Garlic Parmesan Ritz Bits

Oh wow, you have to hear about these Garlic Parmesan Ritz Bits! I just made them, and oh my goodness, they’re so tasty. I can’t stop munching on them!

They’re crispy, buttery, and loaded with garlic and cheesy flavor. I love how they’re so easy to whip up. My whole kitchen smelled amazing.

Trust me, once you try one, you’ll wanna grab a handful. They’re perfect for snacking or sharing with friends.

So, let’s make these yummy Garlic Parmesan Ritz Bits together! It’s super fun, and oh, so yummy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: Many of you who’ve tried this recipe say these Ritz Bits taste just like a restaurant-style appetizer, but way better! One reader commented, “These are so addicting, I can’t stop eating them!”
• Crispy, Cheesy, Buttery: The blend of butter, garlic, and Parmesan creates a crispy, crunchy bite that is utterly delicious.
• Quick and Simple: You can whip up a batch of these in just 15 minutes—the hardest part is waiting for them to cool before you dive in.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Whether you’re hosting a party, a game night, or just a cozy movie night at home, these Garlic Parmesan Ritz Bits are the perfect addition to any spread.
• Family-Friendly: The flavors are mild yet flavorful, making them ideal for everyone from kids to adults.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make these Garlic Parmesan Ritz Bits, you’ll need just a few simple tools:

• Baking Sheet: A large baking sheet is essential for spreading out your Ritz Bits to ensure they bake evenly.
• Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl for combining the melted butter and seasoning mix.
• Measuring Spoons: To get the exact measurements of garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
• Spatula or Spoon: To stir the mixture and coat the Ritz Bits evenly.
• Oven: You’ll need your oven preheated to 350°F (177°C) to give your Ritz Bits the perfect crunch.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Ritz Bits

Here’s what you’ll need to make these flavor-packed snacks (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Ritz Bits (Cheese): You’ll need 2 boxes (8.8 oz) of Ritz Bits, which are the key base of this recipe. The cheesy filling inside the crackers adds flavor and texture to every bite.
• Butter (Melted): 3/4 cup of melted butter acts as the glue that holds all the seasoning together and gives the crackers that rich, buttery flavor we all crave.
• Garlic Powder: 2 teaspoons of garlic powder will give the crackers that classic garlic bread taste. You can’t have Garlic Parmesan without this essential ingredient!
• Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that complements the garlic and Parmesan beautifully.
• Italian Seasoning: 1 1/2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning will bring in some savory, herbaceous notes. This blend typically includes basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary, which pair perfectly with Parmesan.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1 1/2 cups of finely grated Parmesan cheese gives the crackers a cheesy, savory crust that will have you coming back for more.

Variations for Garlic Parmesan Ritz Bits

While the basic recipe is a hit as it is, you can tweak it to suit your tastes. Here are a few fun variations you might want to try:

• Add a Kick of Spice: If you like a bit of heat, you can add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the butter mixture. Start with a pinch, then taste and adjust as needed.
• Fresh Herbs: Swap the dried Italian seasoning for fresh chopped herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme to bring a fresh, aromatic flavor to your Ritz Bits.
• Garlic Lovers’ Delight: For even more garlicky goodness, swap out the garlic powder for fresh minced garlic. Just be sure to sauté it in the butter for a minute or two to avoid any bitterness.
• Cheese Variety: Try substituting part of the Parmesan with other cheeses like Romano, mozzarella, or even sharp cheddar for a twist on the classic.
• Sweet and Savory: A drizzle of honey over the top after baking can add a sweet contrast to the salty, garlicky crackers.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Parmesan Ritz Bits

1. Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). This will give your Ritz Bits a perfectly crispy texture without burning them.

2. Melt the Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 3/4 cup of butter. You can do this in 20-second increments, stirring in between, until it’s fully melted and smooth.

3. Prepare the Seasoning Mix

Add the following seasonings to your melted butter:

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning Stir the mixture well to combine everything, ensuring that the butter is fully infused with the garlic and herbs.

4. Coat the Ritz Bits

Pour 2 boxes of Ritz Bits (8.8 oz each) into a large mixing bowl. Then, pour the butter and seasoning mixture over the crackers. Gently stir with a spatula or spoon to ensure each cracker is evenly coated with the flavorful butter mixture.

5. Add Parmesan Cheese

Once the Ritz Bits are well coated, add 1 1/2 cups of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir again to ensure the Parmesan sticks to the crackers. The cheese will melt and create a delicious cheesy crust on each Ritz Bit.

6. Bake the Ritz Bits

Spread the seasoned Ritz Bits in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure the crackers are not overlapping to ensure they bake evenly. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy. Be sure to keep an eye on them, as they can brown quickly.

7. Cool and Serve

Once the Ritz Bits are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. The crackers will continue to crisp up as they cool down. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to a week (though they’re unlikely to last that long).

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Ritz Bits

These savory little bites are a perfect snack on their own, but they’re also great when paired with other dishes. Here are some ideas for serving your Garlic Parmesan Ritz Bits:

• As an Appetizer: Serve them on a platter with some marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
• With Soups or Salads: Pair these crispy Ritz Bits with a bowl of tomato soup, minestrone, or a Caesar salad for the ultimate snack or meal.
• Game Night or Movie Night: Whether you’re watching your favorite team or catching up on a movie, these Garlic Parmesan Ritz Bits make the perfect munchies.
• As a Salad Topping: Crush them up and sprinkle them on top of a salad for an extra crunch.

Storing Garlic Parmesan Ritz Bits

These Garlic Parmesan Ritz Bits store really well, so you can make a big batch and snack on them for a few days:

• Room Temperature: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They’ll stay crispy and delicious.
• Freezing: While they are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze these crackers for longer storage. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 1 month. To refresh them, bake them at 350°F (177°C) for 5-7 minutes to re-crisp.

Garlic Parmesan Ritz Bits FAQ

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! These crackers are great for make-ahead prep. You can coat the Ritz Bits in the butter and seasoning mixture up to 1 day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.

Can I use unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter if you prefer. If you do, just be sure to add a pinch of salt to the seasoning mix to balance the flavors.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! If you’re making these for a large crowd or want to have extra on hand, feel free to double the recipe. Just make sure to bake them in two separate batches if your baking sheet isn’t large enough.

How do I know when the Ritz Bits are done?

The Ritz Bits are done when they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent them from burning, as they can cook quickly.

Nutrition

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 10 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	200
Total Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	8g
Cholesterol	35mg
Sodium	300mg
Carbohydrates	16g
Fiber	1g
Sugars	2g
Protein	3g

Conclusion

These Garlic Parmesan Ritz Bits are hands-down one of my favorite quick snacks. They’re crispy, buttery, and packed with savory flavors, making them an irresistible treat. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them during movie night, or just snacking on them alone, these cheesy crackers are bound to be a hit. Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to make, so don’t hesitate to whip up a batch today!