Name: Holiday Ritz Crackers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 box Ritz crackers (About 32–36 crackers); ½ cup Unsalted butter (Melted); 1 packet Ranch dressing mix (Standard 1 oz packet); ¼ cup Grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon Red pepper flakes (Adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon Garlic powder

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, crunchy, and impossibly addictive — Holiday Ritz Crackers are the kind of snack that disappears before you can say “pass the plate.” This festive twist on a classic party nibble combines buttery Ritz crackers with zippy ranch seasoning and a kiss of Parmesan, making each bite pop with flavor. Fun fact: these crackers are often served at holiday parties because they’re easy to make in big batches and travel well — perfect for potlucks and last-minute gatherings. If you love quick, nostalgic appetizers, this one delivers.

If you’ve enjoyed easy, family-friendly recipes like our ritz cracker chicken casserole, you’ll appreciate how simple and versatile this cracker snack is. It’s fast to prepare, budget-friendly, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Read on to learn why Holiday Ritz Crackers deserve a permanent spot on your snack table.

What is Holiday Ritz Crackers?

What’s in a name? Holiday Ritz Crackers are basically Ritz crackers dressed up for the season — think party-ready, buttery bites with a savory, slightly spicy kick. Why call them “Holiday”? Because they’re the sort of treat that magically appears at festive gatherings, disappearing as quickly as the turkey. Who came up with the name — a clever hostess or a hungry neighbor? We’ll never know. But we do know they’re perfect for mingling and munching. After all, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Ready to try them for your next get-together? You won’t regret it.

Why You’ll Love This

Irresistible Texture: The crackers get a yummy buttery coating that bakes into crispy, golden perfection, while the Parmesan adds a savory, slightly nutty finish.
Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples — a box of Ritz, a stick of butter, and a spice packet — this recipe is easy on the wallet and quick to scale for crowds.
Bold Flavor: Ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes combine to give these crackers a bright, savory, and slightly spicy profile that keeps people coming back for more.

Compared to heavier party dishes, this is a light, snackable option that still feels indulgent. If you enjoy easy appetizers that pack flavor, consider trying other Ritz-inspired dishes like our baked casseroles for heartier entertaining. Make a batch and watch them vanish — they’re that good. Try them at home and see why guests always ask for the recipe.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is simple, fast, and satisfying. You’ll melt butter, whisk it with ranch and spices, coat each cracker, and bake until golden. The standout is the buttery, seasoned glaze that crisps up and clings to every cracker for big flavor in minutes. Prep time is about 5–10 minutes and baking takes 8–10 minutes — total time under 20 minutes from box to table.

Ingredients

1 box Ritz crackers (about 32–36 crackers)
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
1 packet Ranch dressing mix (standard 1 oz packet)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon garlic powder

All ingredients are ready-to-use; no chopping required. Have your butter melted and slightly cooled so it’s easy to whisk with the seasonings.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Arrange the Ritz crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between crackers so the topping can spread evenly.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Ranch dressing mix, grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder until combined and slightly emulsified.
Spoon or brush the buttery topping over each cracker, making sure they’re generously coated. You can use a small spoon for each cracker or a pastry brush to speed things up.
Place the tray in the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the crackers are golden and the topping is lightly bubbly. Keep an eye on them the last minute to prevent burning.
Remove from the oven and let the crackers cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes so they crisp up fully.
Serve immediately on a platter, or once cooled, transfer to an airtight container for later.

Holiday Ritz Crackers

What to Serve With

Fresh Vegetables and Dip: Serve alongside celery sticks, cucumber slices, or a creamy spinach dip to balance the richness.
Cheese Board: Pair with cheddar, brie, or gouda and some fruit for a festive appetizer spread.
Charcuterie Add-ons: Prosciutto, salami, and pickles complement the savory crackers well.
Drinks: These pair nicely with cold beer, a light white wine like Pinot Grigio, or a sparkling non-alcoholic punch for family-friendly parties.

For a heartier pairing, serve them next to casseroles or hot dips to create a full spread that keeps guests happy.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Even Coating: Use a small spoon or pastry brush to ensure each cracker gets an even amount of the buttery seasoning.
Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to taste. Start with 1 tablespoon for mild heat, or reduce if serving kids.
Cheese Options: Swap Parmesan for finely grated Romano for a sharper finish, or mix in a tablespoon of finely grated cheddar for color and richness.
Make Ahead: The topping can be mixed ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Toss together and coat just before baking.
Watch the Oven: Because the crackers are thin, they can go from perfect to too brown quickly. Check at the 8-minute mark.

Avoid piling crackers too close on the baking sheet; they crisp best in a single layer.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Room Temperature: Once fully cooled, store crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay crisp if sealed well.
Refrigeration: Not needed for short-term storage, and refrigeration can cause them to lose crispness.
Freezing: You can freeze fully cooled crackers in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: To restore crispness, spread crackers on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes. Let them cool slightly before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cracker?
Yes. While Ritz are ideal for their buttery flavor and texture, buttery round crackers like Club or similar brands will work. Adjust baking time if crackers are thicker.

Is there a way to make these less spicy?
Absolutely. Reduce the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or omit them completely for a milder, family-friendly version.

Can I make these gluten-free?
You can if you substitute a gluten-free buttery cracker that holds up in the oven. Results may vary depending on the cracker’s structure.

How many servings does this recipe make?
A standard box of Ritz yields about 32–36 crackers. Depending on portion size, this serves 6–8 as an appetizer.

Can I double the recipe for a party?
Yes — simply double all ingredients and use two baking sheets. Bake one sheet at a time or rotate sheets in the oven for even browning.

Conclusion

Holiday Ritz Crackers are a simple, speedy snack that tastes gourmet without the fuss. They’re perfect for last-minute entertaining, potlucks, or cozy nights at home when you want something salty, buttery, and full of flavor. The recipe is easy enough for beginners and flexible enough for cooks who like to tweak spices and cheeses. If you want to pick up a seasonal box to make this exact treat, try Nabisco Holiday Ritz Crackers, 13.7 oz. Give this recipe a try, share it with friends, and enjoy the way these little crackers bring people together.