10 Easy Ritz Cracker Appetizers

Have a box of Ritz crackers stashed in the pantry? Then you’re just minutes away from pulling together these Ritz cracker appetizers. 

These tasty bites are a real lifesaver! 

They’ll cover you in a pinch when some unexpected company comes knocking. They’re also there when a serious snack attack strikes. 

And special occasions? These crowd-pleasing appetizers have your back.

Their buttery taste and flaky texture is the ideal vessel for serving all sorts of yummy toppings. From fresh and savory to sweet and creamy, the possibilities are endless with a box of Ritz.

If you’re short on inspiration, I have the 10 best Ritz cracker appetizers right here. 

1. Cucumber Salmon Appetizers 

These fresh and savory appetizers are a fabulous addition to special occasions like baby showers or Easter Sunday. 

The crisp cucumber, creamy mascarpone, and smoked salmon hit all the right notes. It’s elegant and classy without being too flashy or stressful. 

Although, if you do want to dazzle your guests, throw an edible flower on top for a show-stopping presentation. 

None of your guests will even realize that the entire platter only took a handful of minutes to make.

2. Spicy Shrimp and Guacamole Bites 

Spicy shrimp and guacamole are the perfect cracker topping if you ask me. Each crisp cracker is slathered in fresh guacamole with a spicy shrimp on top. 

This requires a bit more involvement than just slapping cheddar cheese on a Ritz, but not by much.

Coat the shrimp in a sprinkle of paprika and cayenne along with a good squeeze of lime. Be careful not to overcook them, as they’ll only take a couple of minutes. 

For the guacamole, you’ll basically throw together a quick pico de gallo with avocados. You could also go with store-bought, but I find it’s never as fresh as I like. 

Besides, guac is probably one of the easiest avocado recipes around, right?

Depending upon how spicy you like things, you can add more or less cayenne to the shrimp and jalapeno to the guac. 

3. Avocado and Garlic Shrimp Bites 

This will be your new favorite appetizer to kick off the summer at your annual backyard bash.

Shrimp and avocado are prime summer ingredients that make immaculate bites.

This recipe is similar to the last one, except you’ll swap out spicy shrimp for garlic shrimp and dial down the avocado. 

When cleaning the shrimp, make sure it’s deveined. You’ll especially want to double-check if you’re using large shrimp. 

Otherwise, these crackers might not taste as fresh as you like.

4. Jalapeño Popper Toppers

Jalapeno poppers are always a delight, but require more work than you may have time for, but these spicy nibbles are another story. 

This four-ingredient recipe serves a crowd with the most minimal work. 

All you’ll have to do is add more cheese to cream cheese and smear it on some Ritz. Top it with a slice of jalapeno and viola, time to eat!

Load up a platter and pass them around with all your other easy game-day appetizers. These things go fast so, it might be a good idea to double up on the recipe.

5. Berries and Cream Ritz Cracker Topper 

Did you know you can turn an unassuming box of Ritz into an incredible dessert, too?

These vivacious crackers are oozing with juicy berries and a sweet cream cheese spread. To top it all off, it even has a drizzle of honey!

You can use whatever type of berries are in season. I’m a big fan of using ripe blackberries.

If you’re short on time, you could just go with standard cream cheese. However, you’ll miss out on the extra special sweet touch. 

6. 10-Minute Cucumber Cream Cheese Cracker 

Another unique way to add a little pizzazz to a box of Ritz is this 10-minute recipe.

It’s fresh, sweet, creamy, and fruity, so it works both as an appetizer or light dessert.

I love the combination of crisp cucumber and juicy pop of pomegranate seeds.

For the picture-perfect touch, you can pipe on the cream cheese and add your fruit just right. 

However, if the occasion doesn’t call for it, I don’t think anyone will mind if you spoon the cream cheese on instead.

7. Easy Strawberries and Cream Appetizer 

If you’ve been here before, you know I love a good strawberry dessert, and this one is so easy!

This four-ingredient recipe is excellent for when you want something sweet without going overboard. 

An unembellished topping of cream cheese, honey, and a ripe strawberry are all it takes. 

I love the simplicity of this appetizer as much as I love the taste. Although, if you do need something showy, dip the strawberries in chocolate. 

8. Real Crab Meat Salad Cracker Appetizer 

There are a lot of savory snacks nobody can resist. But I guarantee everyone in sight will immediately perk up when they see these succulent crab bites.

Each cracker features a sour cream and mayo-based mixture full of lump crab meat. A quick squeeze of lemon adds a little zip to intensify all that savory goodness.

While it might be tempting to go with fake or canned crab, I highly urge you to use fresh. It makes a world of difference!

9. Chicken Caprese Crackers with RITZ Crackers 

You know when you look at the serving suggestions on the side of a Ritz box and you instantly crave it? This recipe is like that. 

You’ll take flaky, buttery Ritz and slap on some creamy chicken with tomato slices, mozzarella, and basil. 

Oh, and of course, you’ll need a little balsamic vinegar. It’s a caprese after all!

If you need a potluck appetizer for your next party, I say go with this. It’s a real crowd-pleaser.

10. Ritz Pizza Crackers 

Whether the kids are in dire need of an afternoon snack or you’re the hangry one, this recipe can help.

All you have to do is layer Ritz with some marinara, cheese, and any other pizza topping you like. Pop them into the oven until the cheese is melty and it’s snack time.

These quick pizza tidbits are also a fun one for family movie nights, kid birthday parties, and game days with friends.