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A blue plate filled with square crackers sprinkled with herbs and seasonings, placed on a light-colored cloth.

Fire Crackers (Spicy Ranch Snack Crackers)

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Learn how to make firecrackers that are spicy, crunchy, and addictively good that’s quick and easy to prepare. Made with saltine crackers, ranch mix, and red pepper flakes, this Southern favorite is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or road trip snacking. Serve it baked or no-bake to create flavor-packed moments your guests will love.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American, Southern
Keyword crunchy, easy, quick, spicy
Author Gina Dickson

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces saltine crackers about 4 sleeves
  • 1 1/2 cups olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons ranch dressing mix about 2 packets
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons red pepper flakes more or less depending on how spicy you want them to be

Instructions

Prepare the spice marinade:

  • In a large gallon-sized zip-top plastic bag, add olive oil, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
    1 1/2 cups olive oil, 4 tablespoons ranch dressing mix, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 3 tablespoons red pepper flakes
  • Seal the bag and knead it gently to mix all ingredients together.
    A clear ziplock bag filled with yellowish marinade containing herbs and spices, placed on a plain white background.

Add the crackers

  • Place all the saltine crackers into the bag with the oil mixture.
    16 ounces saltine crackers
  • Seal the bag and gently turn it over several times, making sure all crackers are evenly coated. Tip: The more you flip and knead the bag, the better the flavor coating. However, be very careful not to break the crackers.
    A resealable plastic bag filled with seasoned crackers coated in a yellowish spice mixture, set on a white surface.
  • Leave the sealed bag at room temperature for 5 to 6 hours. This helps the crackers absorb all the seasoning.

Bake the Crackers

  • Preheat oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Arrange the crackers in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
  • Bake for 15 minutes.
  • Let cool completely before serving.

Notes

Storage and Reheating Instructions
  • Storage: Once fully cooled, store your firecrackers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and crunchy for about 1 to 2 weeks.
  • Freezer-Friendly: Yes, you can freeze them! Just let them come to room temperature before serving. They’ll keep well for up to a month in the freezer.
  • Reheating Tip: If they’ve gone a little soft, pop them back in a 250°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes to crisp them back up.
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