Ranch Firecrackers

There’s something magical about the simple things in life, and Ranch Firecrackers are one of those little joys. I first made these on a whim when we needed a quick, satisfying snack for a family road trip. My kids were craving something salty and crunchy, and I wanted a treat that was more flavorful than plain crackers but still easy to whip up. Let me tell you, the moment these came out of the oven, my house was filled with the irresistible aroma of ranch seasoning and buttery crackers. My husband couldn’t stop munching on them, and my kids kept asking for “just one more!”

What I love most about these Ranch Firecrackers is how versatile they are. They’re perfect for road trips, school lunches, game-day snacks, or even as an appetizer when friends come over. The best part? They’re ridiculously easy to make. You probably have most of the ingredients already in your pantry, and you can whip these up in under 20 minutes. No fuss, no complicated steps—just crunchy, zesty goodness in every bite.

If you’ve been looking for a snack that’s a little more exciting than regular crackers but still quick and easy, these Ranch Firecrackers are going to be your new favorite. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll be hooked. My family sure is, and I’m excited to share this recipe with you. Let’s dive into this flavorful, crunchy snack that’s perfect for busy moms and hungry kids alike!

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These Ranch Firecrackers store well in an airtight container for up to a week. They’re perfect for meal prepping or having on hand for those last-minute snack cravings.

Can I use a different type of cracker?
Yes! While saltine crackers are classic, you can experiment with other types like Ritz, Club crackers, or even mini pretzels for a fun twist.

Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Of course! If you or your kids prefer less heat, you can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. The crackers will still be full of flavor thanks to the ranch seasoning.

Do I need to bake these?
Baking helps the seasoning stick and gives the crackers that perfect crunch, but you can skip baking if you’re in a hurry. Just let them sit for a while so the flavors absorb.

Can I use homemade ranch seasoning?
Yes! If you have a homemade ranch mix you love, go for it. Just use about 2 tablespoons for this recipe.

What You Need to Make Ranch Firecrackers

Ingredients:

1 box (about 4 sleeves) saltine crackers (around 200 crackers)

1 cup vegetable oil

1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch seasoning mix

1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment:

Large mixing bowl

Baking sheet

Gallon-size ziplock bag (optional, for mixing)

Airtight container for storage

How to Make Ranch Firecrackers

Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).

Mix the seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, ranch seasoning mix, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well combined.

Coat the crackers: Add the saltine crackers to the bowl. Gently toss to coat all the crackers evenly with the seasoned oil mixture. If you prefer, you can put the crackers and seasoning mixture in a gallon-size ziplock bag and shake until well coated.

Bake: Spread the crackers in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even baking.

Cool and garnish: Let the crackers cool completely. If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color.

Enjoy: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Tips:

Don’t skip the stirring step while baking to ensure all the crackers are evenly coated and crispy.

Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes. For a milder version, omit them completely.

Use fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal.

Make it cheesy: Sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking for a cheesy twist.

Try different crackers to change up the flavor and texture. Oyster crackers or mini saltines work well for bite-sized snacks.

Reader Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “These are my go-to snack for road trips! The kids love them, and they’re so easy to make. Perfect amount of spice and crunch!” – Lisa R.

⭐⭐⭐⭐”Really enjoyed these, but I’ll add more red pepper flakes next time for an extra kick. Great for game night!” – Mark D.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “So addictive! My family devoured the whole batch in one afternoon. Will definitely make again!” – Jessica H.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”Simple and tasty. I used Ritz crackers instead of saltines, and they turned out great.” – Megan T.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Love this recipe! Quick, easy, and flavorful. A hit with my whole family.” – Rachel S.

Printable Recipe

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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!

There’s nothing better than sharing a good recipe with family and friends. If you loved these Ranch Firecrackers as much as we do, snap a photo and share it on social media! Tag me and let me know how you enjoyed them. Your support means the world, and sharing this recipe helps spread the love of simple, delicious snacks. Let’s keep the crunchy goodness going!