First of all, thank you so much for stopping by and sharing this little culinary corner with me. It truly warms my heart to know there are people out there who love discovering simple, flavorful recipes just as much as I love creating and sharing them. If you’re here looking for a quick, savory snack that’s loaded with flavor, easy to make, and dangerously addictive—this Garlic Ritz Snacks recipe is exactly what you need. It’s one of those “accidentally genius” recipes that transforms everyday pantry staples into something spectacular.
Garlic Ritz Snacks combine crispy buttery crackers, rich melted butter, savory garlic and onion powder, a hint of smoky paprika, and a shower of Parmesan cheese into one glorious baked treat. It’s the kind of snack you whip up for a movie night, game day, last-minute party guests, or just because your taste buds are begging for something indulgent. Trust me, you’ll want to double the batch every time.
What Are Garlic Ritz Snacks?
Garlic Ritz Snacks are baked buttery crackers tossed in a savory spice mixture and finished with a dusting of cheese. The crackers crisp up beautifully in the oven, creating a snack that’s full of crunch, bursting with flavor, and nearly impossible to stop eating.
They fall somewhere between an appetizer, a party snack, and a “sneak one more while no one’s looking” treat. Whether you’re serving them alongside a cheese board or eating them by the handful straight off the tray (no judgment here), they always hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbelievably easy: These come together in just 15 minutes, start to finish. No fancy equipment, no complicated steps.
- Incredible flavor: Garlic, cheese, buttery goodness, and just enough spice to make things interesting.
- Versatile: Make them spicy, cheesy, herby—whatever your snack mood desires.
- Crowd-pleasing: Every time I’ve served these, they’ve disappeared within minutes.
- Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
What Do Garlic Ritz Snacks Taste Like?
Imagine your favorite garlic bread had a crunchy, cheesy cousin—and you’re pretty close to what these crackers taste like. The melted butter soaks into the crackers just enough to make them rich without sogginess. The garlic and onion powder give them savory depth, while the paprika adds subtle warmth. Then, there’s the finishing touch: Parmesan cheese. It melts into the crackers, forming tiny crispy bits that deliver a concentrated punch of salty, nutty goodness.
They’re crunchy, buttery, garlicky, and totally addictive. In short, they taste like comfort in snack form.
Benefits of Garlic Ritz Snacks
Beyond the fact that they taste amazing, here are some real reasons to keep this recipe in your back pocket:
- Quick prep and cook time: You won’t be stuck in the kitchen for hours.
- Great for any occasion: From holidays to Tuesday night cravings.
- Perfect for beginners: If you can melt butter, you can make these.
- Minimal cleanup: Especially if you use parchment or foil on your baking sheet.

Ingredients for Garlic Ritz Snacks
You’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients for this recipe:
- 1 to 2 sleeves of Ritz crackers (about 60–120 crackers, depending on the pan size and crowd size)
- 4 tablespoons of melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (preferably fresh)
These ingredients are pantry staples in most homes, and even if you don’t have everything on hand, most are easily found in any grocery store.
Tools You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe come together effortlessly:
- A baking sheet (standard size works well)
- Parchment paper or foil (optional but helpful for easy cleanup)
- A large mixing bowl
- A small bowl for mixing the butter and seasonings
- Measuring spoons
- A spoon or spatula for tossing the crackers
No mixer, no food processor—this recipe is refreshingly low-tech.
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
I promised you this recipe is versatile, and here’s where you can really play:
- Add heat: A pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes will bring a gentle kick.
- Cheese swap: Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even cheddar powder if you want a sharper bite.
- Herb variations: Don’t have parsley? Italian seasoning, rosemary, or thyme all work wonderfully.
- Garlic upgrades: If you love garlic, try adding a small pinch of garlic salt or using roasted garlic powder for more depth.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free buttery round cracker as a substitute for Ritz.
How to Make Garlic Ritz Snacks – Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil if you’d like easier cleanup afterward.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, and paprika. Mix until everything is well blended.
Step 3: Coat the Crackers
Place the Ritz crackers into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the garlic butter mixture over them slowly. Use a soft spatula or your hands to gently toss the crackers until they’re all evenly coated. Go slow and be gentle—Ritz are buttery and soft, and we don’t want to crush them.
Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet and Sprinkle Cheese
Transfer the seasoned crackers to your prepared baking sheet. Arrange them in a single layer to ensure even crisping. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over the top. The cheese will melt slightly and create those gorgeous, crispy bits.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the crackers for 8–10 minutes, or until golden and fragrant. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen starts smelling like a garlic bread fantasy.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the crackers cool slightly on the tray before serving. They’ll crisp up even more as they sit. Don’t be surprised if they don’t last long—every time I make these, someone is hovering, waiting to snag one hot off the tray.
What to Serve With Garlic Ritz Snacks
These crackers shine all on their own, but they also play well with others. Here are some pairing ideas:
- Cheese boards: Add them to your next grazing board alongside cured meats, olives, and fruit.
- Warm dips: Serve with spinach-artichoke dip, crab dip, or a gooey cheese dip.
- Soup companion: Perfect for dunking in creamy tomato soup or chicken noodle.
- Cocktail hour: Pair them with a glass of white wine, prosecco, or a crisp beer.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Ritz Snacks
- Don’t overbake: Ritz can go from golden to burned quickly. Check them around the 8-minute mark.
- Use fresh cheese: Grated Parmesan from the block melts better and has more flavor than the shelf-stable kind.
- Mix gently: To keep the crackers from breaking into crumbs, toss them slowly and patiently.
- Serve warm or room temp: They’re delicious either way, but fresh from the oven is next-level.
Storage Instructions
If you manage not to eat them all immediately, store any leftover crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Let them cool completely before storing to avoid sogginess.
If they lose some crispness, a quick reheat in the oven at 300°F for 3–4 minutes will revive them nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these in advance?
Yes, they’re great made a few hours ahead. Just store them uncovered at room temperature until serving. You can also reheat briefly in the oven before guests arrive.
Can I use other types of crackers?
Absolutely. While Ritz give the signature buttery flavor, any similar buttery round cracker will work. You can even use mini saltines or oyster crackers.
Are these spicy?
Not at all. They’re flavorful but mild. If you want some heat, add cayenne or chili flakes to your butter mix.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes. Set your air fryer to 325°F and cook in a single layer for 5–7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep a close eye—they can crisp up fast.
Can I freeze them?
These are best enjoyed fresh, but if you must freeze them, do so after baking. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen to restore some crunch.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If this recipe hit the spot for you, you’re going to love these other snack and dessert options. They make a perfect sweet counterpart to this savory treat and are just as easy to love:
- Buttery Raspberry Crumble Cookies – Buttery, fruity, and perfect for tea time or gifting. They pair beautifully with a salty snack like Garlic Ritz Snacks.
- Authentic Italian Cannoli Recipe – For when you’re in the mood for a classic sweet finish after your savory snack session.
- Chocolate Covered Coconut Almond Bites – A no-bake sweet treat with texture and crunch that mirrors the satisfying bite of these crackers.
Let’s See Your Snack Board!
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment and a star rating below so others can find and trust this recipe too. Better yet, if you’re on Pinterest, snap a photo and tag it so I can see your delicious creation. Whether you served them at a party or just treated yourself after a long day—your kitchen stories mean everything to me.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values, based on 1/8 of the total recipe:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 230mg

Garlic Ritz Snacks Recipe – Your New Go-To Cheesy, Garlicky, Buttery Snack!
Description
These Garlic Ritz Snacks are buttery, cheesy, garlicky bites of crispy perfection—ready in 15 minutes! Made with pantry staples and bursting with savory flavor, they’re a must for party trays, after-school snacks, or last-minute cravings. Quick to prep, impossible to resist. Try them warm for the full flavor experience!
Ingredients
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1–2 sleeves Ritz crackers (depending on pan size)
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4 tablespoons melted butter
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon dried parsley
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½ teaspoon paprika
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (preferably fresh)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup.
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Mix the garlic butter. In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, and paprika.
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Coat the crackers. Add the Ritz crackers to a large mixing bowl and gently drizzle the seasoned butter over them. Toss carefully to coat every cracker without breaking them.
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Arrange and top with cheese. Spread the coated crackers in a single layer on the baking sheet. Sprinkle the Parmesan evenly over the top.
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Bake for 8–10 minutes. Bake until golden and fragrant. Keep an eye on them so they don’t over-brown.
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Cool and serve. Let them sit for a few minutes to crisp up before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Notes
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Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
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Cheese options: Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or even cheddar powder for a new twist.
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Make-ahead friendly: These stay crisp for a few hours if stored uncovered. To re-crisp, pop in a 300°F oven for a few minutes.
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Serving idea: Pair with dips, soups, or include on your next cheese board—they shine in any setting!
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Air fryer tip: Cook at 325°F for 5–7 minutes in a single layer, shaking halfway through.