Meet your new favorite snack: Ranch Fire Crackers. With a perfect blend of spices and that irresistible crunch, these are sure to be a hit wherever you serve them. Movie night or picnic, they fit right in. Ready to elevate your snacking game? Then get ready to make, munch, and marvel at their deliciousness!

small copper bowl of ranch fire crackers.

You know those moments when you’re craving something crunchy, savory, and just a tad spicy? Well, today, I’m sharing a treat that checks all those boxes and more. Let me introduce you to these Ranch Fire Crackers. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or just want something tasty to nibble on during movie night, these crackers are about to become your best friend.

I love a good party mix. Some of my favorites include this Sweet and Salty Snack Mix, this Ranch Pretzel Snack Mix, and this Peanut Butter Pretzel Puppy Chow. I’ve been experimenting with all different types of recipes (even one flavored like dill pickles) and it’s been a blast testing and tasting.

From what I gather, fire crackers were popularized in the South (Alabama from what I understand). They have been a popular party snack recipe for years, so I just had to give them a try!

large copper bowl filled with fire ranch crackers.

While these are called “fire” crackers, they’re not all that spicy. This recipe has just a kiss of heat. However, if you’re looking for a spicier snack, feel free to be a bit heavier-handed with the heat-infusing ingredients.

No matter how you mix them up, this is a snack mix you’re going to love!

TABLE OF CONTENTS hide

1 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

2 Ingredients

3 How To Make

4 Recipe Variations

5 Frequently Asked Questions

6 More Salty Snacks You’ll Love

7 Ranch Fire Crackers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

We’re talking about the perfect marriage of zesty ranch, spicy red pepper flakes, and a delightful blend of onion and garlic. And let’s not forget about that touch of buttery goodness. Thanks to our trusty mini saltines, every cracker has that satisfying crunch we all crave. It’s that perfect textural element to complement the rich flavors. Each bite has a savory punch that keeps you coming back for more.
While these are fantastic on their own, they also play well with others. Think cheese platters, charcuterie cups, dips, or even alongside a bowl of your favorite soup. The possibilities are endless.
Whether you’re diving into a movie marathon, picnicking under the sun, hitting the road, or hosting a shindig, these crackers are the versatile snack that fits right in. Their enticing flavor and unbeatable crunch make them the go-to for every event on your calendar. Simply put, they’re the snack MVP no matter where you are.

Looking for more snack mixes? You’ve come to the right place! Be sure to check out this full collection of the best snack mix recipes.

hand taking a ranch fire cracker out of a bowl.

Ingredients

Thanks to a delicious blend of ingredients, these crackers are all about flavor with an added kiss of heat (don’t worry, they’re not too spicy). Let’s dive into what makes these Ranch Fire Crackers so addictive, shall we?

Premium Original Mini Saltines: The base of this snack, these little guys offer a light, crispy crunch that’s hard to resist.
Butter and Oil: This combo adds a touch of rich, buttery goodness and ensures the seasoning clings to every cracker.
Ranch Dressing Mix: As the star of the show, it adds that tangy, zesty flavor we all know and love, turning these crackers from simple to sensational.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: These are fire crackers after all, so they have a sprinkle of heat to keep things interesting. It’s that unexpected kick that takes the flavor up a notch.
Onion Powder: A subtle touch of savory that complements the ranch perfectly, making the flavor profile more complex.
Garlic Powder: Because let’s face it, everything’s better with a hint of garlic. It gives depth and a homey touch to the mix.
Ground Black Pepper: A classic seasoning that adds a gentle spicy warmth, tying all the flavors together beautifully.

Each ingredient plays its part, coming together in harmony to create a snack that’s impossible to put down. Ready to get started?

small copper colander filled with ranch fire crackers.

How To Make

Now that you’ve gathered up all your ingredients it’s time to mix up these Ranch Fire Crackers. I’ll walk you through the steps below. For your convenience, I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.

Begin by preheating your oven to 250 degrees F.
Add the saltines to a large bowl.
In a small mixing bowl (or glass measuring cup) add the cooled melted butter, vegetable oil, ranch dressing mix, red pepper flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Whisk to combine.

seasoning mix for ranch fire crackers in a measuring cup.

Drizzle this mixture over the saltines and stir to evenly coat.
Transfer to a large baking sheet and spread into an even layer.

Bake for 20 minutes, stirring every five minutes or so.
Remove from the oven and let them cool completely. Pack and store in an airtight container.

And that’s it! You’re ready to dive fist first into these tasty bites. You’re going to love them!

Recipe Variations

As I was mixing these up, I was thinking about all the possible flavor variations. If you want to try this recipe in a few different ways, here are some ideas to get you thinking.

Lemon Zest Freshness: Include the zest of one lemon in the mix. This pairs especially well when you’re using olive oil as a base. The citrusy zing brings a delightful freshness.
Herb-infused: Incorporate one tablespoon of dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or dill. This gives the crackers a gourmet touch, reminiscent of artisanal herb crackers.
Smoky BBQ: Swap out the ranch dressing mix for a BBQ seasoning mix. This offers a smoky, tangy twist to the crackers.
Everything But The Bagel: Use an “everything bagel” seasoning blend in place of (or in addition to) some of the other seasonings for a multi-flavored experience.
Sweet and Spicy: Introduce a tablespoon of brown sugar to the mix. The balance of sweet and spicy can be an exciting change for the taste palette.
A Different Cracker: Try a different cracker. You can use Ritz, Cheez-Its, Townhouse, or your own personal favorite. Each different cracker will create a whole new snack.

Feel free to mix and match these variations or come up with your own!

small dish of ranch fire crackers with a candle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular-sized saltines instead of mini ones?

Absolutely! The mini saltines are perfect for bite-sized munching, but if you only have the regular-sized ones on hand, they’ll work just fine. Just make sure to coat them well with the seasoning mix.

Is there a way to adjust the spiciness?

Definitely. If you’re not a fan of too much heat, you can reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or omit them altogether. On the flip side, if you love a fiery kick, feel free to add a bit more! Want even more spice? Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.

Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?

Yes, you can. Olive oil will give the crackers a slightly different, richer flavor. Just ensure it’s a mild olive oil so it doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.

How long can I store these crackers?

Stored in an airtight container, these Ranch Fire Crackers can last up to a week.

Can I add other seasonings or herbs?

Of course! Feel free to get creative. Some folks love adding a sprinkle of Parmesan or even some dried herbs like rosemary or thyme. Just ensure you don’t overload them, so the flavors remain balanced.

metal bowl filled with ranch fire crackers snack mix.

More Salty Snacks You’ll Love

And there you have it, my friends! Consider yourself officially warned… these are addictive. I hope you’re as excited to whip up these Ranch Fire Crackers as I am to share them with you. If you give this recipe a try, be sure to come back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.

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