Garlic Bread Ritz Bits

This buttery, crispy garlic bread bits recipe transforms ordinary Ritz crackers into an irresistible snack that disappears faster than I can make them. The combination of Parmesan cheese and garlic creates that classic garlic bread flavor without the fuss of dealing with actual bread.

I first created these when I needed a quick appetizer for unexpected guests and discovered I was out of baguettes for traditional garlic bread. Now my family requests these crunchy bites for movie nights and game days instead of the original version.

Ingredients

• Ritz crackers: Whole crackers provide the perfect buttery base and their round shape makes them perfect bite sized portions
• Parmesan cheese: Grated cheese creates that authentic garlic bread flavor while adding a savory umami quality
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter helps seasonings adhere while adding richness choose good quality for best flavor
• Garlic powder: Provides that classic garlic bread flavor without the bite of fresh garlic look for fresh aromatic powder
• Dried parsley: Adds color and a subtle herbaceous note that complements the garlic
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors use fine sea salt for best distribution
• Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and complexity freshly ground gives best flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350°F allowing it to fully preheat ensures even cooking and proper crisping of the crackers. Position your rack in the middle of the oven for best heat distribution.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

Place the whole Ritz crackers in a medium bowl and add the grated Parmesan cheese garlic powder dried parsley salt and black pepper. Gently toss to distribute the seasonings around the crackers without breaking them. The dry ingredients should lightly coat all surfaces of the crackers.

Add the Butter:

Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the cracker mixture while gently stirring. The key is to pour gradually so that all crackers get an even coating rather than having some drenched and others dry. The butter acts as the glue that makes everything stick together.

Toss to Coat:

Using a gentle folding motion toss the mixture until each cracker is evenly coated with butter and seasonings. Take care not to crush the crackers they should remain whole. You want to see specks of herbs and cheese adhering to each cracker.

Arrange on Baking Sheet:

Transfer the seasoned crackers to a baking sheet spreading them in a single layer with small spaces between each one. Overcrowding will result in steaming rather than crisping. Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Bake to Perfection:

Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Watch carefully after the 8 minute mark as they can go from perfect to burned quickly. The crackers should turn a deeper golden color and the cheese should be melted and slightly crispy.

Cool Before Serving:

Remove from the oven and let the garlic bread bits cool for about 5 minutes. This cooling period allows them to crisp up further and prevents burned mouths. The aroma at this stage is absolutely mouthwatering.

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My absolute favorite thing about these garlic bread bits is how the garlic powder caramelizes slightly during baking creating complex flavor notes you just cannot get with fresh garlic in this application. I discovered this happy accident when I ran out of fresh garlic during a snowstorm and had to substitute the powder version instead.

Storage Tips

These garlic bread bits maintain their crunch for up to three days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating them as the moisture will make them soggy. If they do lose some crispness simply pop them back in a 300°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes to refresh. Let them cool completely before storing to prevent condensation from forming inside your container.

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Endless Variations

The basic recipe serves as an excellent template for countless variations. Try adding Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes for a spicy version. Replace the Parmesan with romano cheese for a sharper flavor profile. Add finely chopped fresh rosemary along with the dried parsley for an aromatic twist. For a cacio e pepe inspired version increase the black pepper to one full teaspoon and use pecorino romano instead of Parmesan.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on their own these garlic bread bits elevate so many dishes. Float them on top of tomato soup for a crunchy garnish that slowly softens into the broth. Crush them slightly and use as a topping for baked mac and cheese. Serve alongside marinara sauce for dipping as an appetizer. They also make a perfect accompaniment to salads replacing traditional croutons with more flavor and texture.

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