Spicy Oyster Crackers (Ranch Firecracker Recipe)

These Spicy Oyster Crackers (also called firecrackers) are an easy recipe and an addictive snack! This recipe uses simple ingredients and is very affordable to make.

I first tried Alabama Firecrackers at a work party for my husband! I really didn’t know what to call them, but they were spicy, and I could taste the Ranch seasoning, so I called them spicy Ranch saltines for a long while! We got the recipe from his co-worker and have made them ever since. Recently, we were craving them, but I only had oyster crackers on hand! So, we decided to try making spicy oyster crackers instead. 

“So simple, yet sooo good! Made this for a company party and it was a hit!”- Tara

Not only are these seasoned oyster firecrackers an easy snack, but they’re also super easy to make! Just a few easy steps and it is a mostly hands off process. You will have to allow the crackers to marinate in the oil mixture for a bit, but other than that, there’s not much time required in the process of making them. 

“Yum! 😍 I’ve made this before, but this recipe is the best! I highly recommend 2 bags of oyster crackers to the oil in this recipe. Mine came out perfect with no crumbly crackers. Put 1 cup oil then reserve the rest for the final stir. Thank you for the great recipe!” – Ana

I just have one disclaimer, the amount of oil in this recipe can be quite off-putting. I understand. I actually use a bit less than what is typically recommended, and with using oyster crackers rather than saltines, that seems to work just fine. This is one area you’ll have to just trust me on and remember that you probably won’t eat the whole batch!

This is a snack recipe that’s meant for sharing! Pair it alongside delicious smoked salmon spread and a charcuterie board for excellent snacking.

I hope that you try making this excellent snack for your next party! I really think the whole family will enjoy them. 

Substitutions and Additions for Oyster Fire Crackers

There are plenty of ingredient substitutions for these spicy oyster crackers! Here are a few suggestions:

• Use avocado oil, vegetable oil or olive oil in place of the canola oil. Any neutral tasting cooking oil will work!
• Use mini saltine crackers instead of the oyster crackers.
• I do recommend investing in good oyster crackers for this recipe to make sure they hold up. I got the name brand and they worked very well. 
• Add a teaspoon of dill weed for extra flavor!
• You can use parchment paper to line the baking sheet instead of the aluminum foil.
• Substitute Italian dressing mix instead of Ranch. I really like the Zesty Italian dressing mix from Good Seasonings. 

​Serving Suggestions for Spicy Oyster Crackers

I think these spicy Ranch oyster crackers are the perfect snack for game day or movie night! Anytime you need an affordable and easy party food recipe, I think these spicy crackers should be considered. Pair them with other festive, delicious appetizers like Chicken Sausage Rolls, my Football Veggie Tray, Pizza Muffins, a Grazing Table, BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos, Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip or this Cajun Crab Dip. 

For a drink, choose something festive like these Fireball Jello Shots or my Mezcal Margarita!

I also like to include these seasoned crackers on my Christmas snack tray! Or you can gift them in Christmas themed containers to friends and neighbors.

If you choose to make these crackers as a gift, consider mixing in my sweet and spicy Air Fryer Spiced Nuts or this festive Candied Popcorn recipe to make a snack mix!

If you have leftovers, I think these spicy Ranch crackers are also weirdly good on top of a bowl of soup! I recommend my Creamy Crack Chicken Noodle Soup which also uses Ranch flavoring. It pairs super well.

I hope that you enjoy these awesome little crackers! If you do make them, make sure to leave a comment below letting me know how they turned out for you.

Spicy Oyster Crackers (Ranch Firecracker Recipe)

These Spicy Oyster Crackers (also called firecrackers) are an easy recipe and an addictive snack ! This recipe uses simple ingredients and is very affordable to make.

Use Italian dressing mix instead of Ranch (I like the Zesty Italian kind) for an awesome change up!

5 from 8 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizers

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Additional Time: 8 hours hours

Total Time: 8 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 24

Calories: 212kcal

Author: Michelle Goth

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups canola oil
• 2.5 tablespoons red pepper flakes
• 2 ounces ranch dressing mix 2 packets
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 package oyster crackers 16 ounces

Instructions

• Place all ingredients except oyster crackers into a container. You can choose to do this in a large mixing bowl or pour directly into a 2 gallon-sized Ziploc bag. I think it's easier to use the Ziploc bag. Stir to combine. 
• Drop oyster crackers into the seasoned oil and stir or toss to combine. If using a bag, you can gently flip it. If using a bowl, toss gently so the crackers don't break. 
• ​Cover your bowl or seal the bag and allow to rest for 1 hour. Toss again to combine, repeating several times over an 8 hour period. The crackers can also marinate overnight. 
• Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Transfer the marinated crackers to a parchment or aluminum foil lined baking sheet and spread into a single layer.
• Place in preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. Do not allow the crackers to become a deep golden brown, they should be just barely toasted. This will help them be less greasy.
• Remove and allow to cool before serving.
• Store in an airtight container on the counter.

Video

Notes

Fresh or dried dill is an awesome addition and really plays into the ranch flavors.

Use up to 2 cups oil if you don't feel like all of the crackers are coated after tossing them.

Use anywhere between 1-3 tablespoons of crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 212kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 369mg | Potassium: 48mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 248IU | Vitamin C: 0.03mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg

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