Alabama Fire Crackers
Alabama fire crackers have a delicious combination of bold flavors and crisp texture. Since they are prepped in just 5 minutes and are made the day before, they make the perfect snack for parties and potlucks any time of year.
Shop at any cute boutique that sells kitchen-y items here in the south and you are very likely to spot a packet of "Alabama Fire Crackers" seasoning. After years of eyeing that item during my shopping trips, I finally decided to give a homemade version a try.
These popular party crackers are so simple yet so packed with flavor. They're coated in a zesty blend of ranch seasoning, garlic, and red pepper flakes, which makes every bite utterly delicious.
You can serve them on their own or paired with dips, which makes it easy to see why they are such a crowd favorite. There's no need to buy that pre-measured spice packet, making your own is easy as pie.
Why This is the Best Recipe
- Easy Prep: Just mix, coat, and let the flavors absorb into the crispy cracker—no complicated steps required!
- Perfectly Spicy: A little heat goes a long way, they'll spice up your snack board in a pinch.
- Travel-Friendly: This is the potluck recipe to bring. Easy to serve, easy to store, and completely addictive to enjoy at your party.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for simple pantry staples, but the flavor is anything but basic:
- Saltine Crackers, Club Crackers, or Oyster Crackers – Choose your favorite variety.
- Olive Oil – You could substitute canola or vegetable oil if you prefer.
- Ranch Dressing Mix – A packet of buttermilk ranch dressing mix works or you can buy ranch seasoning in bulk like I do.
- Seasoned Salt – Any brand will do or you can make my homemade seasoned salt recipe.
- Dried Parsley
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Black Pepper
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How to Make the Crackers
Pour the olive oil into a large gallon-sized zip-top bag.
Sprinkle in all the seasonings and shake gently to mix well.
Add the crackers to the bag in batches, seal it securely, and turn it over several times to ensure the crackers are evenly coated. Then add another handful or two of crackers and turn again.
Repeat until all the crackers have been coated in the spices.
Resting Time
Allow the bag of crackers to sit at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours, shaking occasionally to redistribute the seasoning.
Optional: For a toasted finish, spread the crackers on a baking sheet and bake at 250°F for 15 minutes. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding because you don't want them to steam on the pan.
Baking the crackers is not necessary though. They will be perfectly crispy after they've absorbed the oil and the seasonings stick to the outside of the cracker like magic!
Make Ahead Tips
Since the crackers take 24 hours to absorb the oil and spices, this is the perfect make-ahead snack for a party.
Once they are finished, they will keep well in an airtight container for up to a week so you can get them finished when you have time in the days ahead!
Variations
- Extra Spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes for added heat.
- Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle in ½ cup grated Parmesan for a savory, cheesy flavor.
- Zesty Citrus: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest for a bright, fresh flavor.
Serving Suggestions
I served my Alabama fire crackers in a big, pretty serving bowl when I brought them to a potluck during the holidays.
If you plan ahead, it would be fun to serve them with a bowl of buttermilk ranch dip or dill dip for dipping.
The spicy accents pair well with a hot and creamy dip like my hot crab dip and add more flavor to your favorite cheese snack boards.
If you have leftover crackers, you can crumble them up over a bowl of chicken chili or tomato bisque or even use them in place of croutons on top of a garden salad.
More Easy Snack Recipes
Looking for more easy snacks to bring to a party? Here are a few of my favorites:
📖 Recipe
Alabama Fire Crackers
Ingredients
- 1 cup olive oil
- 4 tablespoons ranch dressing mix
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (16 oz) package of saltine crackers or club crackers or oyster crackers
Instructions
- Place the olive oil in a large gallon zip top bag. Add all the dried seasonings and stir them in.
- Add the crackers to the bag of seasoned oil and seal the bag. Gently turn the bag several times until all the crackers are evenly coated.
- Let the bag of crackers sit at room temperature for at least 12 hours, up to 24 hours. The crackers will absorb the oil and can be served as is, you'll find they are perfectly crispy once they are ready!
Recipe Notes
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