Ingredients
- ½ cup olive oil – The olive oil will coat the crackers, helping the seasoning stick and adding a rich, smooth texture.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – This adds a savory, slightly pungent flavor that enhances the overall profile of the crackers.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – The onion powder contributes a mild sweetness and depth to balance out the garlic and other seasonings.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground black pepper adds a sharp, peppery heat that complements the other flavors.
- 1 oz ranch dressing mix (1 packet) – This is the secret ingredient that brings a creamy, tangy flavor to the crackers, making them irresistible.
- 3 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes – This gives the crackers their fiery kick, adding heat and spiciness. Feel free to adjust to your preferred spice level!
- 16 oz saltine crackers – The perfect base for this recipe, saltines have a crispy, airy texture that soaks up the seasoning, giving each bite a satisfying crunch.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low heat will allow the crackers to bake slowly and evenly, helping them absorb all the delicious flavors without burning.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ½ cup olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, ranch dressing mix, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until well combined. The oil and seasoning mixture will be the key to infusing the crackers with that zesty, spicy goodness.
Step 3: Coat the Crackers
Now, add the 16 oz saltine crackers to the bowl. Gently toss the crackers in the seasoning mixture, ensuring that each cracker is evenly coated. Take your time to make sure that every cracker is covered with the flavorful oil and seasoning blend. The olive oil will help the seasonings adhere to the crackers, while the crushed red pepper flakes will give them that signature firecracker kick.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the crackers from sticking during baking. Spread the seasoned crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are evenly spaced and not stacked on top of one another. This ensures that each cracker bakes evenly and becomes perfectly crispy.
Step 5: Bake the Crackers
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the crackers for about 15-20 minutes. Make sure to stir the crackers halfway through the baking time to ensure that all sides get a nice, even crisp. Keep a close eye on them as they bake, and check frequently to avoid over-baking or burning. You’ll know they’re ready when they are golden and crispy, and the kitchen will be filled with the mouth-watering aroma of seasoned crackers.
Step 6: Let the Crackers Cool
Once the crackers are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. As they cool, they will become even crispier, and the seasoning will continue to set in, making each bite even more flavorful.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the crackers are cool and crispy, they’re ready to be served! You can store them in an airtight container for later snacking, but honestly, they probably won’t last that long once you taste them. Serve them as an appetizer, party snack, or just a treat to enjoy on your own. Whether paired with a cold drink or enjoyed on their own, these Easy Alabama Firecracker Crackers are the perfect crunchy snack.
Notes
- For a milder version: Reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or omit them entirely. You can also use paprika or cayenne pepper for a milder heat.
- For extra flavor: Add a teaspoon of chili powder or cumin to the seasoning mixture for a deeper, earthy flavor.
- For a creamy twist: Mix in some cream cheese or a tablespoon of sour cream into the seasoning mixture to add creaminess to the crackers.
- For a dairy-free option: Use vegan ranch dressing mix or skip the ranch seasoning altogether, substituting with a combination of dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes