We love to entertain so I’m always looking for new appetizers and finger food recipes. These fire crackers will elevate any dip or charcuterie board for your next get-together.
All you need is ranch dressing, oil, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. No cooking is required!
Ingredients for Fire Crackers:
You’ll need the following ingredients to make these spicy crackers:
- Saltine crackers provide the perfect crunch and absorb the flavored oil well. With the right amount of oil, they will not feel oily, just more flavorful!
- A neutral-tasting oil like avocado oil, vegetable, or canola oil to serve as a vessel for the herbs and spices you want to infuse the crackers with. Olive oil may be a bit heavy-tasting and overpowering.
- Ranch dressing mix has the right herb and spice mixture that provides that special flavor punch. No need to measure out individual herbs and spices.
- Crushed red pepper flakes add that characteristic heat the name implies. Customize the heat level by adding less or more red pepper flakes.
- Garlic powder to add even more flavor! You can also add onion powder if you don’t have garlic powder.
How To Make No-Bake Fire Crackers?
To make these savory delights, follow these simple steps:
- Stand your crackers upright in lines (like dominoes) in an airtight container.
- Mix together the avocado oil, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Pour the prepared oil mixture evenly over the crackers (continue mixing so it doesn’t separate).
Place the lid on and flip the container every 3 minutes for about 15, slightly shaking the container so all the crackers get fully covered in the olive mixture. Store in an airtight container or zipper bag for up to 5 days.
Make Ahead & Storage Instructions:
Making Fire Crackers ahead of time is actually very convenient.
You can prepare them the night before and let the flavors soak in.
Store any leftover Fire Crackers in an airtight container for up to a week.
Adding Unique Flavor:
For an extra flavor punch, try adding a sprinkling of nutritional yeast or citric acid. These optional ingredients can add a cheesy, tangy flavor!
Tips For Making The Best Fire Crackers
- If you’re not a fan of spicy food, start with less red pepper flakes and taste your crackers. You can always add more later.
- Make sure the lid on your container seals well so the oil doesn’t leak out when you are shaking it.
- Spices should be well mixed into the oil so all crackers get the same amount.
- If you want to try something different, try swapping the saltines for Ritz crackers, oyster crackers, or even Cheez-Its!
Need more party food ideas? Check out these delicious recipes:
- Best Antipasto Squares Recipe
- Best Air Fryer Ravioli Recipe
- 10-Minute Prep Chicken Nacho Dip
- Best Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
- Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
- Spanakopita Triangles Recipe
How did your Fire Crackers turn out? Share your experience in the comments below!
The Best Fire Crackers Recipe
Equipment
- Measuring cup
- Spoon
- Large rectangular airtight container with lid
Ingredients
- 1-16 oz box saltine crackers
- 1 cup avocado oil (or your favorite oil)
- 1-1 oz packet ranch dressing mix
- 2 ½ tbsp crushed red pepper flakes (you can start with less and add more later if needed)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Stand your crackers upright in an airtight container in lines (like dominoes).
- Mix together the avocado oil, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Pour the prepared oil mixture evenly over the crackers (continue mixing so it doesn’t separate). One cup of oil is plenty to coat the crackers entirely.
- Place the lid on and flip the container every 3 minutes for about 15, slightly shaking the container so all the crackers get fully covered in the olive mixture. Store in an airtight container or zipper bag for up to 5 days.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Ranch Dressing Mix?
You can use a mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, dried parsley, and salt. You can add any dried herb that you like!
2. How Can I Avoid Using So Much Oil?
You can use a brush to “paint” the oil mixture over the crackers to control the amount of oil you add to each cracker. Although this process is time-consuming, it is useful if you’re making only a small batch.
3. Can I Use Other Types Of Crackers?
You can use any cracker you like. Oyster crackers are good, as well as mini salted pretzels, thinly sliced toasted bread, or toasted rye bread pieces.
