Are you looking for a versatile ingredient to elevate your cooking and baking game? Look no further than the humble Ritz cracker. These buttery, crunchy crackers have been a pantry staple for generations, but they’re more than just a plain old snack. In fact, when used creatively in various recipes, Ritz crackers can add a delightful textural element and depth of flavor to everything from savory dishes to sweet treats.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouthwatering ways to use Ritz crackers in your cooking and baking. From classic comfort foods to innovative desserts and snacks, these recipes are sure to inspire you to get creative with this beloved ingredient. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dessert for your next gathering, we’ve got you covered.
Ritz Cracker Crusted Chicken Tenders
Ritz Cracker Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe
A twist on traditional chicken tenders, this recipe adds a crunchy Ritz cracker crust for an irresistible snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
– 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together crushed Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, and garlic powder.
3. Dip each chicken strip into the cracker mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each piece.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the tenders and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
Ritz Cracker Toffee Cookies
These sweet and salty cookies combine the perfect crunch of Ritz crackers with a gooey toffee center, making them a unique and addictive treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup toffee bits (such as Heath)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Add flour, crushed Ritz crackers, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until just combined.
4. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
5. Place a few toffee bits in the center of each cookie. Fold dough over filling and press edges together.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Ritz Cracker Mac and Cheese Bake
A comforting twist on classic mac and cheese, this recipe adds the crunch of Ritz crackers to a creamy bechamel sauce.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
4. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
5. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened.
6. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted.
7. Add cooked macaroni, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
8. Transfer mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
9. Top with crushed Ritz crackers.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Ritz Cracker Peanut Butter Balls
These bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking on the go or as a quick dessert. The combination of creamy peanut butter, crunchy Ritz crackers, and sweet powdered sugar is a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup peanut butter
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 1/2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed
– 1 tablespoon milk or water
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth.
2. Add crushed Ritz crackers to the peanut butter mixture. Mix until well combined.
3. Gradually add milk or water, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
5. Place the peanut butter balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Cooking Time: None! These treats are best served chilled or at room temperature.
Ritz Cracker S’mores Bars
These gooey bars combine the nostalgia of s’mores with the crunch of Ritz crackers, perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed
– 1 cup milk chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup marshmallows (mini or regular)
– 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter until well combined.
3. Press the cracker mixture into the prepared baking dish.
4. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
5. Pour melted chocolate over the cracker crust.
6. Top with marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until marshmallows are toasted.
8. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Ritz Cracker Cheesecake Bites
These bite-sized cheesecakes are an easy and delicious dessert to make, perfect for parties or snacks. With a crunchy Ritz cracker crust and a creamy cheesecake filling, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 12 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 24 Ritz crackers, crushed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a bowl, mix crumbs and sugar. Add melted butter; stir until combined. Press mixture into each liner.
3. In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
4. Pour cheesecake batter over crusts. Top with crushed Ritz crackers.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are set.
6. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Ritz Cracker Tuna Casserole
A classic comfort food recipe that combines the flavors of tuna, cream of mushroom soup, and Ritz crackers for a satisfying and easy-to-make casserole.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained)
– 1 cup of cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup of milk
– 1 teaspoon of dried parsley
– 1/4 cup of grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup of Ritz crackers, crushed
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, parsley, and salt.
3. Pour mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the top of the casserole.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Ritz Cracker Chocolate Bark
Elevate your chocolate bark game with this unique twist featuring Ritz crackers and rich chocolate. Perfect for a sweet treat or gift-giving, this recipe is easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Ritz crackers
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon shortening (such as Crisco)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Toppings of your choice (e.g., chopped nuts, dried cranberries, sprinkles)
Instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the semisweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
3. Stir in the shortening and vanilla extract.
4. Arrange Ritz crackers on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Pour the melted chocolate over the crackers, spreading evenly to coat.
6. Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 15-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
7. Drizzle the white chocolate over the dark chocolate layer.
8. Add your desired toppings.
9. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until set.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Ritz Cracker Meatloaf Topping
Ritz Cracker Meatloaf Topping Recipe
Elevate your meatloaf game with this easy and delicious Ritz Cracker topping! This crunchy, savory addition is the perfect finishing touch for a classic comfort food.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the crushed Ritz crackers and softened butter until well combined.
3. If using cheddar cheese, stir it in at this point.
4. Spread the Ritz cracker mixture evenly over the top of your meatloaf.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time:
– 20-25 minutes or until golden brown
Ritz Cracker Apple Pie Bites
These bite-sized treats combine the classic flavors of apple pie with the crunch of Ritz crackers. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, they’re easy to make and sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Ritz crackers
– 2 large apples, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine diced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined.
3. Place a Ritz cracker on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon a small amount of apple mixture onto the cracker, leaving a 1/4 inch border around the edges.
4. Fold the cracker in half to enclose the apple filling. Repeat with remaining crackers and apple mixture.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Ritz Cracker Crab Dip
Elevate your next gathering with this addictive Ritz Cracker Crab Dip, perfect for snacking and socializing. With its creamy texture, savory flavor, and crunchy crackers, this dish is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 (8 oz) container cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
– 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat (fresh or canned)
– 1 sleeve Ritz Crackers
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, green onions (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning until smooth.
3. Stir in crab meat until well combined.
4. Transfer mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish or a small cast-iron skillet.
5. Arrange Ritz Crackers on top of the dip, slightly overlapping each other.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crackers are toasted and dip is warm.
7. Serve with additional crackers for dipping.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Ritz Cracker Icebox Cake
A classic dessert that’s perfect for potlucks or casual gatherings, this Ritz Cracker Icebox Cake is a simple yet impressive treat that requires minimal effort and no baking.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and sugar.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
3. Beat in the softened cream cheese until smooth.
4. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined.
5. Pour the mixture over the cracker mixture and stir until well combined.
6. Press the mixture into a 9×13-inch dish.
7. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: None! Let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
Ritz Cracker Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your party game with these bite-sized Ritz Cracker Stuffed Mushrooms. The buttery aroma and crispy texture of the crackers complemented by the earthy flavor of the mushrooms will have your guests coming back for more.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (such as cremini or shiitake)
– 1 sleeve of Ritz Crackers, crushed
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together crushed Ritz Crackers and softened butter until well combined.
3. Spoon the cracker mixture into each mushroom cap, dividing it evenly among the caps.
4. Top with grated cheddar cheese (if using).
5. Place stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Ritz Cracker Caramel Pretzel Bites
These bite-sized treats combine the crunch of pretzels, the chewiness of caramel, and the simplicity of Ritz crackers. Perfect for a quick snack or party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pretzel rods, broken into pieces
– 1 sleeve Ritz Crackers
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar
– 1/4 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together pretzel pieces and Ritz crackers.
3. In a separate saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until melted. Pour caramel mixture over the pretzel-Ritz mixture and stir until coated.
5. Drop by spoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt to taste.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until caramel is set.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Ritz Cracker Pimento Cheese Balls
A classic Southern appetizer that’s easy to make and always a hit. These bite-sized treats combine the richness of pimento cheese with the crunch of Ritz crackers.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pimento cheese
– 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
– 1 tablespoon butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together pimento cheese and crushed Ritz crackers until well combined.
3. Add grated cheddar cheese (if using) and stir until fully incorporated.
4. Drop the mixture by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Dot the top of each ball with butter.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Ritz Cracker Pumpkin Pie Bars
Ritz Cracker Pumpkin Pie Bars: A Twist on a Classic
These Ritz Cracker Pumpkin Pie Bars are the perfect fall treat, combining the warmth of pumpkin pie with the crunch and simplicity of Ritz crackers. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy these sweet and satisfying bars in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups Ritz Crackers, crushed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, mix together crushed Ritz Crackers, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt.
- Add melted butter, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
- Press mixture into a 9×9-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper.
- Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Ritz Cracker Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños
Elevate your snack game with this addictive recipe that combines the crunch of Ritz crackers, the smokiness of bacon, and the spicy kick of jalapeños.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 large jalapeño peppers
– 6 slices of bacon
– 1 package of Ritz crackers
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes.
3. Wrap each jalapeño half with a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
4. In a small bowl, crush Ritz crackers into fine crumbs.
5. Dip each bacon-wrapped jalapeño into crushed Ritz crackers, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Place the coated jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Ritz Cracker Lemon Cream Dessert
A refreshing twist on a classic dessert, this Ritz Cracker Lemon Cream Dessert combines the crunch of Ritz crackers with the tanginess of lemon and the creaminess of whipped cream.
Ingredients:
– 1 package Ritz crackers
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
3. Add the granulated sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
4. Arrange Ritz crackers in a single layer on a baking sheet.
5. Drizzle the whipped cream mixture evenly over the crackers.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cream is set and slightly golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Ritz crackers are more than just a snack – they’re a versatile ingredient that can elevate your recipes to new heights. In this article, we’ve gathered 18 crunchy Ritz Cracker recipes perfect for any occasion. From savory dishes like Tuna Casserole and Meatloaf Topping, to sweet treats like Cheesecake Bites and Pumpkin Pie Bars, these recipes are sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a show-stopping dessert, these Ritz Cracker recipes have got you covered.
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