Let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to appetizer: Ranch Ritz! This delightful dish has become a staple in my household, and I can’t get enough of that scrumptious blend of ranch flavor and buttery Ritz crackers. Seriously, the moment you take a bite, you’re hit with creamy ranch goodness, and the crunch of those crackers just makes it all the better. I remember the first time I served it at a family gathering; it disappeared faster than I could keep up with refilling the bowl! It’s perfect for parties, game nights, or even a cozy movie marathon at home. Trust me, once you try this easy recipe, you’ll be hooked just like I am!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients for my Ranch Ritz is super simple! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup melted butter
These ingredients come together to create a creamy, cheesy, and crunchy delight that everyone will love. Make sure to have everything ready before you start; it makes the whole process a breeze!
How to Prepare Ranch Ritz
Getting your Ranch Ritz ready is a breeze, and I promise it’ll be worth every bite! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want that perfect golden brown finish when it’s all baked up.
Next, grab a mixing bowl and combine the ranch dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Mix them well—this is where the flavors start to come alive! Now, it’s time to add in the crushed Ritz crackers. You want to fold them in gently, so they’re evenly coated in the ranch mixture.
Once that’s nice and mixed, pour in the melted butter. This will give your dish that rich flavor and help everything hold together. Stir until everything is well combined. Now, spread the mixture evenly into a baking dish, making sure it’s nice and packed in. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s bubbly and golden brown on top. Let it cool for a few minutes before diving in—trust me, that wait will make it taste even better!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: You can whip this up in just about 10 minutes!
- Deliciously creamy and cheesy flavor that’s totally addictive.
- Versatile: Serve it warm as a dip or as a tasty side dish.
- Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights in.
- Kid-friendly and always a crowd-pleaser, even with picky eaters!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Ranch Ritz turns out perfectly, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skimp on the mixing—make sure everything is well combined so each bite is packed with flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the cheddar cheese for pepper jack or even a blend of your favorites for a spicy twist!
Also, keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary, and you want that lovely golden crust without overcooking. If you like a little extra crunch, consider topping the mixture with some additional crushed Ritz crackers before baking—yum! And don’t forget, letting it cool for a few minutes after baking helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your dish to a whole new level!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk nutrition! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying with my Ranch Ritz. Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
It’s a tasty treat, but don’t forget to enjoy it in moderation, especially if you’re keeping an eye on those calories!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my delicious Ranch Ritz? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common queries I get:
Can I make Ranch Ritz ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve with Ranch Ritz? This dish is fabulous as a dip with veggies, chips, or even pita bread. It also pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a side for your favorite main dishes.
Can I use different types of crackers? Yes! While Ritz crackers are a classic choice, feel free to experiment with others like buttery club crackers or even whole grain options for a healthier twist!
Is this recipe gluten-free? Not as it stands, but you can easily adapt it by using gluten-free crackers and ranch dressing to suit your diet!
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions; I’m always here to help you whip up this tasty treat!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover Ranch Ritz is super easy! Just transfer any uneaten portions to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about three days, so you can enjoy it again later. When you’re ready to dig in, I recommend reheating it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until it’s warmed through and that cheesy goodness is bubbling again. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overdo it, as it can make the texture a bit rubbery. Enjoy every last bite!
Print
Ranch Ritz: 5 Irresistible Flavor Bombs for Gatherings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious blend of ranch flavor and buttery Ritz crackers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the ranch dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions.
- Add the crushed Ritz crackers to the mixture.
- Pour in the melted butter and mix until combined.
- Spread the mixture into a baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Serve warm as a dip or side dish.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Experiment with different cheese types for varied flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Ranch Ritz, ranch dip, Ritz cracker recipe