Holiday Ranch Parmesan Ritz Crackers Recipe
Introduction
These Holiday Ritz Crackers are a delightful, savory snack perfect for festive gatherings or casual munching. Crispy, buttery, and packed with flavorful spices, they’re simple to make and sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 box Ritz crackers (about 32–36 crackers)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 packet Ranch dressing mix
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Step 2: Arrange the Ritz crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Ranch dressing mix, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder.
- Step 4: Spoon or brush the buttery topping over each cracker, making sure they’re generously coated.
- Step 5: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until golden and lightly bubbly.
- Step 6: Let the crackers cool for at least 5 minutes so they crisp up. Serve immediately or store for later.
Tips & Variations
- For extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter mixture.
- Swap Parmesan for shredded sharp cheddar for a different cheese flavor.
- Use a brush to evenly coat the crackers for less mess and better coverage.
Storage
Store cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for a few minutes to restore crispness if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use flavored Ritz crackers for this recipe?
Yes, using flavored Ritz crackers like garlic or cheddar can add an extra layer of taste, but keep the seasoning in the butter mixture balanced to avoid overpowering.
Can I prepare the crackers ahead of time?
You can assemble the crackers with the butter mixture and refrigerate them before baking. Bring them to room temperature before placing in the oven for best results.
PrintHoliday Ranch Parmesan Ritz Crackers Recipe
Holiday Ritz Crackers are a delightful, savory snack perfect for festive gatherings. These buttery, cheesy crackers are tossed with a flavorful blend of Ranch seasoning, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder, then baked to a golden, crispy finish. Easy to make and irresistibly tasty, they are a perfect appetizer or party treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 32–36 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 box Ritz crackers (about 32–36 crackers)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 packet Ranch dressing mix (approx. 1 ounce)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup easier.
- Arrange Crackers: Lay the Ritz crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Mix Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, Ranch dressing mix, grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder. Whisk until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Apply Topping: Spoon or brush the butter mixture evenly over each cracker, making sure each one is generously coated with the flavorful topping.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes until the crackers turn golden and the topping is lightly bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the crackers from the oven and allow them to cool for at least 5 minutes so they become crispy. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Notes
- For an extra kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet; crackers should be in a single layer for even cooking.
- Store cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Feel free to substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
Keywords: Holiday snack, Ritz crackers, Ranch seasoning, savory appetizer, party food, cheesy crackers
