for up to 3 days, though in my house they never last more than a few hours!

Here’s how to keep them tasting fresh:

• Let the crackers cool completely before storing.

• Keep them in a dry, cool place—avoid the fridge, which can make them lose their crunch.

• Reheat them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 3–5 minutes if you want to revive that just-baked crispiness.

Variations to Try

What’s great about this base recipe is how flexible it is. Once you’ve made it once, you’ll probably start thinking of all kinds of ways to change it up. Here are a few easy twists to experiment with:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the butter mixture for some heat.

• Ranch Flavor: Swap out the garlic and onion powder for a teaspoon of dry ranch seasoning.

• Everything Bagel Style: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top after buttering the crackers—trust me, it works.

• Cheddar Upgrade: Instead of Parmesan, try finely grated sharp cheddar. It melts differently but gives a bolder flavor.

Serving Ideas

These Garlic Ritz Snacks are great all on their own, but if you want to serve them as part of a spread, here are a few ideas:

• Pair them with a warm dip like spinach artichoke or buffalo chicken.

• Add them to a charcuterie board for a savory, crunchy element.

• Serve alongside soup, especially tomato or creamy broccoli.

• Crush a few and use them as a crispy topping for casseroles or baked mac and cheese.

They’re so simple, but they add a homemade touch that makes any snack table feel special.

You’ve seen just how easy and delicious these Garlic Ritz Snacks are to make—but before you head off to the kitchen, let’s answer some of the most common questions that pop up when people try this recipe. Whether you’re wondering about substitutions, storage tips, or how to make them in bulk, I’ve got you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes! If that’s what you have on hand, go ahead and use it. Just skip adding any extra salt, since the crackers and Parmesan already bring enough seasoning to the party.

2. Are there any good alternatives to Ritz crackers?
Ritz crackers work best because of their buttery, flaky texture, but you can substitute with any round buttery crackers. Just avoid ones that are too thin or they might get soggy during baking.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. These store well for up to 3 days in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to serve them warm, just reheat them in a low oven for a few minutes before serving.

4. How do I make them spicy?
To give your crackers a little kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the butter mixture before brushing it on. You can also sprinkle chili powder on top before baking.

5. Is Parmesan cheese necessary?
Not at all! It’s totally optional. The crackers taste delicious with just the garlic butter, but the Parmesan adds a savory richness and that extra little something. You can also experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or Asiago.

6. What if I don’t have garlic powder?
If you’re out of garlic powder, you can use a tiny bit of finely minced fresh garlic, but it may cook faster and could burn in the oven. Garlic salt is another option, but reduce any added salt elsewhere to balance the flavor.

7. Can I double or triple the recipe for a party?
Definitely. This recipe scales up really well. Just make sure to use multiple baking sheets so the crackers still lay in a single layer and bake evenly.

Conclusion: A Snack You’ll Keep Coming Back To

These Garlic Ritz Snacks are proof that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most memorable. With just a few pantry staples and less than 15 minutes of active time, you can whip up a batch of warm, crispy crackers that taste like you’ve put in way more effort than you actually did.

They’re perfect for:

• Game day gatherings

• Casual get-togethers

• Quick snack cravings

• Kid-friendly treats

• A unique addition to your cheese or charcuterie board

And once you make them, I can almost guarantee they’ll become part of your regular snack rotation. Every time I serve these at a party, someone inevitably asks, “What are these, and how do I make them?” It’s always fun to surprise them with how simple the answer really is.

If you try them, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Did you go the classic garlic-Parmesan route, or try something a little different? Drop your tweaks, tips, or serving ideas in the comments—I’m always up for trying new variations.

Garlic Ritz Snacks

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

These Garlic Ritz Snacks are a quick, flavorful treat that’s perfect for parties, game nights, or anytime you’re craving something savory and crunchy. Buttery crackers are coated in a garlicky mixture and baked until golden, with optional Parmesan and herbs to elevate the flavor. They’re easy to make and even easier to love.

• Author: Mark's Recipe

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)

1/4 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 baking mat to make cleanup easier.

2️⃣ Prepare the Seasoning Mix
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder if using. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, keep it separate for now.

3️⃣ Coat the Crackers
Lay the Ritz crackers out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Use a pastry brush or spoon to coat each cracker with the seasoned butter mixture.

4️⃣ Add Cheese (Optional)
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the crackers if using, ensuring an even distribution for the best flavor and texture.

5️⃣ Bake
Place the tray in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown and fragrant. Watch closely to avoid overbaking.

6️⃣ Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the crackers with dried parsley for a touch of color and extra flavor. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Notes

These crackers are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature and can be stored in an airtight container for a few days. You can also experiment with different seasoning blends like ranch powder or chili flakes for a spicy twist. Perfect as a standalone snack or alongside soups and dips.