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Spicy Ranch (Or Saltine!) Oyster Crackers

Spicy Ranch (Or Saltine!) Oyster Crackers

Spicy Oyster Crackers – An easy recipe for crunchy oyster crackers (or saltines) tossed in a bold seasoning blend with a hint of spiciness. Perfect for parties or snacking!

Ingredients · Servings 16
  • 1 pound oyster crackers (or saltines)
  • 2 packets ranch dip mix
  • 2 tablespoons crushed red pepper
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2/3 cup vegetable oil (or light olive oil (1 ¼ cups for saltines))
Method · 25 min
  1. Place the crackers in a large gallon zip bag. Add in the ranch mix powder, crushed red pepper, and garlic powder. Shake the bag a little to distribute the seasoning.
  2. Pour the oil into the bag. Zip and gently shake the crackers around to coat them evenly in seasoning. Allow the oyster crackers to rest for 30 minutes in the seasoning. (For saltines, it’s best to let them rest in the oil and seasoning for at least 3 hours, or even overnight!)
  3. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Set out 2 large rimmed baking sheets. Spread the oyster crackers over the surface of the baking sheets.
  4. Bake for 18-20 minutes. Cool completely before placing in an airtight storage container.

Why We Love Spicy Oyster Crackers

Just like the table decor, the snacks should match the party, right?

Hearty appetizers are a must-have for big holidays. There are always one or two fancy hors d’oeuvres before dinner parties. Of course, gotta have stacks of carbs and cheesy dips for game day.

Sommer’s Recipe Notes

And we often bake (semi-homemade) snack crackers with delightful seasonings for those fabulous casual get-togethers with friends and family!

A few large bowls brimming with crispy, flavorful, and addicting little crackers really sets the tone of a gathering. And trust me, this Spicy Ranch Seasoned Oyster Cracker Recipe absolutely says welcome to the fun with every crunchy bite.

This ridiculously easy 5 ingredient recipe is made with either packaged oyster or saltine crackers, oil, and just a few key seasonings.

Doctoring the crackers with ranch dressing mix, extra garlic, and crushed red pepper, gives them a bold and zesty flavor no one can resist!

If you love homemade snacks, you should also try my oven beef jerky or perfect party mix!

Ranch Oyster Crackers Ingredients

That’s right, there are only 5 simple ingredients in this fun-tactic quick snack recipe.

How to Make Spicy Oyster Crackers

Find the full Spicy Oyster Crackers recipe (or Spicy Seasoned Saltines!) with ingredient proportions, detailed instructions, and video tutorial in the printable form at the bottom of the post.

NOTE: Because saltines are flatter and denser than oyster crackers, they require a bit more oil and rest time. But the results are irresistible!

Spicy Crackers Recipe Variations

Add more or less red pepper flakes to make these baked ranch crackers more or less spicy.

We love big zesty ranch flavors, but there are nearly limitless flavor combinations you can include! Swap this recipe’s spices with Italian seasoning, Indian roasted garam masala, or Cajun blackened seasoning.

Easily make this a GF-friendly snack recipe by using gluten free oyster crackers or saltines.

Having a small, intimate gathering? Halve the recipe! Planning to have some seriously hungry party people? Double the ingredients!

These crazy tasty ranch oyster crackers are great to keep on hand for a quick afternoon easy snack. I love to make a batch over the weekend to crunch on throughout the week before dinner!

Home-baked seasoned crackers will keep well in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature. This pantry staple is great for movie nights or to serve with your favorite soups.

Include a bowl (or two) on the coffee table with other favorite watch party munchies like baked zucchini chips or homemade kettle corn.

Spicy ranch saltines or oyster crackers can also bring some casual flair to an elevated charcuterie board or snack mixes! Serve them alongside giardiniera pickled vegetables, mini cheese boards, or antipasto skewers.

Are oyster crackers the same as saltines?

Basically, yes. Oyster crackers and saltines are very similar in their taste and texture. However, oyster crackers are shaped differently and usually contain less salt than saltine crackers.

What are oyster crackers?

Oyster crackers are small, hexagonal-shaped crackers that often accompany seafood chowders or other soups.

Can I use a different kind of cracker in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use any kind of cracker you want to make a delicious, ranch-seasoned snack. Try making it with pretzels or pretzel pieces, or even as a Chex mix snack instead!

Be Sure to Try:

Please check the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post for the prep time, total time, and nutrition information including calories, carbohydrates, protein, polyunsaturated fat, monounsaturated fat, sodium, potassium, fiber, vitamin c, and calcium percentages. Make sure to share the recipe on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

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