Spicy Ranch Saltine Crackers

These crunchy, flavorful crackers are so addictive! With a combination of ranch, garlic, and a kick of spice, they’re perfect for parties, snacks, or as a savory treat.

Ingredients:

1 box of Saltine crackers (standard size or mini crackers)
1 cup vegetable oil (you can also use canola or another neutral oil)

2 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes (adjust depending on your heat preference)
1–2 teaspoons garlic salt (course-ground with parsley is a great option)
1 packet of dry ranch dressing mix (use classic ranch or a flavor variation like spicy ranch if you prefer)

Tools You’ll Need:

Large resealable plastic bag (gallon-size preferred for easy mixing)
Large mixing bowl
Measuring spoons

Large spoon or spatula (for mixing)
Bowl or container for storing crackers (optional, if not storing in the bag)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spicy Seasoning Mix

In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic salt, and ranch dressing mix.

Use a spoon or whisk to stir everything together until it forms a well-blended, even seasoning mix. Make sure the ranch dressing mix is fully dissolved in the oil and the red pepper flakes and garlic salt are evenly distributed.

2. Add the Crackers

Open your box of saltine crackers and break them into manageable pieces if they’re large. You can use the mini saltines if you prefer smaller crackers that are easier to snack on.
Place the crackers in a large resealable plastic bag. You want to have enough room to shake the bag around, so don’t overfill it. If you need more space, use two bags.

3. Coat the Crackers

Carefully pour the seasoned oil mixture over the crackers in the bag.
Seal the bag tightly to make sure the oil and seasoning won’t spill out when you shake it. You can double-bag it if you’re worried about leaks.

4. Shake It Up

Shake the bag vigorously for at least 3-5 minutes, turning the bag every which way so the oil mixture coats every cracker. You want the crackers to soak up the oil without getting soggy.

If you’re using mini crackers, you may need to shake the bag a bit longer since they can be packed more tightly than larger saltines.
Give the bag a shake every 5–10 minutes during the next 30 minutes to make sure the crackers are evenly coated.

5. Let the Crackers Sit

Once you’ve finished shaking, set the bag aside for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This resting time lets the oil mixture soak into the crackers, making them more flavorful and crunchy.

Optional: You can also let them sit overnight for even more flavor.

6. Serve and Enjoy

After the resting period, open the bag, and you’re all set to serve!
Pour the crackers into a bowl or simply leave them in the bag for easy storage. They’re great for parties, game day, or just a savory snack at home.

You can even store them in an airtight container for up to a week to keep them fresh.

Tips:

Adjust the Spice: If you like things extra spicy, you can easily increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or even add a bit of cayenne pepper or chili powder for an additional kick.
Extra Flavor Boosts:

Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or even a little parmesan cheese to the oil mixture for an added layer of flavor.
If you love herbs, throw in some dried parsley or oregano to the mix to enhance the ranch flavor.
For Extra Crunch: Let the crackers sit for a longer time, preferably overnight, to allow the seasoning to fully soak in and the crackers to get even crunchier.

For a Lighter Version: You can cut back on the vegetable oil to about 3/4 cup or use a light olive oil or other oil alternatives if you prefer a less greasy version. This won’t affect the flavor too much but can reduce the oiliness.
Storage:
These crackers can last for about 1 week in an airtight container or sealed bag at room temperature.

If you want them extra crispy, you can bake them on a baking sheet at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes to re-crisp them before serving.

These Spicy Ranch Saltine Crackers are a guaranteed hit at any gathering, perfect for munching on during a movie night, or just as a salty snack throughout the day. Once you start, you won’t be able to stop! 😋