These Spicy Saltine Crackers are homemade and incredibly easy to make. They’re so much better than store-bought ranch crackers. Made with ranch seasoning and pantry staples like crushed red pepper, garlic, and onion powder.
These spicy crackers are my go-to when I crave something hot and spicy to pair with warm soup. Each bite is light and crispy with ranch flavors. Enjoy them with chimichurri aioli or this jalapeno mayo.
We can give regular saltine crackers a makeover with just five minutes of prepping work. No one will believe they’re homemade or started with plain saltines—they’re that good!
What makes it even better? There’s no cooking involved! Just toss everything together, let it sit for about 20 minutes, and your spicy, buttery, crunchy crackers are ready to enjoy.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
⭐️No cooking is needed – Mix, set, and snack!
⭐️Made with simple pantry staples!
⭐️Completely vegetarian – Great for meatless gatherings or anytime you want a flavorful vegetarian option.
Ingredients
- Saltine Crackers: I used the classic, neutral-tasting saltine crackers, all four sleeves in the box.
- Canola Oil: I prefer canola or olive oil because they stay liquid at room temperature. You can also use vegetable oil or olive oil.
- Ranch Dressing Seasoning Mix: Use your favorite dry ranch seasoning mix brand.
- Crushed Red Pepper: I added two teaspoons for a nice spicy kick, but you can adjust the amount to your taste. Add more if you like it, especially bolder and fierier!
- Smoked Paprika: For a depth of flavor, adjust it to suit your preference.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: This duo brings out that deep savory flavor.
How To Make Spicy Saltine Crackers
- Place the Saltine crackers into a large zip-top bag.
- In a small bowl, whisk together canola oil, ranch seasoning, crushed red pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until well combined.
- Drizzle the seasoned oil evenly over the crackers. Seal the bag and gently turn it several times to coat all the crackers thoroughly.
- Let the crackers sit for about 15 minutes, turning the bag every 15 minutes for up to one hour to help the flavors absorb. Once the oil is fully absorbed, they’re ready to enjoy!
♨️How To Adjust The Heat Level
These spicy saltine crackers have a mild to moderate heat, mostly from crushed red pepper.
- You can easily control how spicy they are by adjusting the amount of crushed red pepper in the recipe.
- For a milder version, simply reduce the crushed red pepper to your liking.
- If you love it hot and bold, go ahead and drizzle in a little extra crushed red pepper, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or jalapeño powder.
The Leftovers
- You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresher longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
- I’ve never had a chance to freeze them—they disappear too fast! But if you’d like to make a big batch ahead, you can freeze them for up to three months.
- When you're ready to use them, just let them thaw in the refrigerator, then re-crisp them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes.
FAQ
These spicy saltine crackers are super versatile! You can crumble them over soups, toss them into salads for a little crunch, layer them like nachos, or serve them as part of a cheese platter.
They’re made with store-bought saltine crackers and tossed with ranch seasoning, crushed red pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This is a no-bake, no-cook recipe—just throw everything together and let the flavors soak in. A bold, buttery, crunchy treat is ready.
These spicy crackers are super versatile! Enjoy them as a snack, or pair them with salsa, hummus, or guacamole for dipping. They’re also great on a cheese board or served alongside soups and salads.
Absolutely! These taste even better after the flavors settle in. You can make them 1 or 2 days in advance, and they’ll still taste fresh and flavorful.
Yes, you can! You can substitute saltine crackers with club crackers or multigrain crackers. Avoid buttery crackers, as they may not absorb the seasonings well.
More Snack Recipes To Try
- Spicy Kale Chips: A must-try snack for the party.
- Texas Toothpicks: A flavorful game-day appetizer.
- Spicy Sweet Potato Fries: Easy & quick finger food.
- Nashville Hot Mozzeralla Sticks: A cheese pull snack recipe.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know your thoughts in the 📝 comments section below the recipe.
📖 Recipe
Spicy Saltine Crackers
Ingredients
- 1 lbs Saltine crackers 4 sleeves
- 1 cup canola oil vegetable oil
- 1 oz Ranch seasoning mix
- 2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Place the Saltine crackers in a large zip-lock bag.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, ranch seasoning, crushed red pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until well combined.
- Drizzle the seasoned oil mixture over the crackers inside the bag, making sure the oil doesn't pool in one spot.
- Seal the bag and gently turn it over multiple times until all the crackers are evenly coated.
- Let the crackers sit for 15 minutes. Then turn the bag again to help the flavors soak in evenly.
- Repeat the turning process every 15 minutes for about 1 hour, or until the oil is fully absorbed.
- Once done, enjoy your bold and spicy Saltine crackers!
Notes
- Spice adjustment: Reduce red pepper for a milder version, or add cayenne or jalapeño powder for more heat.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for 3 days, refrigerate up to 1 week, or freeze for 3 months.
- To re-crisp: Warm briefly in an oven or air fryer to restore crunch.
- Serving ideas: Enjoy with soup, salads, dips like salsa or hummus, or as part of a cheese platter—or eat them just as they are!
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