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Southern Fire Crackers Recipe

In this post I am sharing the delicious Southern Fire Crackers Recipe.

You may have seen these seasoned baked spicy crackers around and perhaps you’ve been lucky enough to taste them. Spicy? Yes, but not overwhelmingly so. These tasty party crackers are delicious and rather addictive.

Seriously, you cannot eat just one. Fire Crackers, sometimes called Alabama fire crackers, are the perfect food for gatherings or just enjoy them as a snack.

I made up a batch about a week ago and shared some with friends, kept a little for us and took the rest to a cookout for my father’s birthday. 

My two and a half year old great niece even loved these crackers. I’m not kidding! Daddy gave her a taste of his and when he turned his head she grabbed the rest of his cracker and ate it. She then asked for more. That child cracks me up!

The combination of spices make these crackers a delicious treat just as they are or serve them with cheese or other toppings.

Seasoned Saltine Crackers Recipe

The best party crackers in a white platter - Spicy Fire Crackers

How do you make these Southern fire crackers? Fire crackers are really easy to prepare. They can be a no bake recipe if desired but I prefer the extra touch of toasty flavor that a few minutes in the oven gives. 

Here’s what you’ll need: saltine crackers, olive oil, red pepper flakes, ranch dressing mix packets, garlic powder, onion powder and cracked black pepper. 

Find a full printable recipe card further down in this post.

Simply combine the spicy marinade in a large plastic storage bag then swish it all around to mix. Next add in all of the saltine crackers. Seal the back and turn to coat everything. Store overnight on a counter.

Give the bag a gentle turn a few times as they marinate to help distribute flavor to all of the crackers.

You can use regular premium sized saltines, mini saltines or other crackers of your choice. You could also add Parmesan cheese to the mix if you like. The important part is to not become squeamish about the amount of red pepper flakes. It’s perfect!

After the saltines marinate overnight in their ranch fire mix, spread them out on a lined baking sheet and pop them in the oven for a few minutes to toast and get ready to enjoy the best seasoned crackers ever. 

Best Baked Seasoned Crackers Recipe

Fiery Alabama Seasoned Ranch Crackers

Make yourself a batch and just try to eat only one. Go ahead!

Not only are these crackers so delicious on their own, they are great with appetizer spreads or my copycat Chick-fil-a chicken salad.

Southern Fire Crackers Printable Recipe

Yield: 1 Pound of Snack Crackers

Southern Fire Crackers Recipe

Southern baked seasoned party crackers - Fire Crackers - in a white serving bowl

Southern fire crackers are saltines marinated in a ranch and spice mix. These amazing spicy crackers are delicious as party appetizers or a snack.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Additional Time 1 day
Total Time 1 day 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 16 oz Premium Saltine Crackers (a whole box of 4 sleeves)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1.5 tsp Onion Powder
  • Cracked Black Pepper
  • 2 Packets of Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix
  • 3 tbs Red Pepper Flakes
  • 2 c Olive Oil

Instructions

  1. Add the olive oil, spices and seasonings to a large gallon sized storage bag. Close the back and mix to combine.
  2. Next, add the saltine crackers. Seal the bag and turn to coat the crackers with the spicy oil mix several times until coated well.
  3. Allow the crackers to marinate overnight.
  4. The next day transfer the crackers to a lined baking sheet then bake in a 250°F (121°C) oven for about 15 minutes to toast.
  5. Transfer to a serving platter or bowl and serve.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

30

Serving Size:

5 Crackers

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 198Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 152mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 2g

When serving Southern Fire Crackers, you can create a delicious spread with a few complementary items to balance the heat and add variety to your snack table. Here’s a short list of what to serve with Southern Fire Crackers:

Creamy Ranch Dip: A cool and tangy ranch dip is the perfect pairing to counter the spicy kick of the crackers.

A variety of cheeses, cool beverages, pickles, cured meats, vegetable crudités, and fresh fruit are also great options to serve with these zesty crackers.

Thank you for stopping by! Here are a few more appetizer recipes that you might enjoy: Southern Jezebel Sauce with Cream Cheese, Black Eyed Pea Dip or Sausage Balls. You can also browse through our recipe index or use the search feature at the top of the page to find even more amazing recipes.

You can also follow on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter. We also have a Facebook group where everyone can share their favorite recipes, you can join us Here.

See this recipe at Weekend Potluck and Meal Plan Monday

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Southern Fire Crackers Recipe

Well, darlin’, I hope y’all enjoyed making these Southern Fire Crackers as much as I did sharing the recipe with y’all!

They’re a real crowd-pleaser, perfect for any get-together or just when you’re craving a little kick of spice. So gather ’round the table with your loved ones, pass these fiery delights ’round, and savor every spicy, salty, and oh-so-delicious bite.

Y’all be sure to subscribe to my email e-newsletter before you go. Subscribers receive a weekly email, from yours truly, with all of the latest recipes and news here on the blog, so you never miss a thing.

Remember, cooking from the heart and sharing with love is what makes Southern hospitality so special. Until next time, y’all keep cooking, smiling, and spreading the joy of good food.

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Angel

Friday 16th of February 2024

Do you marinate at room temperature

Julia Jordan

Saturday 17th of February 2024

Yes, you can let them hang out on a countertop or some place out of the way until they are ready.

Kat

Sunday 10th of December 2023

You can use really any flavor of Ranch mix. The Fiesta flavor adds more spice. The dill flavored one is awesome as well, especially if you add a couple of tablespoons of dill weed to the mixture, which I usually do with the regular batch anyway. The oyster crackers work great also. One thing too that I do now, is add a bag or two of the Garlic Butter Texas Toast Croutons to the crackers before the oil. Trust me on that one! My adult kids love it when I do that. Myself included.

Bobby Trendy

Thursday 6th of July 2023

Anna Nicole Smith used to make these and We wood eat them all afternoon !,And now I know how to make them! I tried the recipe tonight everything turned out perfectly !!

Julia Jordan

Thursday 6th of July 2023

I'm so happy that you enjoyed using the recipe!

Lexy

Thursday 17th of November 2022

Hi- has anyone made with half the oil…one cup? And how did they turn out. Thanks

Roxanne

Tuesday 21st of December 2021

How long do these store for? Can I make them 4-5 days ahead?

Julia Jordan

Wednesday 22nd of December 2021

Yes, you can make them ahead. The shelf life decreases the further in advance that you make them however, so if you can hold off and make them 2 days prior is better. That way you'll have 4 to 5 days to enjoy them.

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