Fire Crackers
Spice up your snack game with this simple recipe for homemade Fire Crackers using saltine crackers. These spicy, seasoned crackers are perfect for serving as a party starter, cheese boards, served alongside soup and chili or to satisfy your spicy snack craving!
Easy Fire Crackers Recipe
These spicy saltine crackers are so fun to make! ! One of the south’s most beloved appetizer starts with classic saltines that are seasoned and marinated in vegetable oil and spices. There are variations of this simple cracker with different names. One popular variation is called Alabama Fire Crackers. Both of these recipes magically transform a sleeve of saltines into an easy and tasty snack using simple ingredients. The crushed red pepper flakes bring the heat hence the name. You can serve these addictive crackers warm or at room temperature as a snack, as a side dish for soup or salads or with ranch dip to balance the spice.
Checkout this quick list of key ingredients you’ll need to make quick and easy Saltine Fire Cracker Recipe: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)
- Crackers – One box of saltine crackers.
- Oil – Vegetable oil, canola oil or olive oil for the marinade.
- Seasoning – One packet of dry Ranch seasoning mix.
- Spices and Dried Herbs – Crushed red pepper flakes, dried dill, granulated garlic or garlic powder and onion powder.
How to Make the BEST Fire Crackers Recipe (with Saltine Crackers)
- Saltine Crackers – Remove saltine crackers from the sleeves. Set aside.
- Prepare the Marinade – In a large gallon size plastic storage bag add the oil, ranch salad dressing, crushed red pepper flakes, dill, granulated garlic and onion powder. Seal the bag and gently shake the oil mixture to combine.
- Combine – Add the crackers to the bag. Seal and gently shake and turn to coat. Lay flat on the counter and let marinate for several hours or overnight.
- Heat Oven and Prepare Pan – Preheat the oven to 250°F. Remove crackers from marinade and arrange side by side in a single layer on a baking sheet pan.
- Oven – Bake firecrackers per the cooking time in the recipe then set aside to cool on a wire rack.
Kitchen Equipment to Make Alabama Fire Crackers Recipe
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Large baking sheet pans.
- Gallon size or larger Ziploc bag to marinate the crackers.
- Wire rack.
Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions
- Crackers – You can use any brand of saltine crackers for this recipe including private label store brands, that you enjoy. These spicy crackers can be made with Ritz crackers or club crackers, too.
- Dried Herbs – Dill isn’t a classic addition to these spicy crackers but I always add it to my batch of salty crackers to expand the flavor profile. You can omit the dill or replace it with dried parsley or Italian seasoning.
- Ranch Seasoning – If you have dry Ranch salad dressing mix on hand in a bulk container, you’ll need about 4 tablespoons for these Alabama crackers.
- Spice – You can adapt the level of spice by using more, or less, crushed red pepper flakes or replace it with black pepper.
- Baking – Some cook’s opt not to bake these spicy crackers. You can do that, but I highly recommend baking them, it does make a difference in the flavor.
- Serving Suggestions – These spicy saltine crackers can be served as an appetizer with dips and cheese balls, with soup and chili, to accompany a cheese board or given as homemade gifts.
- Oyster Crackers – Another family favorite we enjoy. is this Ranch Oyster Crackers recipe ideal for homemade gifts and snacking.
Storage and Leftovers
- Leftovers – You can store Firecrackers at room temperature in an air-tight container for up to one week.
More Easy Snack Recipes to Make
- Loaded French Fries can be served as a side dish or a starter.
- Serve this creamy Jalapeno Popper Dip with tortilla chips or Fritos scoops for dipping.
- Quick and easy Marinated Mozzarella Balls.
- Fresh Pico de Gallo served as a topping for tacos, salads, burritos and beyond.
- Southern Style Boiled Peanuts.
- This recipe for Shrimp Toast is bound to made on repeat.
- Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a holiday tradition.
- Bruschetta is always a winner.
- Potato Chips Recipe from Serious Eats.
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Helpful Kitchen Items:
Fire Crackers
Servings: 140 crackers (approximately)
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz box of saltine crackers (Approx. 140 crackers total in one box)
- 1 1/3 cup vegetable oil or olive oil
- 2 1.0 oz packets dry Ranch salad dressing mix
- 2 Tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 tsp dried dill
- 1 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
- 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Remove saltine crackers from the sleeves. Set aside.
- In a large gallon size plastic storage bag add the oil, ranch salad dressing, crushed red pepper flakes, dill, granulated garlic and onion powder. Seal the bag and shake to combine.
- Add the crackers to the bag. Seal and gently shake and turn to coat. Lay flat on the counter and let marinate overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 250°F. Remove crackers from marinade and arrange side by side in a single layer on a sheet pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes then set aside to cool. Once cooled, place into an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Crackers – You can use any brand of saltine crackers for this recipe including private label store brands, that you enjoy. These spicy crackers can be made with Ritz crackers or club crackers, too.
- Dried Herbs – Dill isn’t a classic addition to these spicy crackers but I always add it to my batch of salty crackers to expand the flavor profile. You can omit the dill or replace it with dried parsley or Italian seasoning.
- Ranch Seasoning – If you have dry Ranch salad dressing mix on hand in a bulk container, you’ll need about 4 tablespoons for these Alabama crackers.
- Spice – You can adapt the level of spice by using more, or less, crushed red pepper flakes or replace it with black pepper.
- Baking – Some cook’s opt not to bake these spicy crackers. You can do that, but I highly recommend baking them, it does make a difference in the flavor.
- Serving Suggestions – These spicy saltine crackers can be served as an appetizer with dips and cheese balls, with soup and chili, to accompany a cheese board or given as homemade gifts.
Tried this recipe?Mention @melissassk or tag #melissassk!
Could I divide the recipe in half because it’s only my husband & I?
Absolutely!
What kind of dip do you use to dip them in, please? Looks like sour cream.
Thank you
Sour cream and onion, dill pickle dip, ranch dip….the sky’s the limit.
What keeps these crackers from turning into mush while “marinating” ?
That’s what happens in soup.
They don’t turn to mush, guaranteed.