Ritz Crackers are buttery, flaky, and light crackers that are beloved for their simple, salty flavor and satisfying crunch. They’re perfect on their own, paired with cheese, or used in recipes like casseroles, toppings, or desserts. While making homemade Ritz crackers is a little more involved than opening a box, it’s totally doable and fun, and you get that fresh-from-the-oven taste!
Here’s a recipe to make your own homemade Ritz-style crackers:
Homemade Ritz Crackers Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt (plus more for sprinkling)
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup cold water (plus extra if needed)
- 1 tsp granulated sugar (to add a touch of sweetness, optional)
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a food processor, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, garlic powder (if using), and sugar (if using). Pulse to mix.
- Add the cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together. You may need a little more or less water, so be cautious not to add too much.
- Once the dough has formed, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead it a few times until smooth.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
- Divide the dough into two portions for easier handling.
- Roll out one portion of dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. You want the dough to be as thin as possible while still being pliable. The thinner the dough, the crispier the crackers will be.
3. Cut the Crackers:
- Use a cookie cutter or the top of a drinking glass (about 2 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough. You can re-roll the scraps to cut out more crackers.
- If you want a more authentic Ritz look, use a fork to lightly pierce the center of each cracker (this prevents air bubbles during baking and gives the crackers their signature look).
4. Bake the Crackers:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the crackers onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart.
- Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cracker.
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them, as baking time can vary based on thickness.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the crackers are completely cooled, enjoy them as a snack, or serve them with cheese, dips, or spreads!
Tips:
- Flavor Variations: You can experiment with adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, or Parmesan cheese to the dough for added flavor.
- Butter: Be sure to use cold butter for the best texture. It helps create flaky layers in the dough.
- Storage: Store your homemade Ritz crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
These homemade Ritz-style crackers are buttery, crispy, and perfect for snacking or pairing with your favorite toppings!
