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)); 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

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If you’re searching for a party snack that combines irresistible crunch with savory, cheesy flavor, look no further than these Holiday Ritz Crackers! Imagine a buttery, golden cracker bursting with zesty Ranch, a touch of heat, and that perfect Parmesan finish—now that’s the kind of treat you want to put front and center at any gathering. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a holiday appetizer swap, and let’s just say the platter disappeared faster than you can say “seconds, please!”

Holiday Ritz Crackers are beloved for their simplicity and big flavor payoff—you whip these up in under 20 minutes with pantry staples, making stress-free snacking a breeze. If you enjoyed my Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread, you’ll adore these crackers for their ease, flavor, and crowd-pleasing crunch. Ready to make your snack table the star of the season? Dive in and create a batch of Holiday Ritz Crackers everyone will rave about!

What is Holiday Ritz Crackers?

So, what exactly are Holiday Ritz Crackers, and why do they sound so festive? Are they crackers that like to wear Santa hats? Not quite—but they sure do dress up a simple snack! The name comes from their habit of appearing at every family gathering or potluck during the holidays, instantly jazzing up the appetizer table with Ranch-spiked, buttery flavor.

Some say “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and with crackers like these, who could disagree? Whether you call them party crackers or their rightful holiday title, one thing is for sure—you’ve got to try them at your next get-together!

Why You’ll Love This

Get ready to meet your new favorite crowd-pleaser! The star of this dish is the rich, buttery Ritz cracker soaked in melted butter and coated with tangy Ranch and a shower of Parmesan cheese. Making these at home saves you money compared to buying fancy pre-made snacks, and you can whip up a big batch in just minutes with ingredients you probably have in your pantry.

The dash of red pepper flakes brings just enough heat to keep things interesting—try them next to my famous Savory Cheddar Snack Mix for a flavor-packed duo. Whether for parties, afternoon munchies, or holiday potlucks, you’ll find Holiday Ritz Crackers are the fast, flavorful, and fun snack you’ll make again and again. Give them a try—your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you!

How to Make Holiday Ritz Crackers

Quick Overview

Holiday Ritz Crackers are your shortcut to big flavor with minimal fuss. The process is simple: toss pantry staples together, bake, and serve. What makes this snack a winner is its lightning-fast prep time—just 10 minutes to throw it all together and another 8 to bake. You’ll love the buttery crumb, cheesy topping, and the irresistible kick from Ranch and red pepper flakes. Whether you’re prepping a holiday spread or an everyday treat, these crackers will be your new go-to for delicious snacking made easy.

Golden Ritz crackers baked with Ranch seasoning and Parmesan cheese, arranged on a festive platter

Ingredients

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

Step-by-Step

Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Arrange the crackers: Lay the Ritz crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Mix the topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Ranch dressing mix, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder.
Coat the crackers: Spoon or brush the buttery topping over each cracker, making sure they’re generously coated.
Bake: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until golden and lightly bubbly.
Cool and serve: Let the crackers cool for at least 5 minutes so they crisp up. Serve immediately or store for later.

What to Serve Holiday Ritz Crackers With

Holiday Ritz Crackers are a versatile addition to any snack spread. Serve them alongside:

Creamy spinach artichoke dip or ranch dressing
Hummus or whipped feta for a Mediterranean twist
Sliced cheeses and cured meats for a festive charcuterie board
Fresh fruits like grapes, apple slices, or dried cranberries
Nuts, olives, or roasted chickpeas for a well-rounded snack plate

And for drinks? Pair with sparkling cider, prosecco, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

Top Tips for Perfecting Holiday Ritz Crackers

Watch closely while baking: These can go from golden to burnt quickly—check at the 8-minute mark.
Cheese swap: Try Asiago, sharp cheddar, or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for variety.
Adjust the heat: Scale back the red pepper flakes for mild crackers or add cayenne for extra spice.
Double up: Hosting a party? Use two sheets and bake in batches so there’s enough to go around.
Stick with original Ritz: Reduced-fat versions tend to get soggy or lack that rich, buttery flavor.
Fresh herb bonus: Garnish with chopped parsley or chives after baking for a gourmet touch.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To keep your Holiday Ritz Crackers crisp and flavorful:

Cool completely before storing to avoid sogginess.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refresh in the oven at 300°F for 2–3 minutes if they lose crunch.
Freeze in zip-top freezer bags for up to 1 month. Thaw and crisp in the oven as needed.
Avoid refrigeration, as it makes the crackers soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of crackers instead of Ritz?
Yes! Try Club crackers, saltines, or any buttery-style cracker. Bake time may vary slightly.

Are these spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can reduce or skip them if you prefer a milder flavor.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Make them 1–2 days in advance and store in an airtight container until party time.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just use your favorite gluten-free crackers and double-check the Ranch mix for gluten content.

What if I don’t have Ranch dressing mix?
Mix together 1 tsp each dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, and salt for a quick homemade version.

Conclusion

Holiday Ritz Crackers bring a burst of flavor, crunch, and cheer to any party spread—no complicated ingredients or fussy techniques required. With their buttery base, cheesy Ranch topping, and playful nod to classic holiday snacking, they’re the perfect recipe to whip up on a busy day or whenever you’re craving something irresistible.

Whether served solo, jazzed up with dips, or tucked on a snack board, these crackers never fail to impress. Give them a try—you’ll see why they’re a staple at holiday tables and beyond. Happy snacking!