Ingredients

• 2 (8.8 oz) boxes cheese Ritz Bits
• 3/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Melt the Butter: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or in a saucepan on the stove. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Seasoning Mix

1. Combine Seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well blended, forming a thick, seasoned butter mixture.

Step 3: Coat the Crackers

1. Add Ritz Bits: Pour the cheese-filled Ritz Bits into the bowl with the butter mixture.
2. Toss to Coat: Gently stir the crackers until they’re evenly coated with the buttery, cheesy mixture. Make sure each cracker is well-seasoned for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Crackers

1. Spread on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese over the top for extra flavor and crunch.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even coating and browning. The crackers are ready when they’re golden and slightly crisp.
3. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the crackers to cool completely on the baking sheet.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve: Once cooled, transfer the crackers to a serving bowl or an airtight container. They’re ready to enjoy immediately!

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per Serving, based on 10 servings)

• Calories: 230 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on exact ingredient brands and serving size.

FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead of time?

• Yes, these savory crackers can be made ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for several days.

2. Can I use other seasonings?

• Absolutely! You can customize this recipe by adding seasonings like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper for a bit of heat, or even ranch seasoning for a different flavor twist.

3. Can I make this recipe with other types of crackers?

• Yes, this recipe works well with other bite-sized crackers or even pretzels. Just adjust the baking time as needed to ensure they’re evenly coated and baked.

4. How do I keep the crackers crispy?

• Store the crackers in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crispy. Avoid storing them in a humid environment, as moisture can make them soft.

5. Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

• To make a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free butter substitute and omit the parmesan, or use a vegan parmesan substitute.

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan will add the best flavor and texture, as it melts into the crackers better than pre-grated versions.
• Low and Slow Bake: Baking at a low temperature ensures that the crackers dry out evenly without burning, creating a perfectly crisp, seasoned coating.
• Stir Halfway Through: Make sure to stir the crackers halfway through baking to evenly distribute the seasoning and prevent any crackers from sticking to the pan.
• Let Cool Completely: Allow the crackers to cool fully on the baking sheet before transferring them to a container. This helps them maintain their crunch.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store the cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Make sure they’re fully cool before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezing: You can freeze the seasoned crackers in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature, and if needed, re-crisp in a 250°F oven for about 5-10 minutes.

Conclusion

Savory Parmesan Garlic Ritz Bits are an easy, crowd-pleasing snack that adds a gourmet twist to store-bought crackers. This recipe takes simple cheese-filled Ritz Bits and transforms them into deliciously seasoned, buttery bites that everyone will love. They’re perfect for parties, game nights, or even a quick snack between meals. With a few pantry staples and minimal prep, you can have a batch ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or just craving something savory and crunchy, these cheesy, garlicky crackers are a must-try. Enjoy!