Hey there! So, let me tell you about these Garlic Ritz Snacks. They’ve been a hit since that one time I forgot to buy chips for a family gathering. I mean, who does that, right? Desperate times called for desperate measures, and voilà, Garlic Ritz Snacks were born. Now, they’re a staple whenever we’re in the mood for something garlicky and crunchy. My brother still jokes that it’s the only happy accident I’ve ever had in the kitchen. (Hmm… he might not be wrong!)
Why You’ll Love This
I make this whenever I need a quick fix for unexpected guests or when my crew is just begging for a snack (which is often). The best part? No fuss, no muss. My family goes bonkers over these because they’re packed with flavor and ready in no time. Plus, you don’t need to be a master chef to pull this off. Actually, I find the simpler, the better. And if you’re anything like me, you might enjoy sneaking a taste (or two) during the prep.
Ingredients
- 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers (any brand really works)
- 2 tbsp garlic powder (sometimes I use fresh garlic when I’m feeling fancy)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted (margarine will do in a pinch)
- 1 tbsp dried parsley (or skip it if you’re out – I won’t tell!)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Honestly, sometimes I forget and just pop them in a cold oven—it still works, just takes a bit longer.
- Lay out the Ritz crackers on a baking sheet. No need to be precise here; just make sure they’re not overlapping too much.
- Mix the garlic powder into the melted butter. This is the stage where I usually sneak a taste. (Shh… our secret!)
- Brush or drizzle the buttery garlic mixture over the crackers. Don’t worry if they look slightly drowned; they soak it up nicely.
- Sprinkle the dried parsley over the top. It makes them look fancy, and who doesn’t like that?
- Bake for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; nobody likes burnt crackers (learned that the hard way).
- Let them cool a bit. Or not. We usually dive right in!
Notes
If the butter doesn’t cover everything, just melt a bit more. And if you’re using fresh garlic, maybe cut back a smidge; it’s potent!
Variations
I’ve tried adding parmesan cheese once, but it didn’t quite hit the mark. But hey, maybe you’ll like it! Another time, a friend suggested a sprinkle of chili flakes for a kick. Absolute win!
Equipment
All you really need is a baking sheet. But if you don’t have a brush for the butter, a spoon works just fine too. (I’ve been known to use my fingers in a pinch; don’t judge!)
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Though honestly, in my house, it never lasts more than a day!
Serving Suggestions
Serve these up with a cold drink or alongside a bowl of soup. Personally, I love them with a bit of cheese spread on top. It’s an odd combo, but it works!
Pro Tips
Don’t rush the baking. I once tried speeding it up, and they came out more chewy than crispy. Not ideal, trust me.
FAQ
Q: Can I use low-fat butter?
A: Of course! But, just so you know, it might not be as rich in flavor.
Q: Can I make these in advance?
A: You can, but they’re best fresh. Maybe prep everything and bake when needed.
Q: What if I don’t have garlic powder?
A: Use fresh garlic, but go easy. It’s strong stuff!