If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need a quick, salty snack to munch on—whether it’s for an impromptu get-together, a cozy movie night at home, or just one of those days when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s exactly where these Garlic Ritz Snacks come in.

I can’t tell you how many times these little bites have saved me when unexpected guests drop by or when my kids suddenly announce they’re starving (ten minutes after dinner, of course). With just a few pantry staples and less than 15 minutes of your time, you can whip up a batch of buttery, garlicky, and downright addictive snacks that everyone will love.

These snacks are also wonderfully versatile. You can stick with the basic buttery garlic version, or jazz them up with Parmesan, onion powder, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling a bit adventurous. And the best part? You probably have everything you need sitting in your kitchen right now.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE GARLIC RITZ SNACKS

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and cook time make this recipe perfect for busy days.
Customizable: Add cheese, spices, or herbs to suit your taste.
Kid-Friendly: The buttery, garlicky flavor is a hit with kids and adults alike.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From parties to snack time, these work for everything.

Now, let’s get right into how to make these savory little bites!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Here’s a simple breakdown of what you’ll need to make about 30 crackers:

1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1 teaspoon dried parsley, for garnish (optional)

Optional ingredients are great for adding a little extra flavor, but the base recipe is absolutely delicious on its own too.

STEP 1️⃣ – PREHEAT THE OVEN

First things first: you want to get your oven ready. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). I always recommend lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Not only does this make cleanup a breeze, but it also helps keep your crackers from sticking or burning on the bottom.

STEP 2️⃣ – PREPARE THE SEASONING MIX

While your oven is heating up, grab a small bowl and combine your melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder (if you’re using it). Stir everything together until it’s well blended. The melted butter serves as the perfect base to help the garlic and onion powder stick to the crackers and infuse them with flavor.

If you’re planning to use Parmesan cheese, hold off on adding it to the butter mixture. We’ll sprinkle that on a bit later.

STEP 3️⃣ – COAT THE CRACKERS

Now it’s time to get those Ritz crackers ready for their buttery makeover. Arrange your crackers in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. I like to use a pastry brush to gently coat each cracker with the butter mixture, but if you don’t have one, a small spoon works just as well. Make sure each cracker gets a nice, even layer of that garlicky goodness.

GARLIC RITZ SNACKS: BAKING, TIPS & VARIATIONS

Alright, now that our Ritz crackers are coated in that delicious butter and seasoning mix, it’s time to bring it all together in the oven. This next part is where the magic really happens—the moment those buttery, garlicky flavors bake into the crackers and turn them into irresistible, golden bites of perfection.

STEP 4️⃣ – ADD CHEESE (OPTIONAL)

Before sliding the baking sheet into the oven, this is your chance to add a little extra flair if you want. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the crackers.

I personally love adding Parmesan because it creates a light, savory crust on top that adds just a bit of crunch and depth to the flavor. But if you’re keeping things simple (or you’re out of Parmesan), don’t worry—they’re still absolutely delicious without it.

STEP 5️⃣ – BAKE

Now, place your baking sheet into the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Let the crackers bake for about 8 to 10 minutes.

Here’s my little tip: keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes. Since Ritz crackers are already cooked, we’re just enhancing them, not baking from scratch. You want them golden and fragrant, not burnt. Every oven is a bit different, so don’t wander too far while they’re baking.

When they’re ready, you’ll notice the cheese (if you used it) is slightly melted and crisped, and the crackers have a beautiful golden hue. The smell of garlic and butter will fill your kitchen—trust me, it’s hard not to sneak one right off the tray at this point.

STEP 6️⃣ – GARNISH AND SERVE

Once you pull the tray out of the oven, let the crackers cool for a few minutes. This helps them crisp up even more and makes them easier to handle. Sprinkle the dried parsley on top while they’re still warm for a nice pop of color and a subtle herbal note.

And there you have it—perfectly baked Garlic Ritz Snacks, ready to serve!

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Over the years, I’ve made these little guys more times than I can count, and along the way, I’ve picked up a few handy tips:

Don’t overdo the butter: A light coating is enough to flavor the crackers without making them soggy.
Even spacing: Make sure the crackers are in a single layer with a little space between them. This allows the heat to circulate and ensures even baking.
Use fresh Parmesan: If you’re adding cheese, fresh-grated Parmesan melts and browns beautifully compared to the pre-shredded kind.
Customize the seasoning: Feel free to experiment with flavors. A little smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes can take these to the next level.

VARIATIONS TO TRY

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few fun variations you can try:

Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a bit of heat.
Cheddar Twist: Swap out Parmesan for finely shredded sharp cheddar for a different cheesy flavor.
Herb Lovers: Mix in some Italian seasoning or rosemary to the butter mixture for a herby version.
Extra Garlic: If you’re a serious garlic lover, you can up the garlic powder to 1 ½ teaspoons.

These small tweaks can turn this simple snack into something a little different every time, depending on your mood or who you’re serving.

GARLIC RITZ SNACKS: FAQ & CONCLUSION

We’ve walked through how simple and delicious these Garlic Ritz Snacks are to make, but I know sometimes you still have a few questions before diving in. So let’s go over some of the most common questions I get about this recipe.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can absolutely use salted butter. Just keep in mind that the crackers and Parmesan are already salty, so you might want to reduce or skip any extra salt if you’re adding other salty toppings.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely. These snacks store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before storing to maintain their crispiness.

3. Can I freeze Garlic Ritz Snacks?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing them. The texture of the crackers can change after thawing, and they may lose their crispness.

4. What other cheeses work well with this recipe?
Besides Parmesan, you can try shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Just keep an eye on the baking time as different cheeses may melt differently.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! There are several gluten-free Ritz-style crackers available on the market now. Just swap them in, and you’ll still get that same buttery, garlicky flavor.

6. How can I make these spicier?
If you want to add a little heat, mix ¼ teaspoon (or more) of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the butter mixture before brushing it on the crackers.

7. What can I serve these with?
These Garlic Ritz Snacks are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with dips like ranch, spinach artichoke dip, or a simple marinara sauce.

FINAL THOUGHTS: GIVE THESE A TRY!

There you have it—simple, buttery, garlicky perfection in just a few easy steps. These Garlic Ritz Snacks have saved me so many times when I’ve needed a quick snack or appetizer that looks and tastes like I put in way more effort than I actually did.

Whether you’re making them for a party, a movie night, or just to satisfy a late-night snack craving, I promise they’ll disappear quickly. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself making a double batch next time—these little crackers are addictive!

Garlic Ritz Snacks

Author: David

Print Recipe

Description

These Garlic Ritz Snacks are a quick and easy savory treat, perfect for parties, movie nights, or a simple snack. Buttery, garlicky, and optionally cheesy, they come together in minutes with pantry staples and bake up irresistibly golden and crisp.

Ingredients

Scale

1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)

¼ 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 for easy cleanup.

2️⃣ Prepare the seasoning mix:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder (if using). If using Parmesan cheese, set it aside for later.

3️⃣ Coat the crackers:
Arrange the Ritz crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Using a pastry brush or small spoon, lightly coat each cracker with the butter mixture.

4️⃣ Add cheese (optional):
If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the crackers.

5️⃣ Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the crackers are golden and fragrant. Watch closely to prevent burning.

6️⃣ Garnish and serve:
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with dried parsley for a touch of color. Allow to cool slightly before serving.