When it comes to versatile ingredients, few can rival the humble Ritz cracker. These golden wafers are a staple in many a pantry, and with good reason. Not only do they make a delicious base for snacking straight from the box, but they also lend themselves perfectly to a wide range of creative recipes. From savory dishes like casserole and meatloaf, to sweet treats like cheesecake and banana pudding, Ritz crackers are the perfect addition to any meal or snack.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouthwatering Ritz cracker recipes that are sure to become new favorites in your household. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy snack, a show-stopping appetizer, or a comforting side dish, we’ve got you covered with these tasty and creative ideas.
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
A classic comfort food recipe that combines the flavors of chicken, vegetables, and Ritz crackers for a satisfying casserole.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup cream of chicken soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook chicken, onion, and garlic until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Add peas and carrots, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Stir until combined.
4. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the crushed Ritz crackers in the bottom.
5. Pour the chicken mixture over the crackers.
6. Top with remaining Ritz crackers and drizzle with melted butter.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the casserole is hot and the crackers are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Ritz Cracker Crusted Fish
Elevate your seafood game with this simple and delicious recipe that combines the crunch of Ritz crackers with the flaky goodness of fish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion, this dish is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or mahi-mahi work well)
– 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place fish fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Mix crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and lemon zest in a bowl.
5. Spoon cracker mixture evenly over each fish fillet.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until fish is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Ritz Cracker Mac and Cheese
Elevate your macaroni and cheese game with the addition of Ritz crackers, adding a satisfying crunch to this comforting classic. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup crushed Ritz crackers
– 2 tbsp butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk to combine; cook for 1 minute.
4. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
7. Pour macaroni mixture into a baking dish and top with crushed Ritz crackers.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Ritz Cracker Toffee Bars
A sweet and salty treat that combines the classic flavors of toffee with the crunch of Ritz crackers.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups Ritz Crackers, crushed
– 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
– Sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Add crushed Ritz Crackers and mix until well combined.
5. If using nuts, fold them into the mixture.
6. Press mixture into a lined or greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
8. Remove from oven and sprinkle with sea salt.
9. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Ritz Cracker Peanut Butter Balls
Elevate your snack game with these bite-sized treats that combine the classic flavors of peanut butter and Ritz crackers.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup crushed Ritz crackers
– 1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: chopped peanuts or chocolate chips for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter, powdered sugar, and crushed Ritz crackers. Mix until well combined.
2. Add milk or heavy cream and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
3. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
4. Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to form the mixture into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You should end up with around 12-15 balls.
5. Place the peanut butter balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None! These bite-sized treats are best served chilled or at room temperature.
Enjoy your delicious Ritz Cracker Peanut Butter Balls!
Ritz Cracker Cheesecake Bites
A sweet and indulgent treat that combines the classic flavors of cheesecake with the crunch of Ritz crackers. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a quick dessert fix.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup melted butter
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir in melted butter until well combined.
3. Press about 1 tablespoon of the crust mixture into each muffin cup.
4. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
5. Pour cheesecake mixture over the crust layer in each muffin cup.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set.
7. Let cool completely before serving. If desired, sprinkle with chopped pecans.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Ritz Cracker S’mores Bars
Elevate your s’mores game with this easy-to-make bar recipe, featuring Ritz crackers as the base instead of traditional graham crackers. The result is a gooey, sweet, and crunchy treat that’s perfect for camping trips or backyard gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed
– 1 cup milk chocolate chips
– 1 cup marshmallows
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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. Spread the melted chocolate over the cracker layer.
6. Arrange marshmallows on top of the chocolate.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until marshmallows are toasted and golden brown.
8. Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Ritz Cracker Meatloaf
A twist on the classic meatloaf recipe, this dish uses Ritz crackers to add a crunchy texture and rich flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: Cheddar cheese, chopped bell peppers, or other desired toppings
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, chopped onion, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan or shape into a loaf shape on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
5. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Ritz Cracker Apple Pie Bites
A sweet and indulgent twist on traditional apple pie, these bite-sized treats combine the crunch of Ritz crackers with the warmth of cinnamon and the sweetness of apples.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large apple, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together crushed Ritz crackers, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Add melted butter and stir until mixture is well combined.
4. Fold in diced apple and honey.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Ritz Cracker Tuna Melt
Elevate your tuna sandwich game with this creamy and crunchy Ritz Cracker Tuna Melt. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be enjoying a satisfying lunch in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained)
– 2 tablespoons of cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon of chopped onion
– 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 Ritz crackers
Instructions:
1. Preheat your broiler or toaster oven to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the tuna, cream cheese, onion, and parsley until well combined.
3. Butter one side of each Ritz cracker.
4. Place two crackers, buttered side down, on a baking sheet.
5. Spoon the tuna mixture onto the crackers, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
6. Top with the remaining two crackers, buttered side up.
7. Broil or bake for 3-4 minutes, until the crackers are golden brown and the filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 3-4 minutes
Ritz Cracker Chocolate Bark
Transform your favorite snack into a decadent dessert with this easy and indulgent Ritz Cracker Chocolate Bark recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 sleeve of Ritz Crackers (about 30-40 crackers)
– 1 cup milk chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon shortening (like Crisco or coconut oil)
– Optional toppings: chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or sprinkles
Instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
3. Arrange Ritz Crackers on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Pour the melted milk chocolate over the crackers, spreading to cover evenly.
5. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or until chocolate is set.
6. Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
7. Drizzle the white chocolate over the milk chocolate layer.
8. Add optional toppings if desired.
9. Refrigerate for an additional 15-20 minutes or until set.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe requires no cooking time, just assembly and refrigeration.
Enjoy your delicious Ritz Cracker Chocolate Bark!
Ritz Cracker Pumpkin Pie
This classic pumpkin pie gets a creative twist with the addition of Ritz crackers, adding a buttery and crunchy texture to this autumnal dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pumpkin puree
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
– 2 large eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, heavy cream, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until smooth.
3. Stir in crushed Ritz crackers.
4. Beat in eggs until well combined.
5. Pour mixture into a pie crust and bake for 45-50 minutes or until filling is set.
6. Allow to cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Ritz Cracker Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños
Elevate your snack game with this easy and addictive recipe that combines the crunch of Ritz crackers, the smokiness of bacon, and the spicy kick of jalapeños.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 jalapeño peppers
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 1 box of Ritz crackers
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wrap each jalapeño pepper with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if needed.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on it.
4. Sprinkle the Ritz crackers over the peppers, making sure they’re evenly coated.
5. Drizzle the brown sugar over the crackers for an added layer of flavor.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Servings: 1 dozen
Ritz Cracker Crab Dip
Elevate your snack game with this creamy and delicious Ritz Cracker Crab Dip, perfect for parties or gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 (8 oz) container of cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
– 1/2 cup lump crab meat, flaked
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions, for garnish
– 1 package of Ritz crackers, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning until smooth.
3. Stir in flaked crab meat until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or small cast-iron skillet.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly browned on top.
6. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving with Ritz crackers.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Ritz Cracker Banana Pudding
Transform your classic banana pudding into a crunchy and creamy masterpiece by incorporating Ritz Crackers! This unique dessert combines the smoothness of bananas with the satisfying crunch of crackers.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup crushed Ritz Crackers
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced bananas, heavy cream, sugar, and salt.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes or until the pudding has thickened slightly.
4. Stir in the crushed Ritz Crackers, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
6. Pour into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Ritz Cracker Stuffed Mushrooms
A savory and satisfying appetizer or side dish that combines the earthy flavor of mushrooms with the buttery richness of Ritz crackers.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (such as portobello or cremini)
– 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 oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together crushed Ritz crackers and softened butter until well combined.
3. Divide the cracker mixture among the mushroom caps, spooning it into the centers.
4. If using cheese, sprinkle it over the cracker mixture.
5. Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crackers are golden brown and the mushrooms are tender.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Ritz Cracker Lemon Bars
Combine the classic flavors of lemon and Ritz crackers for a delightful dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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 sugar.
3. Pour in melted butter; stir until well combined.
4. Press the cracker mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
6. Pour the lemon mixture over the cracker crust.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Ritz Cracker Pizza Bites
Discover a delightful twist on traditional pizza with these bite-sized Ritz Cracker Pizza Bites, perfect for snacking or serving at parties.
Ingredients:
– 1 sleeve of Ritz Crackers (about 30-40 crackers)
– 1/2 cup pizza sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Arrange crackers on a baking sheet in single layers, leaving space between each cracker.
3. Spoon a small amount of pizza sauce onto each cracker, leaving a 1/4 inch border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until crackers are golden brown and cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Looking for delicious and easy-to-make recipes that feature Ritz Crackers as a main ingredient? Look no further! This article showcases 18 mouth-watering recipes that are perfect for any occasion. From savory dishes like Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole and Ritz Cracker Crusted Fish, to sweet treats like Ritz Cracker Toffee Bars and Ritz Cracker Cheesecake Bites, there’s something for everyone. With these creative and tasty recipes, you’ll never tire of using Ritz Crackers in your cooking and baking.
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