Absentmindedly munching on Ritz crackers is one of those snacking habits that we all seem to have. These little golden crackers are always such a delight, aren’t they? Somehow, this almost makes us forget that they can be so much more than just a humble snack food. When the occasion calls for it, you can turn Ritz crackers into a gourmet snack. Pairing them with fancier ingredients no doubt helps, but sometimes, you’ll only need to do one simple thing: Bake them. That’s how you coax out this humble treat’s hidden potential while barely lifting a finger.
We see it all the time with vegetables, meat, pastries, and countless other foods — how baking can transform the most ordinary things into sensations on plates. Ritz crackers are no exception. A few minutes in the oven and they become the toasted marvels they were always meant to be. The buttery, cheesy taste is good enough as it is, but when it’s intensified with an extra caramelized edge? That’s pure magic in the palm of your hands. Add a few sprinkles of seasonings, and you’ve got a symphony of savory goodness.
Baked Ritz don’t just taste better, they also crumble in a more satisfying way. They’re slightly crispier; every bite snaps with delight as those gorgeous flavors crackle onto your taste buds. It’s such a subtle change, yet it can elevate the eating experience entirely.
Ideas for making elevated baked Ritz crackers
Baking Ritz crackers is, for the most part, a two-step process. Just toss the crackers in your seasonings of choice and bake them for up to 30 minutes. Halfway through, flip them to evenly roast both sides. Once the exterior turns golden brown, that’s when they’re done. After a 20-minute cool-down, they’re ready to hit the plates or even tightly-closed jars to save for later.
As for flavorings, don’t limit yourself to salt and pepper (as good as they may be). If the right seasonings can give boring oyster crackers a flavorful punch, just imagine what they can do for Ritz crackers. Cayenne pepper is great for a kick of heat, mixed with a bit of garlic powder and onion powder to inspire the complexity of a well-made dish. For those who love a tangy twist, ranch powder fits the bill perfectly. Fresh herbs, on the other hand, can bring about an exquisite aroma.
Other than that, you can play around with various other ingredients. Melted butter, for example, is a foolproof choice for enriching the overall flavor profile. And with the company of shredded cheese, your Ritz crackers will be the appetizers of everyone’s dreams. A whole extra layer of toppings consisting of chopped nuts, dates, warm spices, and condensed milk is a marvelous way to get both sweet and savory in one go. And if it’s just a touch of umami you want, add Worcestershire sauce.
