Alabama Firecrackers Recipe

Alabama Firecrackers are the spicy saltine crackers that will keep you coming back for more!

The spicy cousin to ranch cheese crackers these party crackers have the heat of red pepper flake and added layers of spice with the addition of Tajin seasoning and Ranch dressing mix.

I am an Amazon Associate I earn from the qualifying purchases.

This is one of my favorite poolside snacks in the summer, holiday homemade food gifts to give and they are always on the buffet at a baby or bridal showers. This recipe can easily be doubled or even tippled if you have a baking sheet big enough to bake them on.

Serve them alongside roasted tomato soup, crushed on top of beanless chili, or alongside your favorite sandwich. They are sure to bring layers of spice and flavor to any meal.

Ingredients needed for Alabama Firecrackers:

• Saltine crackers – mini saltines are what I use. Get 2 boxes.
• Oil – I use a neutral oil such as grape-seed oil but a canola oil can be substituted in.
• Onion powder
• Black pepper – ground
• Ranch Dressing Mix – I use Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning
• Crushed red pepper flakes – here is where you can add heat or make them less intense
• Tajin seasoning – optional but oh so delicious

How to make Alabama Firecrackers:

1. Heat together: In a microwave-safe container warm the oil and all the seasonings for 1 minute.
2. Stir: stir all the seasonings to combine and further infuse the oil.
3. Coat the crackers: spread the crackers on a rimmed baking sheet or in a deep roasting pan. Pour the infused oil over the crackers, scraping out all the seasoning, onto the crackers. Stir to fully coat the crackers.
4. Rest the crackers: Allow the crackers to rest in the pan for at least an hour, to allow the crackers to absorb the oil and seasonings.
5. Bake the crackers: Bake at 250 for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
6. Cool the crackers: Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

How to make Alabama Firecrackers Without Baking

1. Heat together: In a microwave-safe container warm the oil and all the seasonings for 1 minute.
2. Stir: stir all the seasonings to combine and further infuse the oil.
3. Coat the crackers: Pour the crackers into a 2-gallon ziplock bag. Pour the infused oil over the crackers, scraping out all the seasoning, onto the crackers. Seal the bag and gently turn the bag to coat the crackers.
4. Rest the crackers: Allow the crackers to rest in the bag overnight to allow the crackers to absorb the oil and seasonings.
5. Enjoy your party snack: Once the crackers have absorbed all the flavorings overnight, they are ready to enjoy!

Frequently asked questions, answers and tips:

Alabama Firecrackers

Sarah Mock

Alabama Firecrackers are the spicy saltine crackers that will keep you coming back for more!

5 from 13 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hr

Cook Time 1 hr

Total Time 2 hrs

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark, toggle to button to the right to turn GREEN

Course Snacks

Cuisine American

Servings 42

Calories 53 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 boxes mini Saltine crackers
• 1 cup Grapeseed Oil
• 1/2 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 packets Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix
• 3 Tablespoons Crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 Tablespoon Tajin seasoning

Instructions

 

• Heat together: In a microwave-safe container warm the oil and all the seasonings for 1 minute.
• Stir: stir all the seasonings to combine and further infuse the oil.
• Coat the crackers: spread the crackers on a rimmed baking sheet or in a deep roasting pan. Pour the infused oil over the crackers, scraping out all the seasoning, onto the crackers. Stir to fully coat the crackers.
• Rest the crackers: Allow the crackers to rest in the pan for at least an hour, to allow the crackers to absorb the oil and seasonings.
• Bake the crackers: Bake at 250 for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
• Cool the crackers: Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Notes

How to make Alabama Firecrackers Without Baking

1. Heat together: In a microwave-safe container warm the oil and all the seasonings for 1 minute.
2. Stir: stir all the seasonings to combine and further infuse the oil.
3. Coat the crackers: Pour the crackers into a 2-gallon ziplock bag. Pour the infused oil over the crackers, scraping out all the seasoning, onto the crackers. Seal the bag and gently turn the bag to coat the crackers.
4. Rest the crackers: Allow the crackers to rest in the bag overnight to allow the crackers to absorb the oil and seasonings.
5. Enjoy your party snack: Once the crackers have absorbed all the flavorings overnight, they are ready to enjoy!

Other Crackers That Can Be Substituted For Saltines:

• Saltines – regular size squared
• Oyster Crackers – who doesn’t love a seasoned oyster cracker?!
• Cheez-Its – I Love an extra layer of cheese with this spicy cracker snack.
• Buttery round crackers – Ritz is a good option
• Wheat thins – more soaking time may be needed due to the density of the cracker

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 53kcalCarbohydrates: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 117mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Sarah Mock

CEO/Owner/Founder/Culinary Blogger

Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 12 years Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.