Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the fridge (or frozen for longer). Simply let the dough soften slightly at room temperature so it’s easier to roll out.

How do I ensure my crackers are really crispy?

Bake until the crackers are deep golden brown and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Don’t skip the chilling step, as it helps prevent sogginess and ensures maximum flakiness.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Absolutely. Swap the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk wash instead of egg for browning. The crackers will still be delicious and crisp.

Can I use a different type of fat instead of vegetable oil?

You sure can. Light olive oil or another neutral oil will work fine. Butter alone isn’t enough—you want the combo for the best texture!

Homemade Ritz Crackers Recipe

Name: Homemade Ritz Crackers Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 tablespoons unsalted cold butter, cubed; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 4 tablespoons water; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); Kosher salt, for garnish

Forget the store-bought box—making your own Ritz-style crackers at home is an absolute game changer. These Homemade Ritz Crackers are buttery, flaky, and perfectly crisp, just the way a cracker should be. If you love snacking or need a kid-approved appetizer in a flash, you’ll adore how easy and rewarding it is to whip up a batch. With simple ingredients and a stress-free approach, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or spur-of-the-moment entertaining. The flavor is rich and slightly salty, the texture is shatteringly crisp on the outside with a melt-in-your-mouth finish. Once you taste how satisfying these crackers are right out of the oven, you might never go back to packaged crackers again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unbelievably Easy: The dough comes together fast, and most of the ingredients are probably already in your pantry. No fancy equipment or complicated techniques—just straightforward steps.
Fresh, Buttery Flavor: Nothing compares to the taste of crackers made with real, cold butter. Each bite is delightfully flaky and rich with a gentle touch of sweetness.
Customizable: This base recipe is endlessly adaptable—add herbs, spices, or cheeses to make it your own.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re packing lunchboxes, serving up a homemade cheese board, or looking for the ideal soup partner, these crackers are always a hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the cracker; don’t substitute with cake or bread flour for best results.
Baking Powder: Gives the crackers a hint of lift, ensuring a delicate, puffed texture.
Sugar: Just a pinch for the classic slightly sweet Ritz flavor.
Kosher Salt: Enhances every flavor and adds a signature savory kick both in the dough and as a topping.
Cold Unsalted Butter: The star of this recipe—cold butter ensures flakes and a rich taste (use unsalted to control the seasoning).
Vegetable Oil: Adds tenderness and that signature slight snap to the cracker when bitten into.
Water: Brings it all together; make sure it’s cold to keep the dough flaky.
Egg (for Egg Wash): Brushed on top for that irresistible golden, glossy finish.
Kosher Salt (for Garnish): Don’t skip this! That sprinkle on top is what makes each cracker irresistible.

Tip: Use only cold butter and water; this prevents the cracker from turning dense or greasy.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Cheesy Ritz: Mix in a handful of finely grated cheddar or parmesan to the dough for a bolder flavor.
Herb-Infused: Finely chop fresh rosemary, thyme, or chives and knead them into the dough for aromatic crackers.
Whole Wheat: Swap half the flour for whole wheat for a nuttier, more wholesome snack.
Gluten-Free: Try a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend—just note the texture may be a little different but still satisfying.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika, black pepper, or garlic powder for a unique twist.

Don’t be afraid to get creative; these crackers are a blank canvas for your favorite flavors!

How to Make Homemade Ritz Crackers

Prepare the Dough

Start by whisking together flour, baking powder, sugar, and kosher salt in a bowl. Take cold, cubed butter and use your fingertips to work it quickly into the dry ingredients. You’re looking for pea-sized bits of butter throughout—this is what creates those lovely flaky layers. Drizzle in the vegetable oil and blend it all together.

Bring It Together

Add cold water to the mixture, stirring until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Don’t overmix—just bring it together until everything is combined and the dough holds.

Chill

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling is crucial for that signature crispy bite!

Shape

Dust your work surface with flour and divide the dough in half. Roll out one half at a time (keep the second half chilling), and use a small round cutter (think about 1.5 inches) to stamp out classic cracker shapes. Lay them on a parchment-lined baking tray.

Finish and Bake

Brush each round lightly with beaten egg and give each a little sprinkle of kosher salt. Bake at 400ºF for about 10 minutes, or until the crackers are a deep golden brown. You’re aiming for rich color—this means flavor and crispness.

Cool

Allow the crackers to cool a bit on the tray (they’ll finish crisping up), then transfer to a wire rack so air can circulate underneath.

Repeat for the second half of dough, and you’re all set for snacking.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Work Quickly With Cold Ingredients: The colder the butter and water, the flakier your crackers.
Roll Evenly: The thickness of your cracker rounds will directly affect their final crunch—aim for uniform thinness.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give space between crackers so heat circulates and you get evenly golden results.
Watch Closely While Baking: Crackers go from golden perfection to overbaked very quickly, so keep an eye on the oven during the last couple of minutes.

How to Serve

These homemade Ritz crackers are the ultimate snack and hors d’oeuvre companion. Pair them with a wedge of creamy brie, a smear of cream cheese, or your favorite sharp cheddar. They work beautifully with dips—think hummus, spinach artichoke, or whipped feta. For soup night, serve a bowl of tomato soup with a side stack of warm, just-baked crackers. Or, go old-school and use them as the crunchy base for mini sandwiches and canapés.

For the perfect party platter, add grapes, salami, and pickles—you won’t be disappointed.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. The crispness holds up well, but if they soften, a quick toast in the oven can revive them.

Freezing

The raw dough freezes beautifully. Wrap the dough tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling and baking.

Reheating

If crackers lose crunch, spread them on a baking sheet and warm at 325ºF for 3-4 minutes—they’ll be good as new.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the fridge (or frozen for longer). Simply let the dough soften slightly at room temperature so it’s easier to roll out.
How do I ensure my crackers are really crispy?

Bake until the crackers are deep golden brown and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Don’t skip the chilling step, as it helps prevent sogginess and ensures maximum flakiness.
Can I make these dairy-free?

Absolutely. Swap the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk wash instead of egg for browning. The crackers will still be delicious and crisp.
Can I use a different type of fat instead of vegetable oil?

You sure can. Light olive oil or another neutral oil will work fine. Butter alone isn’t enough—you want the combo for the best texture!

Final Thoughts

Homemade Ritz Crackers are the kind of kitchen project that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. With simple steps, pantry staples, and endless room to play with flavors, there’s every reason to make these your go-to snack. They’re buttery, flaky, and absolutely crowd-pleasing. Give them a try—you’re only about an hour away from truly addictive homemade crackers that might just outshine anything from the store. Dive in, and happy snacking!