Firecracker Crackers
These firecracker crackers are sure to be the hit of the party! Mini saltine crackers are coated with a savory, spicy blend of seasonings for a taste you can’t get enough of.
Any time we have a party or get-together, there has to be bowls of nibbles at the ready.
Ranch oyster crackers are a Midwest classic, but when we want to turn up the heat I make a batch of these mini firecracker crackers.
They’re made by marinating saltines in a mixture of oil and spices. Somehow they stay perfectly crisp, and take on the tangy kick of the spice blend. I like using mini crackers because, well, they’re just more fun!
These crackers are known by a few different names, including Alabama fire crackers or just fire crackers. No matter what you call them, they’re guaranteed to be delicious!
Ingredients for fire crackers
Full list of ingredients including quantities is located in the recipe card.
You’ll need:
- Mini saltine crackers
- Vegetable or olive oil
- Ranch seasoning
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Garlic powder
- Ground black pepper
That’s it! These crackers are so simple. You can also use full-size saltine crackers, or swap in oyster crackers.
How to make this recipe
Grab a gallon-size ziptop bag. Add in the oil, ranch seasoning, pepper flakes, garlic powder, and black pepper. Close the bag (removing any extra air) and squish it around a bit to mix the oil and spices together.
Pour in the crackers. Seal the bag, making sure to remove excess air. Turn the bag over and over, shaking slightly, to coat the crackers with the seasoning mix.
Lay flat and let the crackers sit for a minimum of 2 hours, but ideally overnight. I like to flip and shake the bag every couple of hours or so just to make sure the seasonings are getting evenly distributed, but it’s totally OK if you skip doing that step!
Now, you can eat the crackers just as they are, or you can toast them up a little bit in the oven, similar to making Chex mix.
To toast them, spread the crackers in an even layer onto a rimmed baking sheet. Bake at 250°F for about 20 minutes, stirring the pan halfway through. Serve warm or enjoy at room temperature.
Recipe suggestions
Onion powder can be swapped for the garlic powder. Or, you can add it to the mix with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon.
Use your favorite dry ranch dressing powder. Don’t use prepared dressing!
Want some extra spice? Add a few dashes of ground cayenne pepper, or a little bit of your favorite hot sauce.
If you don’t want to use a plastic bag, you can mix everything together in a large bowl. Make sure to stir every so often to distribute the spices.
Storage tips
You can store firecracker crackers right in the bag you’ve prepared them in, or you can transfer to a clean airtight container.
If you’re baking the crackers, let them cool before storing to prevent the crackers from getting soft.
Fire crackers should keep for a week or so, but I doubt they’ll last that long!
Firecracker Crackers
Ingredients
- 11 ounces mini saltines
- 1 packet ranch seasoning 2-3 tablespoons
- 1 cup vegetable oil or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine oil and seasonings in a large ziploc bag. Add saltines and close bag. Turn over bag and shake a little to coat crackers.
- Let marinate at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
- Optional: To bake crackers, heat oven to 250°F. Spread onto a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Notes
- Crackers should rest and marinate for a minimum of 2 hours, or up to overnight.
- Baking is optional.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate based on online calculators and provided as a courtesy. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guideline only.
