It’s party time! And these party seasoned ranch crackers are the perfect snack or appetizer to have lying around. We inhaled our first batch of these super savory and flavorful seasoned crackers with ranch dressing powder and other spices. Some people call them Alabama fire crackers. We call them delicious. Beware, you’re going to need to make a 3x batch.

party ranch crackers on baking tray

Are These Crackers like Alabama Fire Crackers?

Yes, it’s basically the same concept of the popular alabama fire crackers but using a mix of different types of crackers. These yummy seasoned crackers have been around for a while, nothing new or mind blowing innovative. Usually there’s red chili flakes which gives the kick of heat or “fire”. All the oil and seasonings are mixed into the crackers and that’s what makes them so simple. It’s not rocket science nor does it take a knife or really any kitchen skills.

seasoned party ranch crackers in serving bowl

Other Names for These Delicious Seasoned Crackers

There’s so many different names that are used to describe them. It depends on what part of the country you’re in or who you got the inspiration from. We call them “amazing crackers” or “crazy easy peasy crackers”. They’re just simply delicious and have several different names like:

  • If we missed anything let us know in the comments!
  • Alabama Fire Crackers
  • Trash Bag cracker mix Or Garbage bag crackers (you mix a lot of crackers in a small trash bag. But don’t that, we’re sure you can find a ziplock bag or big bowl with a lid somewhere in your house)
  • Seasoned Fire Crackers or salted saltines with ranch
  • Comeback Crackers
  • Beer Can Crackers (cause these crackers taste so good with beer. Duh)

Video: Party Seasoned Ranch Crackers

No Bake or Bake These Seasoned Ranch Crackers

People have argued over this technique on whether or not to bake the crackers. Neither is wrong. It’s just personal preference and how much time you have to wait. There are two schools of thought in making these quick and easy seasoned saltine crackers. Either method works but we prefer the baking method, here’s why:

  • NO to Baking. You don’t have to bake these seasoned crackers: One method is to just leave the crackers in the bag that’s been tossed with seasoning oil, then turn them about every hour. This ensures that no oil settles to the bottom of the bag. Then people wait about 24-48 hours before diving into the bag and getting a bite. The impatient ones wait about 6 hours.
  • YES to BAKING the seasoned crackers: We prefer this method because we’re impatient AND prefer crackers slightly crispier. The oven solves these issues because we don’t have to wait hours to eat. We just wait about 20-25 minutes to bake, about 5 minutes to cool and then we gobble down the crackers. Also, the oven makes the crackers a little crispier and the flavors a little more intense. Bite into a warm crispy cracker and you’ll be hooked on these Alabama fire crackers.
seasoned party ranch crackers in serving bowl

Seasoned Ranch Party Crackers

Yield: 12 Servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
These are very flavorful and the ranch seasoning has a great saltiness. If you also use the extra 1 Tablespoon of optional seasoning of choice, they are usually salty too. We will usually cut back on the ranch and equal amount of whatever optional seasoning we are adding (ex. if adding 1 Tablespoon of a salted lemon pepper seasoning, we’ll use 1 Tablespoon less of the ranch seasoning (2 Tablespoons)).
Choose whatever cracker you like, or combination of crackers. Saltines, Ritz, oyster crackers, CheezIts, and Triscuits are some of our favorites for this recipe.
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Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb. (227 g) saltine crackers (2 sleeves) (or cracker/cracker combo of choice)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) neutral tasting oil , vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, canola oil, or popcorn oil
  • 1 oz. (28 g) ranch seasoning packet (about 3 Tablespoons-(45ml))
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) onion powder
  • 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) crushed red chili flakes , or to personal taste
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) optional additional seasoning of choice (lemon pepper, steak seasoning, cajun seasoning, etc.), (if salty-reduce ranch seasoning by 1 Tablespoon)

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
    Oven knobs
  • In a large plastic bag (we like to use a 1 or 2 gal. ziplock bag) or very large bowl combine the crackers.
    dry crackers in bag
  • Combine the oil, and all the seasonings (ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red chili flakes, Italian seasoning, and optional additional seasoning). Whisk or stir the oil and seasonings until well combined.
    mix oil seasoning for crackers
  • Pour evenly over the crackers in the bag/bowl. Don’t just dump the oil seasoning in one spot over the crackers.
    pour seasoning over crackers
  • If using a bag, seal the bag but make sure to leave a bunch of air in the bag so the crackers have room to move around. Gently turn and tumble the crackers so the seasoning can distribute throughout.
    tossing crackers with oil seasoning
  • Spread the crackers evenly over a baking sheet pan.
    baking crackers
  • Bake the crackers at 250°F (120°C) for about 15 minutes. Gently toss or turn the crackers.
  • Continue to bake at 250°F (120°C) for another 5-10 minutes or until golden. Allow the crackers to slightly cool before eating.
    crackers in serving bowl

Video

YouTube video

Nutrition Information per Serving

Calories: 170kcal, Carbohydrates: 16g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Sodium: 366mg, Potassium: 48mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 0.3g, Vitamin A: 201IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 9mg, Iron: 1mg
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 170

What do Fire Crackers or Seasoned Saltines taste like?

They’re super savory and a salt bomb. Basically really crispy, super flavorful and salty. It’s incredible how the oil and seasonings coat the saltines and takes them to a flavorful level that you don’t expect out of a basic saltine. When you’re craving a snack or a quick potluck dish to bring, these are it. A bowl of these won’t break the budget but they’ll make you the hero of the party, for sure.

tray of seasoned alabama fire crackers

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