Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set Temperature: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
- Melt Butter: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with minced garlic, dried parsley, salt, and onion powder. If using Parmesan cheese, add it to the mixture as well, stirring until all ingredients are combined.
3. Toss the Ritz Bits
- Coat Crackers: Place the Ritz Bits crackers in a large bowl. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the crackers, tossing gently to coat evenly. Make sure each cracker is well coated with the flavorful butter.
4. Bake the Crackers
- Spread on Baking Sheet: Arrange the coated crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crackers are golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
5. Cool and Serve
- Let Cool: Remove the crackers from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This will help them crisp up even more.
- Enjoy: Serve the Garlic Bread Ritz Bits warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect on their own or as a crunchy accompaniment to soups and salads.
Tips for the Perfect Garlic Bread Ritz Bits
- Cheese Upgrade: For a cheesy twist, add more grated Parmesan or sprinkle some mozzarella on top before baking.
- Extra Heat: If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter mixture.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep the crackers fresh and crisp.
Health Considerations
- Snack in Moderation: While delicious, these crackers are quite buttery, so enjoy them as an occasional treat or in moderation.
- Lower Sodium Options: If you’re watching your sodium intake, consider using low-salt crackers and reducing the amount of added salt in the recipe.
Conclusion
Garlic Bread Ritz Bits are an easy and flavorful snack that brings the taste of garlic bread into a fun, bite-sized treat. Perfect for any occasion, these crackers are sure to satisfy garlic lovers and snack enthusiasts alike. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up a batch of these addictive snacks in no time. So, grab some Ritz Bits, mix up that garlic butter, and enjoy the taste of garlic bread in every crispy bite!
