Give the iconic snack classic a delicious makeover with this Homemade Ritz Crackers Recipe!
One of my guilty snack splurges is Ritz crackers. I know, it sounds boring. But have you tried one? More specifically, have you ever woken up at 1 AM with a craving for their crunchy, salty goodness dipped in a tub of peanut butter? If not, you’re seriously missing out. Chances are, most of you have had a Ritz cracker at least once in your life, and if you have, you probably liked it. Let’s be real—it’s hard not to.
As perfect as Ritz crackers are on their own, I couldn’t resist experimenting and giving them a flavorful makeover. My trick? Amping up their already tasty profile with a dash of smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and a mix of other seasonings. The result is finger-licking crackers that are perfect for parties, cheese or charcuterie platters, or just snacking solo. A word of caution, though: once you try these, it’s almost impossible to stop at just one.
Are Homemade Ritz Crackers Healthy?
Ritz crackers use refined sugars, palm oil, enriched flour, and high fructose corn syrup. They’re also high in sodium. That’s definitely not healthy. Also, I use a whopping six tablespoons of butter in this recipe, so it doesn’t skimp on fat. If you’re looking for a health-conscious snack, this certainly isn’t it.
Feel free to use organic and/or whole-grain crackers instead. They’ll probably taste just as good. Gluten-free crackers may also work, though I haven’t tried it myself. Some gluten-free alternatives, like brown rice crackers, aren’t as textured or porous, so the spices may not adhere as easily.
More Than Just A Snack Staple
The great thing about these flavor-packed Ritz crackers is that they’re so much more than just a snack staple. Crush them into fine crumbs and use them as a buttery crust for baked dishes like mac and cheese or casseroles. Or, swap them in as a breadcrumb substitute in recipes like meatballs, meatloaf, or breaded chicken for an extra layer of rich flavor. Another excellent idea is to coat fish fillets, tofu, or chicken breasts with crushed Ritz crumbs for an irresistibly golden, crispy crust. These delectable crackers even make a great topping for roasted veggies. Just sprinkle the crumbs over green beans or broccoli with a drizzle of olive oil and bake for added crunch.
How To Make Ahead And Store
These crackers can be kept at room temperature in a resealable bag or airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep in mind that they may be a little oily from all the melted butter, so they’ll leave a decent amount of grease behind. Personally, I’d make and eat them within the same day..
Serving Suggestions
Any cheese will taste delicious with these crackers. Due to the cracker’s smoky flavor, I’d opt for creamy cheeses with a mild lactic tang, such as brie or Camembert. If you’re vegan, there are lots of plant-based cheeses out there that will complement these crackers beautifully.
When snack cravings hit, I love using them to scoop up this Vegan Spinach Dip or some creamy Avocado Hummus. They’re also great with a hearty bowl of Yellow Split Pea Soup. Really, your options are limitless with these versatile little crackers.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons butter (or a vegan alternative) melted
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 sleeves Ritz crackers
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sesame seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), and soy sauce. Gently toss the crackers in the mixture until evenly coated.
- Arrange the crackers in a single layer on two large baking sheets. Make sure they do not overlap.
- Bake the crackers in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, turning them over halfway through the baking time.
- Once baked to a golden hue, remove the crackers from the oven and let them cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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