“Don’t-Make-These-Crackers” AKA Seasoned Fire Crackers
We’re telling you not to make these because we know you’ll rush to make them. Seems like folks will do what they’re told not to do, so this is a good way to tell you to make these. These seasoned saltine crackers are so crazy delicious. After our first batch, we realized that they’re too good not to share even if you’ve been making them for years.
What are FireCrackers or Alabama Fire Crackers?
These yummy seasoned crackers have been around for a while, nothing new or mind blowing innovative. Usually there’s red chili flakes which gives the kick of heat or “fire”. All the oil and seasonings are mixed into the crackers and that’s what makes them so simple. It’s not rocket science nor does it take a knife or really any kitchen skills. They’re just simply delicious and have several different names like:
- Seasoned Fire Crackers or salted saltines with ranch
- Alabama Fire Crackers
- Comeback Crackers
- Beer Can Crackers (cause these crackers taste so good with beer. Duh)
- Trash Bag cracker mix Or Garbage bag crackers (you mix a lot of crackers in a small trash bag. But don’t that, we’re sure you can find a ziplock bag or big bowl with a lid somewhere in your house)
- Any other names that we missed?
Video: Seasoned Crackers Recipe
What do Fire Crackers or Seasoned Saltines taste like?
They’re super savory and a salt bomb. Basically really crispy, super flavorful and salty. It’s incredible how the oil and seasonings coat the saltines and takes them to a flavorful level that you don’t expect out of a basic saltine. When you’re craving a snack or a quick potluck dish to bring, these are it. A bowl of these won’t break the budget but they’ll make you the hero of the party, for sure.
Different Ways to Make Seasoned Fire Crackers by No Bake or Baking
There are two schools of thought in making these quick and easy seasoned saltine crackers. Either method works but we prefer the baking method, here’s why:
- NO BAKE seasoned crackers: One method is to just leave the crackers in the bag that’s been tossed with seasoning oil, then turn them about every hour. This ensures that no oil settles to the bottom of the bag. Then people wait about 24-48 hours because diving into the bag and getting a bite. The impatient ones wait about 6 hours.
- BAKING the seasoned crackers: We prefer this method because we’re impatient AND prefer crackers slightly crispier. The oven solves these issues because we don’t have to wait 1-2 days to eat. We just wait about 20-25 minutes to bake, about 5 minutes to cool and then we gobble down the crackers. Also, the oven makes the crackers a little crispier and the flavors a little more intense. Bite into a warm crispy cracker and you’ll be hooked.
Seasoned Fire Crackers
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. (227 g) saltine crackers (2 sleeves) (we like the combo of 1 saltine sleeve, 2 ritz fresh stacks, 1/2 cup oyster crackers)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) neutral oil like popcorn oil, vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, canola oil
- 1 oz. (28 g) ranch seasoning packet (about 3 Tablespoons) *reduce amount if using additional optional seasoning)
- 1 Tablespoons (15 ml) crushed red pepper flakes , or to personal taste
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) onion powder
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried parsley flakes
- 1 Tablespoons (15 ml) optional additional seasoning of choice (lemon pepper, cajun, steak seasoning, etc.), (if seasoning is salty-reduce ranch seasoning by 1 Tablespoon)
Instructions
- If you’re choosing to bake the crackers, then preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
- In large sealed plastic bag combine the crackers.
- Combine the oil, and all the seasonings (ranch seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and optional additional seasoning if using). Stir the oil and seasoning mix until well combined.
- Pour seasoning mix into the bag of crackers. Don’t just dump the oil seasoning in one spot over the crackers. Pour it evenly over the crackers that are in the bag.
- Seal the bag but make sure to leave air in the bag so the crackers have room to move around. Gently tumble and turn the bag so the oil can distribute throughout the crackers.
- NO BAKE VERSION: turn the bag every couple hours or so to keep turning the seasoning oil around the crackers. Wait at least 12 hours before eating the crackers.
For Crispier Baked Version
- BAKED VERSION: we like the baked version because it makes the crackers more crispy and you can eat it right away after baking. After crackers are mixed with seasoning oil, spread them evenly over a baking sheet pan.
- Bake at 250°F (120°C) for about 25 minutes. Allow the crackers to slightly cool before eating.
Notes
Want to sub a different cracker? Here are some common rough conversions. It isn’t precise, but it doesn’t need to be. The recipe is very forgiving. 1 regular box Saltines = 1 lb. or 16 oz. (454g) = 4 sleeves 1 sleeve Saltines = 1/4 lb. or 4 oz (114g) 1 sleeve Saltines = 3 sleeves Ritz fresh stacks (approx.) or 1.25 regular size sleeves 1 sleeve Saltines = 1/2 bag oyster crackers (9 oz. bag) (approximately)
Video
Nutrition Information per Serving
Can you use other types of crackers for Alabama Firecrackers?
Sure! These seasoned saltines aren’t only for saltines or soda crackers. These are just budget friendly crackers. Folks us a combination of different crackers like ritz crackers, oyster crackers and cheezits. Make it your own recipe and use what ever combination you want. There’s really no rules to what crackers you can use. But the one rule we say to consider is to not use a high end expensive cracker for these. Save those fancy crackers for eating individually or with a cheese board. Use the more budget friendly and smaller crackers to make the snacking more fun. Eat more small crackers and you won’t feel as guilty!
