This Fire Cracker Recipe is a classic Southern tradition that transforms basic saltines into a savory, spicy snack. The spicy crackers are coated in a savory blend of ranch seasoning, garlic, dill, and a kick of red pepper flakes, then baked in the oven until golden brown. Perfect for serving as an appetizer, on game day, or at parties on their own, or with your favorite dips.
A Southern Snack That Starts with Saltines
Spicy Ranch Crackers, also known as Alabama Fire Crackers, are a Southern tradition. Saltine crackers are tossed with oil and spices to create a salty, spicy cracker that’s baked in the oven to crisp them up. They’re super easy to make and disappear quickly!
Almost everyone I know has a forgotten box of saltine crackers in their pantry. That’s the beauty of this recipe. It uses basic pantry staples that you probably already have in your kitchen, so there’s no planning needed.
It’s surprising how good these are with so little prep, they’re similar to Ranch seasoned oyster crackers but spicy and there’s more surface area to soak up the seasoning. I like using them to scoop up some from scratch onion dip and the spicy crunch compliments Southern dressed eggs on a party spread.
I like to keep a bag of these in the freezer, they’re really good cold and they stay fresh longer that way, not that they last long enough to get stale!
The beauty of this recipe is that when you’re craving a snack, you can dig out the box of saltines in the back of your pantry,(just waiting for when you’re not feeling well) and whip up these crackers. If the crackers are a little stale, toasting them in the oven will freshen them up.
These along with my bold party mix recipe are the two snacks I always keep in the freezer for movie nights or game days. It’s also a great portable snack to take to the pool or on car trips.
Keep your Pantry Stocked
Turning Saltines into a Spicy Snack
Step One: Mix the Seasoning
Step Two: Coat the Crackers
Let them sit for a while to let the seasonings soak in.
Step Three: Bake
If you want them spicier, add a dash of cayenne pepper. Once they’re cooled, they will last in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or for a couple of months in the freezer.
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Southern Fire Crackers Baked with Ranch and Red Pepper Flakes
Ingredients
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 1 package dry ranch dressing (1 oz)
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 ounces saltine crackers 2 sleeves
Instructions
- In a small bowl use a fork to whisk together the oil, dry ranch dressing, red pepper flakes, dill and garlic powder. Add crackers to a gallon ziplock bag and pour the oil mixture over the crackers. Seal the bag and gently shake so that the crackers are coated. Let sit for at least an hour shaking the bag occasionally.
- Preheat oven to 250º. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Spread crackers out onto baking sheets and bake for 20-25 minutes turning half way through. The cracker should be slightly browned.
Barbara’s Tips + Notes
- You can control how spicy they are by changing the amount of red pepper flakes, or if you really want spicy, add some cayenne pepper.
- These will stay fresh in the freezer and don’t need to thaw before eating.
Nutrition
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Kathy moore says
This is what my family likes I’m not crazy over to spicy stuff more mild kind but they would like this
Barbara Curry says
You can leave out the red pepper flakes if you don’t want it spicy, then they are just deliciously seasoned crackers.