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Homemade Fire crackers

Homemade Fire Crackers

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Sitting 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 10 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 10 (as a snack or appetizer)

Equipment

  • Large Gallon Ziploc Bag Essential for evenly coating the crackers with your oil and seasoning. A bowl works too, but the bag makes shaking a breeze.
  • Mixing bowl (optional) If you're mixing the spices separately first, a small bowl will do the trick.
  • Baking Sheet (optional) Not for baking, but for laying out the crackers to dry evenly after seasoning.

Ingredients
  

Crackers

  • 1 box 13.7 oz Club Crackers (you can substitute with saltines or Ritz Crackers for a variation on classic Ritz Crackers Recipes)
  • Alternatively try mini saltines or oyster crackers for bite-sized party versions.

Spice Blend

  • 1 packet 1 oz dry ranch dressing mix
  • 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes adjust to taste for a milder or wilder bite
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika adds depth and a bit of earthy sweetness
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, but perfect for a true Hot Crackers Recipe
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Oil

  • ¾ cup canola oil or vegetable oil neutral oils work best
  • Optional: add 1 tablespoon melted butter for a richer mouthfeel

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prep the Spice Mix

  1. In a small bowl, mix the dry ranch packet with the crushed red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), and black pepper. This combo is the heart of your firecracker flavor and makes your homemade snack taste like it came straight out of a gourmet party crackers recipe.

Step 2: Combine with Oil

  1. Pour the oil into a measuring cup or small bowl, then stir in the spice mix until it’s well blended. You’re creating a spicy slurry that will coat and soak into the crackers—no dry patches here.

Step 3: Add Crackers to Bag

  1. Place the Club Crackers into a large Ziploc bag. Don’t overfill—if needed, use two bags. This gives the crackers space to move and absorb the seasoning.

Step 4: Pour and Shake

  1. Pour the oil and spice mixture over the crackers in the bag. Seal the bag tightly, then gently turn it over and over until the crackers are evenly coated. Be careful not to break the crackers—gentle is the name of the game.

Step 5: Let Them Marinate

  1. Lay the sealed bag flat on the counter or in a dish and let it sit for at least 12 hours, turning the bag every few hours to redistribute the flavor. This slow absorption is what makes these Alabama Firecracker Crackers so flavorful with no actual cooking involved.

Step 6: Serve or Store

  1. Once fully seasoned and dried, transfer the crackers to a serving bowl or airtight container. They keep well at room temperature for up to a week—though good luck making them last that long!