Garlic Bread Ritz Bits

Garlic Bread Ritz Bits are a quick and wildly addictive snack that combines the buttery crunch of Ritz Bits with the savory, garlicky flavor of classic garlic bread. Baked to perfection and coated in a rich garlic herb butter, these little bites are perfect for parties, movie nights, or just when I want something salty, crispy, and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this snack because it takes something simple—cheese Ritz Bits—and transforms it into a bold, garlicky treat that’s hard to stop eating. It’s fast, uses minimal ingredients, and makes a big batch with very little effort. Whether I’m making them for a road trip, holiday party, or late-night snack craving, they’re always a hit.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cheese Ritz Bits (mini sandwich crackers)

• Butter, melted

• Garlic powder

• Dried parsley

• Dried oregano (optional)

• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added richness)

• Salt (to taste)

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 250°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, I mix the melted butter with garlic powder, dried parsley, oregano (if using), and a pinch of salt.

3. I place the Ritz Bits in a large mixing bowl and pour the garlic butter mixture over them, tossing gently to coat every piece.

4. I spread the coated crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

5. I bake for 15–20 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until they’re crisp and golden.

6. After baking, I let them cool completely and, if I want extra flavor, I sprinkle with grated Parmesan while they’re still warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4–6 servings (depending on snack portion size). It takes 5 minutes to prep and about 20 minutes to bake, so I can have it ready in under 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy version, or switch out parsley for Italian seasoning. If I want them extra cheesy, I toss them with shredded parmesan before baking so it melts into the crackers. For a fun twist, I’ve also made this with plain mini Ritz crackers and added shredded mozzarella to mimic real garlic bread flavor.

storage/reheating

I store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. No need to reheat—they stay crisp and flavorful. If they start to soften, I pop them in the oven at 250°F for 5–10 minutes to crisp them back up.

FAQs

Can I use regular Ritz crackers?

Yes. I’ve used plain mini Ritz or even broken full-sized crackers in a pinch. The texture changes a bit, but the flavor still works.

Do I need to refrigerate them?

No. They stay fresh at room temperature as long as they’re stored in an airtight container.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often make a batch a day or two before a party or trip, and they keep their crunch perfectly.

Are they very salty?

Not overly. The cheese filling and butter have salt already, so I taste the butter mixture before adding extra salt.

Can I use fresh garlic?

I recommend garlic powder for even coating, but I’ve sautéed fresh minced garlic in butter, strained it out, and used the flavored butter for an extra punch.

Conclusion

Garlic Bread Ritz Bits are my go-to for when I want something bold, crunchy, and snackable without much work. With buttery garlic flavor and cheesy Ritz crunch in every bite, they’re a fun and flavorful twist on two classics—garlic bread and snack crackers. Once I try them, I’ll be making them on repeat for every occasion.