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Firecrackers Recipe
Firecrackers are an irresistible party snack packed with a salty, crunchy, and spicy flavor. Store-bought crackers are coated in a tangy spice mix that you can make in a flash.
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Spicy seasoned oyster crackers, affectionately known as firecrackers, are an irresistible party snack packed with salty, crunchy, spicy flavor. Perfect for parties or snacking, this must-make recipe is always a big hit at any gathering. Just be careful, you may not be able to stop snacking once you start!
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It’ll be love from the first bite with these firecrackers. Spicy ranch firecrackers, sometimes called Alabama firecrackers, only need a few simple ingredients to create the perfect snack. Store-bought crackers are coated in a tangy spice mix that might just have you reaching for yet another handful.
With plenty of zing, these spicy firecrackers would be great served on a charcuterie board or alongside your favorite bowl of stew or soup. You can also add them as a topping for salads instead of croutons.
They also make such an easy party appetizer that you can make it in a flash. Serve them up in a bowl and they will be an irresistible treat for your guests. You can even turn them into a fun party snack by adding equal parts mini pretzel twists, roasted nuts, and firecracker seasoned oyster crackers to a large bowl and serving them at your next party.
Firecrackers Recipe Ingredients
- Crackers - oyster crackers
- Oil - canola oil
- Ranch seasoning mix - or try our homemade ranch seasoning recipe
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes
While traditionally made with oyster crackers, you can use other varieties as well. Some other great crackers to use for this recipe would be full-size or mini saltine crackers, white cheddar Cheez-Its, or Ritz original toasted chips.
The oil in this easy recipe needs to be neutral in flavor. Some good alternatives to canola oil would be a vegetable oil, avocado oil, or a very light olive oil. You can use any of these that you keep stocked in your pantry. I do not suggest using coconut or extra virgin olive oil as both would impart a stronger flavor that would clash with the ranch seasoning in this recipe.
You can also use a large Ziploc bag to coat the crackers. Add the crackers and pour the oil and spice mix in. Seal the bag and gently shake the crackers frequently to coat them with the mix. You can adjust your preferred spice level with this recipe by either decreasing or increasing the amount of red pepper flakes used. You can also omit the red pepper flakes and substitute cayenne pepper instead.
How to Make Firecrackers Recipe
FIRST STEP: Line two large (13x18-inch) rimmed baking trays with parchment paper and set aside.
SECOND STEP: In a large mixing bowl, add all the oyster crackers from both packages.
THIRD STEP: In a 2 cup measuring cup with a spout, add the canola oil, ranch dip mix, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir very well to blend the canola oil with the spices.
FOURTH STEP: Pour the seasoned oil over the top of the oyster crackers and very gently toss the crackers around to coat them with the seasoned oil.
FIFTH STEP: Every 5 to 6 minutes, gently toss the crackers again in the oil mixture to make sure that the oil mixture is not sitting on the bottom of the bowl but rather coating all the crackers. Repeat for 30 minutes or until all the seasoned oil has been absorbed into all the crackers.
SIXTH STEP: Transfer the seasoned crackers to the two prepared large rimmed sheet trays. Evenly divide the seasoned oyster crackers and spread them out into a single layer. Allow the firecrackers to dry for 4 hours, or up to overnight, on the counter uncovered. You want the firecrackers to not be wet to the touch from the oil.
SEVENTH STEP: Once the firecrackers have dried, you can transfer them to a sealed plastic container.
Are these crackers really spicy?
This firecracker recipe has a moderate amount of spice. You can always adjust how spicy you’d like your crackers to be by reducing or increasing the quantity of red pepper flakes you add.
Do I have to bake these crackers??
While some recipes do bake the crackers, our simple instructions offer a way to make these spicy crackers without heating up your oven.
How long can I store these crackers?
These firecrackers will last in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature.
How to Store Firecrackers Recipe
ON THE COUNTER: These firecrackers can be stored in an airtight container or Ziploc bag for up to a week on the counter at room temperature.
IN THE FREEZER: We don’t recommend freezing these crackers as they will end up soggy and lose their crunch.
Firecrackers Recipe
Firecrackers are an irresistible party snack packed with a salty, crunchy, and spicy flavor. Store-bought crackers are coated in a tangy spice mix that you can make in a flash.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 10 cups
Ingredients
- 18 ounces oyster crackers
- 1⅔ cups canola oil
- 1 ounce Ranch seasoning mix try our homemade ranch seasoning recipe
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1½ teaspoons onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Line two large (13x18-inch) rimmed baking trays with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add all the oyster crackers from both packages.
- In a 2 cup measuring cup with a spout, add the canola oil, ranch dip mix, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir very well to blend the canola oil with the spices.
- Pour the seasoned oil over the top of the oyster crackers and very gently toss the crackers around to coat them with the seasoned oil.
- Every 5 to 6 minutes, gently toss the crackers again in the oil mixture to make sure that the oil mixture is not sitting on the bottom of the bowl but rather coating all the crackers. Repeat for 30 minutes or until all the seasoned oil has been absorbed into all the crackers.
- Transfer the seasoned crackers to the two prepared large rimmed sheet trays. Evenly divide the seasoned oyster crackers and spread them out into a single layer. Allow the firecrackers to dry for 4 hours, or up to overnight, on the counter uncovered. You want the firecrackers to not be wet to the touch from the oil.
- Once the firecrackers have dried, you can transfer them to a sealed plastic container.
Nutrition
Calories: 558kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Monounsaturated Fat: 25g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Sodium: 720mg | Potassium: 118mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 475IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 3mg
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