Description
Spicy alabama firecracker crackers deliver a zesty crunch that sparks excitement at any gathering. Crisp saltine bases blend with tangy ranch seasoning and red pepper flakes, promising a quick snack that packs serious flavor for hungry crowds.
Ingredients
Scale
Crackers Base:
- 1 pack saltine crackers
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
Seasoning Blend:
- 1 tbsp dried dill
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Arrange saltine crackers in a single layer within a large, shallow baking pan, ensuring they are evenly spread without overlapping.
- Whisk vegetable oil, ranch seasoning mix, and red pepper flakes together in a medium mixing bowl until thoroughly combined and slightly frothy.
- Gently pour the seasoned oil mixture evenly over the crackers, using a pastry brush or spoon to ensure complete and uniform coverage.
- Sprinkle dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper across the oil-coated crackers to create a comprehensive seasoning layer.
- Dust the crackers with cayenne pepper for an extra kick of heat, adjusting the amount based on personal spice preference.
- Let the crackers rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, allowing the oil and seasonings to absorb and infuse the crackers with robust flavor.
- Optional: Drizzle hot sauce over the crackers for additional zesty complexity.
- Transfer the pan to a preheated oven at 250°F and bake for 15-20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to ensure even crisping.
- Remove from oven and allow crackers to cool completely, during which they will continue to crisp and develop a more intense flavor profile.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, enjoying their spicy, tangy crunch as a snack or accompaniment.
Notes
- Select sturdy saltine crackers with minimal breakage to maintain structural integrity during seasoning and baking process.
- Experiment with different ranch seasoning brands to discover unique flavor combinations and heat levels that suit personal taste preferences.
- Use a silicone pastry brush for more precise and even oil distribution across crackers, preventing soggy or unevenly coated areas.
- Reduce cayenne pepper for a milder version or substitute with smoked paprika for a different flavor profile without intense heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 223
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 575 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg