Holiday Ranch Parmesan Ritz Crackers Recipe is a quick, flavorful snack made with buttery Ritz crackers, zesty ranch seasoning, and savory Parmesan—perfect for parties and holiday gatherings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Holiday Ranch Parmesan Ritz Crackers truly unforgettable is how each simple ingredient works its magic, layering flavor, crispness, and color in every bite. Let’s take a look at why you don’t want to skip a single one:
- Ritz crackers: Delivers a salty, buttery base that crisps beautifully and holds up to the savory coating.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds rich flavor and helps the seasoning stick to every cracker, ensuring every bite is bursting with taste.
- Ranch dressing mix: Infuses herby, tangy goodness you instantly recognize — the secret to that addictive flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a salty, nutty edge and gorgeous golden color once baked.
- Red pepper flakes: Brings just the right amount of mild heat, warming up every bite without overwhelming.
- Garlic powder: Gives depth and savory heartiness, tying all the flavors together.
How to Make Holiday Ranch Parmesan Ritz Crackers
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C) and setting out a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Lining your pan not only makes cleanup a breeze but also helps the crackers bake to a perfect, crispy finish — no chance of sticking!
Step 2: Arrange the Ritz Crackers
Lay out the Ritz crackers in a single, even layer on your prepared sheet. It’s important they aren’t overlapping so every cracker crisps up evenly and gets a share of that delicious ranch-Parmesan blend.
Step 3: Mix the Flavor Coating
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, ranch dressing mix, grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder until everything is fully combined. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water — you’ll see just how quickly this mixture comes together!
Step 4: Brush or Spoon Over Crackers
With a pastry brush or a small spoon, generously top each cracker with the ranch-Parmesan mixture. Aim to distribute it as evenly as possible so every bite has that signature holiday flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Place your tray in the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes. You’re looking for the crackers’ edges to bubble slightly and turn golden — that’s how you’ll know they’re done. Be sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the crackers cool for at least 5 minutes. This not only keeps you from burning your fingers but also helps the crackers become extra crisp and snackable. Now you’re ready to enjoy and share the magic of Holiday Ranch Parmesan Ritz Crackers.
How to Serve Holiday Ranch Parmesan Ritz Crackers
Garnishes
For a truly festive touch, you might sprinkle a little extra Parmesan or a pinch of finely chopped fresh parsley over the warm crackers right after baking. The green pops against the golden crackers and gives an extra burst of Parmesan flavor that everyone will notice.
Side Dishes
Pair these savory crackers with creamy dips, like spinach artichoke or a simple ranch dip, or place them on a cheese and charcuterie board to balance rich cheeses and smoked meats. They’re also fabulous served alongside a cozy bowl of tomato soup for a nostalgic twist on classic comfort food!
Creative Ways to Present
For fun gatherings, stack the Holiday Ranch Parmesan Ritz Crackers in a glass jar with a festive ribbon, or arrange them in a wreath shape on a platter with a bowl of dip in the center. Try packing them into parchment-lined tins as edible gifts — they travel beautifully and always delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Holiday Ranch Parmesan Ritz Crackers crisp, stash any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week (if they last that long without being devoured!).
Freezing
While these crackers are at their best fresh from the oven, you can freeze them if absolutely needed. Place cooled crackers in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If your crackers lose some crispness, refresh them in a 300°F oven for 3–4 minutes. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake just until warmed through and crunchy again — nearly as good as fresh out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cracker?
Absolutely! While Ritz crackers deliver that classic buttery flavor, you can definitely try buttery club crackers or wheat crackers if you want a different texture or base. Just keep an eye on baking time, as thinner crackers may need less time in the oven.
Is there a substitute for ranch dressing mix?
If you don’t have ranch mix handy, feel free to make your own by blending dried dill, parsley, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust until you get that iconic ranch flavor.
Do I have to use unsalted butter?
Using unsalted butter gives you more control over the overall saltiness, but if salted is all you have, simply omit any additional salt so the crackers aren’t too salty. Taste your mixture before brushing it on the crackers to be sure!
Can I make Holiday Ranch Parmesan Ritz Crackers ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely prepare these crackers in advance, especially for parties and busy holiday gatherings. Store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh and crispy for several days.
How spicy are these crackers?
The red pepper flakes provide just a gentle hint of heat, nothing overpowering. If you’re worried about spice level, simply reduce the amount or omit them — the crackers will still shine with their savory ranch and Parmesan flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a truly irresistible snack that’s stunningly simple yet packed with bold, festive flavors, you owe it to yourself (and your guests!) to make Holiday Ranch Parmesan Ritz Crackers. Trust me: once you put these out, you’ll be asked for the recipe again and again. Happy snacking!
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Holiday Ranch Parmesan Ritz Crackers Recipe
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Holiday Ranch Parmesan Ritz Crackers are the ultimate party snack: buttery Ritz crackers coated in a savory mix of melted butter, Ranch seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat. Baked until golden and crisp, they’re irresistibly crunchy and packed with flavor—the perfect easy appetizer for holidays, game nights, or any gathering.
Ingredients
Crackers
- 1 box (about 32–36) Ritz crackers
Seasoning Mixture
- 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
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Arrange the Crackers: Lay the Ritz crackers in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet so every cracker gets coated generously.
- Mix the Seasoning: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, Ranch dressing mix, grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder. Whisk until everything is thoroughly mixed.
- Coat the Crackers: Use a spoon or pastry brush to evenly spoon or brush the seasoning mixture over each cracker, making sure they’re well covered for maximum flavor.
- Bake: Bake the crackers for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges start to bubble and turn lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the crackers cool on the sheet for at least 5 minutes to crisp up before serving. Enjoy them fresh or at room temperature!
Notes
- Store leftover crackers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste if you want it less or more spicy.
- Try adding chopped fresh herbs for a festive touch.
- These are best enjoyed the day they’re made for max crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 crackers
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg