Description
Alabama Firecrackers are a spicy, flavorful snack made by marinating saltine crackers in a zesty blend of ranch seasoning, garlic, onion, hot sauce, and cracked black pepper. These addictive bites are perfect for parties, game days, or anytime you want a crunchy, savory treat with a kick of heat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 sleeves saltine crackers (Approximately 88 crackers)
- 1 cup canola oil
- 1 ounce ranch dressing mix (One package)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (Adjust for heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (Such as Frank’s RedHot, adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon crushed black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoning mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the canola oil, ranch dressing mix, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, hot sauce, and crushed black pepper. Whisk well until the ingredients are fully combined and the oil is evenly seasoned.
- Coat the crackers: Add the saltine crackers to the seasoned oil mixture. Gently toss using a spatula or your hands until every cracker is evenly coated with the flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the crackers: Transfer the coated crackers into an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Arrange them in a neat, even layer and seal the container. Let the crackers marinate for at least 24 hours, shaking or turning the container every few hours to ensure they absorb the flavors evenly.
- Optional baking for crunch: For extra crunchiness, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the marinated crackers in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and to promote even crisping.
- Cool and serve: Remove the crackers from the oven and allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, serve them as a spicy, savory snack or store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes and hot sauce quantity to control the spiciness level according to your taste.
- Use a resealable plastic bag to shake the crackers for even coating during marination.
- Baking is optional but recommended for extra crispiness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crunchy for up to one week.
- Canola oil is recommended for its neutral flavor, but other neutral oils like vegetable oil also work.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes (optional baking)
- Category: Snack
- Method: Marinating, Baking (optional)
- Cuisine: Southern United States
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (about 22 crackers)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Alabama Firecrackers, spicy snack, ranch seasoning crackers, saltine cracker snack, party snack, game day food, spicy crackers
