Fire Crackers | The Recipe Critic

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Get the party started with Fire Crackers! In this recipe, saltine crackers go from something ordinary into something extraordinary with a flavorful blend of seasonings. They’re easy to make and perfect for snacking on around the holidays (or anytime)!

Overhead shot of a bowl of Fire Crackers.Overhead shot of a bowl of Fire Crackers.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

  • So Simple: You only need 5 ingredients and 5 minutes to prep these addicting Fire Crackers!
  • Great for Parties: Serve these at a party or game day! They’re a unique alternative to other appetizers and always go fast!
  • Festive: These crackers would make a fun and unique neighbor gift this holiday season. My cinnamon sugar candied nuts and caramel popcorn are other excellent neighbor gift ideas.

Ingredients in Fire Crackers

Whether you call these fire crackers, Alabama fire crackers or party crackers, one thing is for sure, you can’t eat just one! Find the exact measurements in the recipe card at the end of the post.

  • Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: Magically, the oil absorbs into the cracker without making it greasy or soggy. Instead, it helps the seasonings adhere to the cracker, making every bite delicious.
  • Seasoning: You can buy a packet of ranch seasoning or make your own. It’s easy! You’ll also need 1 tsp Italian seasoning to balance the other flavors.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: This is what gives our fire crackers their name and signature heat!
  • Crackers: Saltine crackers are thin with the perfect crisp bite! You will need 4 sleeves.
Overhead shot of labeled ingredients. Overhead shot of labeled ingredients.

Let’s Make Some Fire Crackers!

This fire crackers recipe is one of the simplest snacks to whip up! I like to let my kids shake them up! Just be sure to allow time for the crackers to soak in all of the delicious flavors. Then, bring these to your next holiday gathering and watch them disappear!

  1. Combine: Add the oil, ranch seasoning, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to a gallon ziplock bag.
  2. Mix: Close the bag, make sure it is completely sealed, then mix everything together.
  3. Shake: Add the saltines to the bag and close it tightly then shake the bag around. Flip it front to back several times until all the crackers have been coated. Let the bag sit for at least 8 hours, flipping it over multiple times to help distribute any settled oil.
Overhead shot of all of the ingredients in a ziplock bag. Overhead shot of all of the ingredients in a ziplock bag.
Overhead shot of a ziplock bag laying on its side with all of the ingredients inside mixed up. Overhead shot of a ziplock bag laying on its side with all of the ingredients inside mixed up.
Overhead shot of a ziplock bag with sauce ingredients and saltine crackers. Overhead shot of a ziplock bag with sauce ingredients and saltine crackers.

Simple Tips and Variations

Here are my tips and some ways to change up your fire crackers. You can make them less spicy and even use your favorite crackers. Make them suit your tastes! So easy and fun!

  • Bake: If you want to bake them, lay the fire crackers in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes.
  • Adjust the Heat: If you can’t handle the heat, then you can reduce the spice level and try one tablespoon of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon or two.
  • Use Different Crackers: For a fun variation, try this recipe with Ritz crackers, butter crackers, oyster crackers, or even Cheezits! Each option brings a unique flavor and texture, so feel free to mix and match for a snack that’s extra exciting.
  • Bag Size: You could use a larger bag, which would make it easier to coat all of the crackers.

Close up shot of fire crackers. Close up shot of fire crackers.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover fire crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days.

Overhead shot of fire crackers on a counter top with a bowl of red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Overhead shot of fire crackers on a counter top with a bowl of red pepper flakes in a small bowl.

More Festive Snack Recipes

There is something special about a fun, unique snack to munch on during the holidays. Honestly, I can’t get enough! That’s why I’m always on the lookout for more fun snacks or appetizers. In fact, here are a few of my favorites!

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  • Add the oil, ranch seasoning, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to a gallon ziplock bag. Close the bag tightly and mix everything together.

  • Add all the crackers to the bag and close it tightly. Shake the bag around and flip it from back to front and back again several times, until all the crackers have been coated in the oil.

  • Let the bag sit for at least 8 hours, flipping it over multiple times throughout to help distribute any settled oil.

  • You can serve the crackers straight from the bag, or you can spread them out in a single layer on a few parchment-lined baking sheets and bake them at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes.

1 serving is about 7 crackers

Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.1gSodium: 408mgPotassium: 57mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.4gVitamin A: 266IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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