Weight Watchers-Friendly Garlic Bread Ritz Bits
Ingredients:

  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 32 crackers) – 12 points (for the reduced-fat version)
  • 1/4 cup reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded – 3 points
  • 1 tablespoon light butter (or reduced-fat butter) – 2 points
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – 0 points
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley – 0 points
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt – 0 points
  • Non-stick cooking spray – 0 points

Total points for the entire recipe: 17 points
Yields: 16 mini sandwiches (32 halves)
Points per serving (2 mini sandwiches): 2 points

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Assemble the crackers:
    • Take half of the Ritz crackers (16 crackers) and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Add a small amount (about 1/2 teaspoon) of shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese onto each cracker. Top each with another Ritz cracker to create a mini sandwich.
  3. Prepare the garlic butter:
    • In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the light butter. Stir in the garlic powder, dried parsley, and salt.
  4. Brush the garlic butter:
    • Lightly brush the tops of each cracker sandwich with the garlic butter mixture. You can also use non-stick cooking spray to lightly coat the crackers if you want to cut down on points.
  5. Bake:
    • Bake the garlic bread Ritz bits for 8-10 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
  6. Cool and serve:
    • Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these garlic-flavored, cheesy bites warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information (per 2 mini sandwiches):

  • Calories: ~80
  • Protein: ~2g
  • Carbs: ~8g
  • Fat: ~4g
  • Points per serving: 2 points

Tips:

  • Cheese options: You can substitute the reduced-fat mozzarella with a fat-free or part-skim cheese for fewer points.
  • Butter alternative: If you want to reduce points further, skip the butter and use non-stick spray with garlic powder instead.
  • Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the garlic powder and parsley amounts to your taste. You can even add some Italian seasoning for an extra flavor boost.
  • Make-ahead: These can be prepped ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Just reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving to refresh their crispiness.

Benefits:

  • Low-point snack: At only 2 points per serving, these garlic bread Ritz bits provide a tasty and satisfying snack or appetizer that fits within your Weight Watchers plan.
  • Cheesy and garlicky: The combination of garlic, cheese, and buttery crackers makes these bits flavorful and indulgent without the guilt.
  • Portion-controlled: Making these in bite-size portions helps with portion control, so you can enjoy a savory snack without overindulging.
  • Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to make it your own by adding your favorite seasonings or cheeses.

Conclusion:

These Garlic Bread Ritz Bits are a perfect, crunchy, and flavorful snack that comes in at just 2 points per serving. With cheesy, garlicky goodness and simple ingredients, they make a great addition to any meal or as a quick snack. They’re easy to prepare, and you can even make them ahead of time for quick snacks throughout the week!