This easy recipe elevates ho-hum Ritz crackers to premium snack status
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One of my guilty snack splurges is Ritz crackers. I know, I know—that sounds boring. But have you tried one? More specifically, have ever you woken up at 1 AM with a hankering for its crunchy, salty goodness dipped in a tub of peanut butter? You’re missing out. I’m sure many of you have had a Ritz cracker at least once in your life, and if you have, you probably like them. It’s hard not to. While my webpage is generally about healthy recipes, I also recognize that we do our tastebuds a disservice when we’re constantly trying to check all the correct wholesome boxes.
Not everything in our life has to be low carb, whole grain, etc. That’s why I love my homemade Ritz crackers recipe.What I do to amplify the flavor of the already tasty Ritz cracker is give it even more of a kick. You’d be amazed white a little bit of smoked paprika and red pepper flakes can do. Oh, and you may want mouthwash after a few of these crackers because I add a healthy share of onion and garlic powder. To accent the Ritz’s buttery flavor, I bake the crackers with melted vegan butter. This also ensures all the yummy spices stick to the cracker. These finger-licking crackers are perfect for parties and cheese plates, so give it a go! Your friends and family are sure to devour them.
are Ritz Crackers Healthy?
Ritz crackers use refined sugars, palm oil, enriched flour, and high fructose corn syrup. That’s definitely not healthy. Also, I use a whopping 6 tablespoons of butter in this recipe. Yeah, it’s vegan butter, but it’s still rich in calories. If you’re looking for a health-conscious snack, this certainly isn’t it.
Feel free to use an organic and/or whole-grain cracker instead. They’ll probably taste just as good. You could also reduce the amount of butter by about 1 ½ tablespoons without sacrificing too much of the flavor. 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.
Revising the Ritz Cracker
Turning this staple snack into a gourmet cracker is easier than you think. The irresistible crackly crunch of the Ritz crackers acts as the canvas, and the spices are the paint. This savory, bold blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and parsley turns this humble cracker into a museum of flavor. I found that the paprika, in particular, adds a smoky undertone that accentuates the rest of the spices. But I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to not forget the butter—it melds the spices and crisps the edges so that when it’s done baking, this mundane cracker is an entirely new creation.
INGREDIENTS
- 6 tablespoons vegan butter melted
- 3 sleeves Ritz crackers
- 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
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat
Get your oven hot and ready to bake the crackers.
Season
Mix the crackers with melted vegan butter and spices until they’re all coated.
Arrange
Lay out the crackers on baking sheets, ready for the oven.
Bake
Cook the crackers until they’re perfectly crispy.
Cool & Store
Let the crackers cool, then keep them fresh in a container.
Enjoy
Indulge in your homemade seasoned crackers!
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
They should be fine in a resealable bag or airtight container for a week. Keep in mind that they may be a little oily from all the melted vegan butter, so they’ll leave a decent amount of grease behind. Personally, I’d make and eat them within the same day.
A simple search online will reveal that some people think they are, while others don’t. That’s partially due to the ambiguous “natural flavor” ingredient Ritz lists. However, the box doesn’t indicate that there’s any dairy, so that’s good enough for me. Please keep in mind that not all Ritz crackers are created equal. There are several different types out there. I’d encourage you to read the ingredients before you buy a box.
Absolutely! While you won’t get that smoky flavor, regular paprika still packs a punch.
Yes! The flavor and browning of the cracker will vary slightly, but that’s it.
Serving Suggestions
Any cheese will taste delicious with these crackers. Due to the cracker’s smokey flavor, I’d opt for a mild cheese like brie or gruyere. A creamy spinach dip or this vegan alternative might be good options as well. Also, you can never go wrong with good old fashioned hummus. Really, your options are nearly limitless with these versatile little crackers.
Homemade Ritz Crackers Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons vegan butter melted
- 3 sleeves Ritz crackers
- 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
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F to ensure it’s ready for baking.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted vegan butter, sesame seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), and soy sauce. Gently toss the Ritz crackers in the mixture, they should be evenly coated with the seasoning.
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Arrange in a single layer on two large baking sheets. Make sure they do not overlap for even baking.
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Bake the crackers in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, turning them over halfway through the baking time.
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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
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