Do you have a box of Ritz crackers sitting in your pantry right now? You are mere minutes away from some seriously delicious appetizers that save the day when unexpected guests show up.
I have pulled together 10 Ritz cracker appetizers that range from savory and creamy to sweet and fruity.
1. Jalapeño Popper Toppers
Jalapeno poppers are delicious but they usually require a lot of work. This four ingredient recipe is a different story and lets you serve a crowd with very little effort.
You just mix extra cheese into cream cheese before spreading it onto a cracker and topping it with a jalapeno slice. These spicy little bites disappear fast so you might want to make a double batch.
2. Cucumber Salmon Appetizers
These fresh and savory bites are perfect for special events like baby showers or Easter. I love how the crisp cucumber pairs with creamy mascarpone and smoked salmon for a classy appetizer.
It feels elegant without causing you any stress in the kitchen. You can even add an edible flower on top to really impress your guests.
3. Ritz Pizza Crackers
This recipe is here to help when the kids need a snack or when you feel hangry. You simply layer marinara sauce and cheese onto crackers along with your favorite pizza toppings.
Pop them in the oven until the cheese gets melty and delicious. It is a fun option for movie nights or birthday parties.
4. Spicy Shrimp and Guacamole Bites
I think spicy shrimp and guacamole make the perfect topping for a crisp cracker. You get a layer of fresh guacamole topped with a shrimp that has been dusted in paprika and cayenne.
It takes a little more effort than plain cheese but the result is worth it. You can adjust the cayenne or jalapeno levels depending on how much heat you like.
5. 10-Minute Cucumber Cream Cheese Cracker
This 10 minute recipe adds some pizzazz to a standard box of crackers. It tastes fresh and creamy with a nice mix of crisp cucumber and juicy pomegranate seeds.
I think it works well as either an appetizer or a light dessert. You can pipe the cream cheese on top for a picture perfect look or just spoon it on if you want to keep things casual.
6. Chicken Caprese Crackers with RITZ Crackers
This recipe combines flaky crackers with creamy chicken and slices of tomato. You add mozzarella cheese and basil plus a little splash of balsamic vinegar to get that classic caprese flavor.
It is a total crowd pleaser that works perfectly for your next potluck party. I find myself craving this combination just by looking at the ingredients.
7. Berries and Cream Ritz Cracker Topper
You can actually turn a box of crackers into an incredible dessert. These bites feature juicy berries and a sweet cream cheese spread with a drizzle of honey on top.
I love using ripe blackberries but you can use whatever berries are in season. It is a simple way to make a sweet treat that feels extra special.
8. Real Crab Meat Salad Cracker Appetizer
I guarantee people will perk up when they see these savory crab bites. The topping is a mixture of sour cream and mayo loaded with lump crab meat.
A squeeze of lemon juice adds some zip that intensifies the savory flavors. I highly recommend using fresh crab meat instead of canned because it makes a huge difference.
9. Avocado and Garlic Shrimp Bites
Shrimp and avocado are the ultimate summer ingredients for a backyard party. This recipe uses garlic shrimp instead of spicy ones and dials back the avocado just a bit.
You should double check that your shrimp are deveined before cooking to ensure the best taste. These bites are a fresh and delicious way to start any gathering.
10. Easy Strawberries and Cream Appetizer
This four ingredient recipe is perfect when you want a sweet treat that is super easy to make. You just need a simple topping of cream cheese and honey plus a ripe strawberry.
I love how simple and tasty this appetizer is. You can even dip the strawberries in chocolate if you need something a little more showy.
