Easy Appetizers using Ritz Crackers

Do you need something quick and easy for appetizers? I have found some great, delicious, easy appetizers using Ritz Crackers. Only 3 basic ingredients needed for these appetizers and requires no cooking skills whatsoever. You can never go wrong with these appetizers. They are picky eater approved and the whole family will enjoy.

Air Fryer Bacon Ritz Cracker Appetizer

Are you in the mood for something sweet and salty?  This crowd pleasing recipe is a win. It’s a mix of sweet and salty deliciousness. I looooove bacon appetizers! Salty and sweet make a great combo! Ritz crackers, Bacon and a touch of brown sugar are a match made in heaven and if you haven’t tried these before, believe me when I say this bacon appetizer would blow your mind.

Air Fryer Bacon Ritz Cracker Appetizer
Golden Bacon Appetizer

Ingredients:

  1. Nabisco Ritz crackers
  2. Bacon (not thick cut)
  3. Brown Sugar

Maple syrup for the extra yum if you like (this is optional)

To Prepare:

  • Prepare eight slices of thinly cut bacon. 
  • Cut them into smaller parts.
  • Place them on top of Ritz Crackers.
  • Add 1/4 teaspoon of brown sugar over bacon on each cracker
  • For 5 to 6 minutes, let it cook in an Air Fryer at 400°F / 200°C temperature.
  • Let it cool slightly, then eat your heart away!

Healthy Substitutions:

Crackers: If you don’t have Ritz crackers, the closest substitute would be Keebler’s Club Crackers. Use the low sodium variety to cut down on salt. To make it gluten free, use your favorite gluten free crackers.

Brown sugar: Looking to cut down on sugar-swap out with coconut sugar, Truvia blend, or a completely sugar free brown sugar substitute like Besti brown sugar substitute.

Zesty Ritz Crackers

Another great easy appetizer using Ritz Crackers with only 3 ingredients are these Zesty Ritz Crackers. You could also throw anything in there that you would like (red pepper flakes, garlic powder, etc.). However, you definitely DO NOT need more salt. The crackers are already loaded with it.

Zesty Ritz Crackers
Zesty Ranch

Ingredients:

  1. Nabisco Ritz crackers
  2. Stick Unsalted Butter
  3. Ranch Seasoning Mix 1 pack

For something a little extra you can add 1/3 Cup Parmesan Cheese

To Prepare:

  • Preheat your oven to 300 degrees, and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Melt the butter in a large bowl and mix well with the packet of ranch seasoning.
  • Add the crackers to the bowl gently toss and coat the crackers in the butter mixture, and then sprinkle the parmesan cheese throughout.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, and enjoy!

Cool and store in air-tight container for up to 1 week.

Ritz Strawberry Cheesecake Bites

Finally, you can make these simple delicious Ritz cracker strawberry cheesecake bites. They are perfect for holiday parties and family get togethers. This is one of the simplest and most delicious Ritz cracker appetizers that you can prepare in just minutes!

Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
Strawberry Cheesecake

Ingredients:

  1. Nabisco Ritz crackers
  2. Softened, 4 oz brick cream cheese
  3. 1/2 Cup Strawberry Pie Filling

To Prepare:

  • Spread a layer of softened cream cheese on each cracker
  • Add a dollop of strawberry sauce.

Can add a fresh mint leaf for garnish.

You can use cranberry sauce, you can use fruit jam, preserves, or jelly instead of strawberry Pie Filling. I really love making these little snacks with blackberry jam. The combination of the blackberry jam with cream cheese is so delicious. What I love about these little cream cheese appetizers is they can either be served already made; or you can set up a mini buffet, and let guests spread their own Ritz crackers with the delicious cranberry cream cheese spread.

What to Drink with Appetizers?

Wine with appetizer

How do you know what wine goes with what food or appetizer?????? I used to worry about the same thing, especially when I would have over family, friends, or guests. The way I used to do it was if I was having light meal with noodles, veggies, chicken, fish or a mixture of all, then I would use white. Heavier meals, pork, steak, BBQ, then go with a red. In all honesty, there is no wrong answer to drinking wine. Go with what your heart desires. I get my fine wine delivered directly to my door each month. You can too!!!!!! Want to Learn MORE?

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In Conclusion

There’s no time like the holiday season for easy, delicious appetizers. Not complicated, just delicious. However, I make them all year round whenever I want to treat my family to something special. Guess what! Like I said it’s not reserved only for special occasions like game night with friends or for Christmas and Thanksgiving. You can make it all year round. Make some today and enjoy.