Spicy Southern Snack

Featured in Appetizing Starters.

Transform plain saltines into addictively spicy crackers with a simple seasoning blend. Just coat, rest, and enjoy these zesty Southern treats.

Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:06:50 GMT
A clear plastic container filled with seasoned rectangular crackers, featuring herbs and spices on their surface. Pin it
A clear plastic container filled with seasoned rectangular crackers, featuring herbs and spices on their surface. | cookingwithcasey.com

Let me share my favorite spicy snack - Alabama Firecrackers! These zesty crackers pack the perfect punch with a coating of ranch seasonings red pepper and garlic. They're ridiculously easy to make but deliver big bold flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Why These Are So Addictive

What makes these crackers special is that perfect balance of spicy savory and crunch in every bite. I love how simple they are to throw together but they taste like you spent way more time on them. They're my go-to for game days parties or just when I'm craving something with a kick.

What You'll Need

  • The Basics:
    • One pound of regular saltine crackers
    • A cup of canola oil
    • A packet of ranch dressing mix
    • Red pepper flakes for heat
    • Garlic powder for extra flavor

Let's Make Some Magic

Mix Your Seasonings:
Combine that oil ranch mix red pepper and garlic powder until well blended.
Prep Your Crackers:
Get those saltines into a big zip-top bag make sure there's room to move.
Get Them Coated:
Pour in your seasoned oil mixture seal it up and gently flip to coat everything.
Let Them Rest:
Give them at least an hour to soak up all that flavor flip occasionally.
Time to Enjoy:
Open up that bag and watch them disappear!

My Best Tips

Be gentle when you're flipping that bag we want whole crackers. Add more or less heat to make them just right for you. Keep flipping them while they rest for the most even coating. Want extra kick? A pinch of cayenne does the trick.

Perfect Pairings

I love serving these with cool ranch dip to balance the heat. They're amazing with a cold drink especially on game day. Keep them in an airtight container they'll stay crunchy for about a week.

A clear glass jar filled with seasoned crunchy crackers, featuring a blend of spices and herbs. Pin it
A clear glass jar filled with seasoned crunchy crackers, featuring a blend of spices and herbs. | cookingwithcasey.com

Make Them Your Own

  • Try different crackers just keep them thin and crispy
  • Add extra garlic or some parmesan for more flavor
  • Adjust the spices to make them perfect for you

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, increase or decrease red pepper flakes to taste.

→ How long do these keep?

Store in airtight container up to 2 weeks at room temperature.

→ Can I use different crackers?

Yes, but saltines work best for absorbing the seasoning.

→ Why let them sit for an hour?

Resting allows crackers to absorb flavors and maintain crunch.

→ What dips work well?

Cool dips like ranch or blue cheese complement the spice nicely.

Alabama Firecrackers

Classic Southern spiced crackers featuring saltines coated in ranch seasoning and red pepper flakes. Quick to make and packed with bold flavor.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
5 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Tasty Snacks

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Southern

Yield: 12 Servings (12)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 lb saltine crackers.
02 1 cup canola oil.
03 1 package ranch dressing mix.
04 2 tbsp red pepper flakes.
05 1 tsp garlic powder.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix oil, ranch mix, red pepper flakes, garlic powder in bowl.

Step 02

Place crackers in large zip-top bag.

Step 03

Pour seasoning mix over crackers.

Step 04

Seal bag and flip several times to coat evenly.

Step 05

Let sit 1 hour at room temp, flipping occasionally.

Step 06

Serve with dip if desired.

Notes

  1. Can adjust spice level.
  2. Great for parties and game days.
  3. Serve with cool dips.
  4. Stores 2 weeks in airtight container.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large zip-top bag.
  • Mixing bowl.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (ranch mix).
  • Wheat/Gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 2 g