There’s something undeniably satisfying about a snack that’s crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. These RITZ Cracker Bites are exactly that—little bites of happiness that bring together buttery crackers, gooey cheese, and a touch of seasoning for the ultimate snack-time indulgence. Whether you need a quick appetizer, a game-day treat, or just something to munch on while watching your favorite show, this recipe has you covered.

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Trust me, you’re going to love how easy these are to whip up. No fuss, no complicated steps—just pure, crunchy, cheesy goodness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love RITZ Cracker Bites

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re making these for a party, a cozy night in, or just because you deserve a tasty snack, here’s why they’ll be a go-to favorite:

Versatile:

Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or even a lunchbox treat. You can serve them with dips, alongside soups, or enjoy them on their own.

Budget-Friendly:

You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. No fancy ingredients—just simple, everyday staples that come together beautifully.

Quick and Easy:

With minimal prep and a short bake time, you’ll have a delicious snack ready in no time. Even beginner cooks can master this with ease!

Customizable:

Love spice? Add some cayenne. Prefer a garlicky twist? Sprinkle in garlic powder. You can tweak the flavors to match your cravings.

Crowd-Pleasing:

Kids and adults alike love these! They’re crunchy, cheesy, and impossible to resist.

Ingredients in RITZ Cracker Bites

Here’s the magic of this snack—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:

RITZ Crackers:

The perfect base! Buttery, flaky, and ideal for holding all the delicious flavors together.

Cheese:

Melted cheese binds everything beautifully. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack work great.

Butter:

Brings a rich, golden crispiness to the crackers.

Seasonings:

A mix of garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt add a flavor punch.

Egg Wash:

Helps everything stick together while adding a beautiful golden hue.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and a perfectly crisp texture.

Prepare the Egg Wash:

In a small bowl, whisk together an egg with a splash of water. This will help everything stick together nicely.

Assemble the Bites:

Take one cracker, add a small piece of cheese, and sandwich it with another cracker. Dip it into the egg wash and place it on a baking sheet.

Season and Butter:

Brush each bite lightly with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and paprika for extra flavor.

Bake to Perfection:

Place in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them—nobody wants burnt crackers!

Let Them Cool:

Remove from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. The cheese will firm up slightly, making them easier to handle.

Serve and Enjoy:

Dig in while they’re warm and crispy! Pair them with your favorite dips or enjoy them as-is.

How to Serve RITZ Cracker Bites

These bites are delicious on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, here are a few pairing ideas:

With Dips: Serve with ranch, marinara sauce, or honey mustard.
Alongside Soup: Pair them with tomato soup for a nostalgic, grilled cheese-like experience.
As a Snack Board Addition: Add to a charcuterie board with meats, cheeses, and olives.
With Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of parsley or chives adds a fresh touch.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: Assemble the cracker bites and store them in the fridge for up to a few hours before baking.
Switch Up the Cheese: Try different cheeses like gouda, pepper jack, or brie for a fun twist.
Make Them Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Storage Tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to crisp them back up.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of cracker?

A1: Yes! While RITZ crackers work best for their buttery flavor, you can experiment with other sturdy crackers like club crackers or saltines.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?

A2: You can assemble them in advance and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. However, they’re best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.

Q3: How do I keep them crispy?

A3: Avoid overloading them with cheese, and make sure they’re not stacked too closely on the baking sheet. Reheating in the oven will also help restore crispiness.

Q4: Can I freeze these?

A4: I wouldn’t recommend freezing them after baking, as they may lose their crispiness. However, you can freeze assembled (but unbaked) cracker bites and bake them fresh when needed.

Q5: What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

A5: Sharp cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to use mozzarella, gouda, or a mix of cheeses for added flavor.

Q6: Can I air-fry these instead of baking?

A6: Absolutely! Air fry at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, shaking halfway through for even crispiness.

Q7: What dips go best with these?

A7: Marinara, ranch, honey mustard, or even a spicy queso dip would be fantastic.

Q8: Can I make them gluten-free?

A8: Yes! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free crackers, and make sure your seasonings are gluten-free.

Q9: How do I prevent them from getting soggy?

A9: Make sure not to overdo the butter and allow them to cool slightly before storing.

Q10: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

A10: Pre-shredded cheese can work, but block cheese sliced into small pieces melts better and creates a gooier bite.

Final Thoughts

These RITZ Cracker Bites are the ultimate easy snack—crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making them for a party or just because you need a quick bite, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. So go ahead, give them a try, and let me know how they turn out!

RITZ Cracker Bites

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Author: Maria
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 24–36 appetizers 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These RITZ Crackers Appetizers are a quick and easy way to impress guests with both sweet and savory flavors! From spicy jalapeño popper toppers to sweet chocolate strawberry bites, these versatile crackers make the perfect party snack or quick appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or need a last-minute appetizer idea, these four delicious variations will add variety to your spread. Try these healthy homemade recipes for a flavorful twist!

Instructions

Jalapeño Popper Topper:

Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix cream cheese and shredded cheese blend until combined.
Spread a dollop of the mixture onto each cracker.
Bake for 5 minutes.
Top each cracker with a jalapeño slice and serve.

Cilantro, Tomato, & Roasted Corn Bites:

Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix cream cheese and cilantro until well combined.
Spread the mixture onto each cracker and bake for 5 minutes.
Combine corn and tomatoes, then top each cracker with the mixture.
Garnish with extra cilantro if desired.

Strawberry Cheesecake Bites:

Spread cream cheese onto each cracker.
Top with strawberry pie filling.
Serve and enjoy!

Chocolate Strawberry Hazelnut Bites:

Dab each strawberry half with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Dip each strawberry half into melted chocolate and place on wax paper to harden.
Mix cream cheese and chocolate hazelnut spread until smooth.
Spread the mixture onto each cracker.
Top with a chocolate-covered strawberry half.

Notes

For added spice, sprinkle crushed red pepper on the Jalapeño Popper Toppers.
Add a drizzle of honey to the Strawberry Cheesecake Bites for extra sweetness.
For a crunchier texture, toast the RITZ Crackers before adding toppings.
Store any leftover appetizers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 crackers
Calories: 110
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg