Alabama Fire Crackers- this savory, spicy snack is a long time southern party favorite. Made with Saltine crackers, ranch seasoning, and lots of crushed red pepper flakes, it’s hard to not want to eat cracker after cracker.
So Easy To Make
This recipe only takes about 10 minutes to make. You’ll combine 2 packets of Ranch dressing mix, some garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes with oil in a large ziptop bag. Add a box of Saltine crackers and then close the bag and gently turn it until all the crackers are coated.
Let Sit 24 Hours
Once the crackers are completely coated, let them sit for 24 hours, or at least overnight.
Bake The Crackers
Spread the crackers out in a single layer on baking sheets. Note: You may have to do 2 batches. Bake at 250 degrees for 15 minutes.
How To Serve Alabama Fire Crackers
Not only do these crackers make a great snack or party food, they go great with a bowl of soup or chili.
Level Of Spiciness
With 2 to 3 tablespoons of crushed red pepper flakes, these crackers are seriously spicy! If you want them less spicy, just add 1 tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes. They will still be delicious with lots of ranch flavor.
Variation
Try using Ritz crackers , club crackers, oyster crackers or Cheez-Its instead of Saltines
Recipe Tip
This recipe can easily be cut in half.
More Awesome Snack Recipes
Alabama Fire Crackers
Ingredients
- 1 2/3 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
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 (16-ounce) box Saltine crackers
Instructions
- Add oil, ranch dressing mix, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to a gallon zip-top bag. Close and shake until combined.
- Add saltine crackers to the bag. Close and gently turn the bag until all crackers are coated.
- Let bag sit at room temperature overnight.
- Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Arrange crackers in single layers on baking sheets. (Do multiple batches if neccesary.)Bake for 15 minutes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I got this recipe from a friend in TX about 15 years ago. She used one ingredient that I’ve NEVER seen in any Frecracker recipe. Instead of two ranch packets, substitute one for a powdered cheese packet from a cheap box of mac and cheese. It’s amazing and completely changes the flavor.
I’m a 911 dispatcher and I take them to work for snacking frequently.. now I make 3 to 4 batches at a time for me and some of the officers.. they love them
An absolute hit in my home. We’ve been looking for a recipe for a while, and have tried several others that just slightly missed the mark. These are the ticket!
How do I store these so they don’t get soft? I’d like to bring them as a savory option to a cookie exchange. Thank you.
These are great! I always have some on hand. They are great alone, or in a soup. I modify the recipe a bit.
I use two one gallon zip locks, instead of one. I use 3 Tbs of ranch, tsp onion powder, tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper and 2 tablespoons crushed red pepper in each bag. Add 3/4 cup vegetable oil to each bag and mix it up. Add two packages saltines (Zesta for me) to each bag and mix them up. I shake and flip the bags every five minutes or so, to make sure all the crackers get a coating. Also, I substitute 1/8 cup of the oil with toasted sesame oil. Bake as directed in the recipe. Sometimes I only let the crackers soak in the oil mix for about 4 hours, and they turn out fine. What is more important, is that they are well coated. You won’t regret making these. They taste great on their own, or crushed up in a soup.
Love this recipe!! Everyone I’ve shared AFC’s with has loved them; especially my Alabama friends! I did make them with Ritz crackers and cheese crackers last time and the crowd went wild. This is a very versatile recipe when it comes to crackers as long as the crackers don’t have any extra seasoning previously applied.
Thank you for publishing this recipe❣️❣️
I’ve made these for many years: they are INCREDIBLE!! Always a hit!!
Thank you for posting this recipe. I made them years ago but lost the recipe. I am so happy to find this! I always cut the oil quite a bit and they turn out great. I use oyster Crackers but I think you could use anything as long as it can absorb the favors. I’m adding Spicy Southern Kitchen to my bookmarks!
How much oyster crackers did you use?
Delicious snack. I split the recipe into two one gallon ziplocks. Full amount of seasoning and two packages crackers in both bags, but only use 3/4 cup oil in each bag. Of the 3/4, I substitute 1/8 cup of it with toasted sesame oil. Gives it a nutty smokey flavor.
Would it be better if you used butter instead of oil?
Made these turned out great