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#### Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
1. **Melt the Butter**: Begin by melting the butter. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl by heating it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or melting it on the stove in a small saucepan over low heat. The goal is to fully melt the butter so it can easily mix with the seasonings.
2. **Add Garlic and Seasonings**: Once the butter is melted, add the garlic powder (or minced garlic) to the butter. Stir to combine. If you’re using minced fresh garlic, make sure it’s finely chopped to ensure it’s evenly distributed. You can also add the parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes at this point, depending on your preference for heat and seasoning.
– **Pro Tip**: If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, use fresh garlic and sauté it in the butter for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant before mixing in the other seasonings.
#### Step 2: Coat the Ritz Crackers
1. **Prepare the Crackers**: Lay the Ritz crackers in a single layer on a large, rimmed baking sheet. You can line the baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. **Brush the Garlic Butter Mixture**: Using a pastry brush or a spoon, gently brush the garlic butter mixture onto the surface of each Ritz cracker. Be generous with the coating, but try to avoid making the crackers too soggy. The butter should soak into the crackers but not overwhelm them.
– **Tip**: If you want to make the coating extra crispy, you can dip the crackers directly into the garlic butter mixture, ensuring each cracker is fully coated.
#### Step 3: Bake the Garlic Ritz Snacks
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for getting the crackers crispy without burning the butter or garlic.
2. **Bake the Crackers**: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on the crackers as they bake, and make sure they don’t burn. They should be golden and crispy when they’re done.
– **Pro Tip**: Halfway through the baking time, you can gently flip the crackers to ensure even baking and crispiness on both sides.
#### Step 4: Let Cool and Serve
1. **Cool and Enjoy**: Once the crackers are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. The garlic flavor will intensify as they cool, making them even more delicious.
2. **Serve**: After they’ve cooled slightly, transfer the Garlic Ritz Snacks to a serving dish or simply enjoy them straight from the baking sheet. They’re perfect as a standalone snack or served alongside dips, cheeses, or even as an appetizer.
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### Why These Garlic Ritz Snacks Are So Great
1. **Super Simple to Make**: With only a few ingredients, this recipe is as easy as it gets. You don’t need any special kitchen tools or skills—just a baking sheet, some butter, and your favorite seasonings.
2. **Versatile Flavor**: The buttery, garlicky flavor of these crackers pairs perfectly with almost any dipping sauce or cheese, making them a great party snack. You can add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for a twist, or spice them up with a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
3. **Crispy and Addictive**: The Ritz crackers, when coated with garlic butter and baked, become extra crispy with a burst of savory flavor. These bites are crunchy and satisfying, and they’re nearly impossible to stop eating once you start.
4. **Quick and Convenient**: With just a 10-12 minute bake time, this snack comes together in a flash. It’s perfect for those last-minute snack attacks or when you need to bring something to a gathering in a hurry.
5. **Customizable**: Feel free to customize this recipe by experimenting with different herbs, spices, and even grated cheese. For example, Parmesan or cheddar can be sprinkled over the top before baking for a cheesy twist. You can also use garlic salt instead of garlic powder for an added layer of flavor.
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### Tips for Success:
– **Don’t Over-Bake**: Be careful not to over-bake the crackers. If left in the oven too long, the garlic butter can burn, leaving an unpleasant bitter taste. Keep a close eye on them as they bake.
– **Use Fresh Garlic for a Stronger Flavor**: If you love garlic, using fresh minced garlic gives these crackers a bold and savory punch. Sauté the garlic in the butter for a minute to release its aromatic oils and enhance the flavor.
– **Double the Batch**: These Garlic Ritz Snacks tend to disappear quickly, so if you’re serving a crowd, it’s a good idea to double the recipe.
– **Store Leftovers**: If you have any leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll remain crispy and flavorful for a few days.
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### Conclusion
**Garlic Ritz Snacks** are the ultimate easy snack that packs big flavor with minimal effort. They’re buttery, garlicky, crispy, and utterly addictive. Whether you’re enjoying them as a quick snack, serving them at a gathering, or pairing them with your favorite dip, these little bites will surely be a hit. The combination of the Ritz crackers and savory garlic butter is simple yet satisfying, making it a perfect recipe to add to your snack repertoire. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how something so easy can taste so good!
