Garlic Bread Ritz Bits: A Crunchy, Cheesy, and Addictive Snack

If you love garlic bread and crispy, buttery crackers, then Garlic Bread Ritz Bits are about to become your new favorite snack! These bite-sized, cheesy, and garlicky treats pack all the rich, savory flavors of traditional garlic bread into a crunchy, poppable form.

They’re quick to make, incredibly delicious, and highly addictive—perfect for snacking, party appetizers, or even a side dish to complement soups and salads.

Let’s dive into how to make these buttery, garlicky bites with simple ingredients and minimal effort!

Why Everyone Loves Garlic Bread Ritz Bits

✅ Super Easy to Make – No kneading or baking dough—just toss, bake, and enjoy!
✅ Full of Flavor – Loaded with buttery, garlicky, and cheesy goodness.
✅ Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for snacking, parties, or movie nights.
✅ Customizable – Add your favorite herbs, extra cheese, or spice it up!
✅ Crunchy & Satisfying – A crispy snack that delivers big, bold flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup Ritz crackers (whole, not crushed)
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Coat the Crackers

In a large bowl, add the whole Ritz crackers.
Pour the melted butter over the crackers and gently toss to coat evenly.
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Toss again to ensure each cracker is fully coated with buttery, garlicky goodness.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the crackers and toss again.
The cheese will stick to the buttery coating, creating a delicious, cheesy crust.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy

Spread the crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the cheese is slightly golden and the crackers are extra crispy.
Remove from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes (they will crisp up even more as they cool).

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley for extra color and flavor.
Serve warm or at room temperature as a snack, appetizer, or crunchy side dish.

Enjoy your Garlic Bread Ritz Bits with soups, salads, or just on their own for a ridiculously tasty treat!

Ways to Serve Garlic Bread Ritz Bits

🔥 Snack Attack – Enjoy them straight from the bowl as a crunchy, cheesy snack.
🔥 Soup Sidekick – Pair with tomato soup, creamy garlic soup, or chicken noodle soup.
🔥 Salad Crunch – Use them as croutons for a crispy twist in Caesar salad or garden salad.
🔥 Pasta Topping – Crush them slightly and sprinkle over mac and cheese or spaghetti.
🔥 Party Appetizer – Serve with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

Tips for the Best Garlic Bread Ritz Bits

🔹 Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – It melts better and has a stronger, fresher flavor.
🔹 Don’t Overbake – Keep an eye on them to prevent burning the cheese.
🔹 Make Them Spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a kick!
🔹 Try Different Cheeses – Swap Parmesan for cheddar, asiago, or pecorino for variety.
🔹 Store for Later – Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days (if they last that long!).

Fun Variations

Want to get creative? Try these tasty variations!

🔥 Spicy Garlic Ritz Bits – Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
🧄 Extra Buttery Garlic Bits – Use ½ cup melted butter for an even richer flavor.
🧀 Cheesy Herb Ritz Bits – Mix in shredded mozzarella or asiago with the Parmesan.
🌿 Lemon Garlic Ritz Bits – Add ½ teaspoon lemon zest for a fresh, citrusy balance.
🥓 Bacon Garlic Bits – Crumble some crispy bacon over the crackers before baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

Yes! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Can I Use Other Crackers?

Absolutely! You can try Club crackers, Saltines, or mini pretzels for different textures.

Can I Use Garlic Butter Instead?

Yes! Just melt butter with fresh minced garlic instead of using garlic powder.

How Can I Make Them Healthier?

Use whole-wheat crackers for more fiber.
Reduce the butter to 2 tablespoons for a lighter version.
Use low-fat Parmesan cheese for a lower-calorie option.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Bread Ritz Bits are crispy, cheesy, buttery, and full of garlic flavor—everything you love about garlic bread in a snackable, crunchy form!

They’re easy to make, perfect for sharing, and highly addictive. Whether you’re making them for a movie night, a party, or just a snack to munch on, these little bites will have everyone coming back for more.

Try this quick and delicious recipe today and enjoy the ultimate garlic bread-inspired snack!