Garlic Ritz Snacks with Cheesy Twist (Print version)

Crispy cheese Ritz Bits tossed in garlic butter, Parmesan, and cheddar seasoning, then baked until golden and crunchy.

# Ingredients:

For the crackers

01 - 2 boxes (8.8 oz each) cheese Ritz Bits cracker sandwiches
02 - 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
03 - 1 tablespoon garlic powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
05 - 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
06 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
08 - 3/4 cup (75 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 1/4 cup (25 g) cheddar cheese powder

For finishing

10 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
11 - Crushed red pepper flakes, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Place the cheese Ritz Bits in a large mixing bowl. Gently press any separated cracker sandwiches back together so the filling is covered.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
04 - Pour the seasoned butter over the crackers and fold gently with a wide spatula. Add Parmesan and cheddar cheese powder, then fold again until evenly coated.
05 - Divide the crackers between the prepared pans in a mostly single layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until fragrant and lightly golden.
06 - Sprinkle with parsley and red pepper flakes if using. Cool on the pans for at least 10 minutes before serving so the crackers crisp up.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served the day they are baked, after cooling until crisp.
02 - Store airtight at room temperature for up to 3 days.
03 - Re-crisp at 300 degrees F for 3-4 minutes if needed.