Alabama Fire Crackers: A Spicy Southern Snack

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a batch of these spicy crackers ready to bake.

• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance.

• Versatile Snack: Enjoy them on their own, with dips, or as a crunchy topping for soups and salads.

• Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, pantry staples, this recipe is both delicious and economical.

Ingredients

• 1 ⅔ cups vegetable or canola oil

• 2 (1-ounce) packets ranch dressing mix

• 2 to 3 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 (16-ounce) box Saltine crackers

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a large zip-top bag, combine the vegetable oil, ranch dressing mix, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Seal the bag and shake until the mixture is well combined.

2. Add the Saltine crackers to the bag. Seal and gently turn the bag to coat the crackers evenly with the seasoning mixture.

3. Let the bag sit at room temperature overnight, or for at least 24 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Preheat your oven to 250°F (121°C).

5. Spread the crackers in a single layer on baking sheets. You may need to bake in batches.

6. Bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the crackers are golden and crispy.

7. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 20

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Marinating Time: At least 24 hours

• Bake Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Different Crackers: Substitute Saltines with Ritz crackers, club crackers, oyster crackers, or Cheez-Its for a different texture and flavor.

• Adjust Heat: Reduce the crushed red pepper flakes to 1 tablespoon for a milder version.

• Add Herbs: Incorporate dried parsley or dill for added flavor.

• Cheesy Twist: Mix in some grated Parmesan cheese before baking for a cheesy version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep the crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

• Reheating: If they lose their crispness, reheat in a 250°F (121°C) oven for 5-10 minutes to restore crunchiness.

FAQs

How can I make Alabama Fire Crackers less spicy?

Reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to 1 tablespoon to decrease the heat.

Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable or canola oil with olive oil or grapeseed oil for a different flavor profile.

How long should I let the crackers marinate?

For the best flavor, let the crackers marinate for at least 24 hours.

Can I bake the crackers at a higher temperature?

It's recommended to bake at 250°F to ensure the crackers dry out evenly without burning.

Are there any gluten-free alternatives?

Yes, you can use gluten-free crackers as a substitute for Saltines.

Can I make a smaller batch?

Absolutely. You can halve the ingredients to make a smaller batch.

Can I freeze Alabama Fire Crackers?

It's not recommended to freeze these crackers as they may lose their crispness upon thawing.

Can I add cheese to the recipe?

Yes, adding grated Parmesan cheese before baking can give the crackers a cheesy flavor.

Can I use homemade ranch seasoning?

Yes, you can substitute store-bought ranch dressing mix with homemade ranch seasoning.

What dips pair well with Alabama Fire Crackers?

These crackers pair well with dips like pimento cheese, French onion dip, or guacamole.

Conclusion

Alabama Fire Crackers are a delightful blend of simplicity and bold flavors. Their crispy texture and spicy kick make them an irresistible snack for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party, watching a game, or enjoying a quiet evening, these crackers are sure to be a hit.

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Alabama Fire Crackers: A Spicy Southern Snack

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Alabama Fire Crackers are a spicy Southern snack that transforms plain Saltine crackers into a crispy, zesty treat coated with ranch seasoning, garlic, onion, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Perfect for parties, game days, or as a crunchy accompaniment to soups and salads.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 24 hours 25 minutes (including marinating)
• Yield: Approximately 20 servings
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 ⅔ cups vegetable or canola oil

2 (1-ounce) packets ranch dressing mix

2 to 3 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 (16-ounce) box Saltine crackers

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Instructions

1. In a large zip-top bag, combine vegetable oil, ranch dressing mix, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Seal and shake until well combined.
2. Add Saltine crackers to the bag. Seal and gently turn the bag to coat crackers evenly with the seasoning mixture.
3. Let the bag sit at room temperature overnight, or for at least 24 hours, to allow flavors to meld.
4. Preheat oven to 250°F (121°C).
5. Spread crackers in a single layer on baking sheets; bake in batches if needed.
6. Bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until crackers are golden and crispy.
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely before serving.

Notes

• Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control spice level.
• Substitute Saltine crackers with Ritz, club, oyster crackers, or Cheez-Its for variation.
• Add dried parsley or dill for extra flavor.
• Mix in grated Parmesan cheese before baking for a cheesy twist.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
• Reheat in a 250°F oven for 5-10 minutes to restore crispness if needed.
• Use gluten-free crackers for a gluten-free version.
• Do not freeze to maintain crunchiness.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 20 crackers)
• Calories: Approx. 150-180
• Sugar: Low (from seasoning mix)
• Sodium: Moderate to high (due to ranch mix and crackers)
• Fat: High (from oil and ranch mix)
• Saturated Fat: Low to moderate
• Unsaturated Fat: High
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: Moderate
• Fiber: Low
• Protein: Low
• Cholesterol: 0mg