Ranch Fire Crackers

Once you try these flavorful ranch fire crackers, you’ll want to keep them on hand for all your hosting or snacking needs. Happy crunching!

Despite the name, these won’t light up the sky on the Fourth of July — although you could certainly serve them at your family gathering. The flavors are explosive, indeed! These aren’t your ordinary crackers but Saltines kicked up quite a notch with a delicious blend of ranch seasoning and a hint of heat.

I’ve been making these crackers for years, and they’ve become a staple at parties, game nights, and even as a go-to snack for my family and friends. Much like actual firecrackers, this addictive snack should come with a warning, because everyone can’t get enough of them!

Ranch fire crackers are the perfect balance of salty, savory, and spicy flavors. The crackers are coated in a blend of ranch seasoning, melted butter, and crushed red pepper flakes, which gives them an irresistible taste that keeps you coming back for more.

What to serve with ranch fire crackers

There are many ways to enjoy ranch fire crackers. They are great alternative to plain crackers or chips, offering a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor that pairs well with a variety of dips, spreads, and toppings.

You can serve them as a standalone snack, or pair them with your favorite dips like buffalo chicken dip, guacamole, or spinach and artichoke dip. They’re a perfect complement to a bowl of classic beef chili or cheesy potato soup.

These crackers are an excellent addition to any party spread, whether you’re hosting a game-day gathering or a casual get-together with friends. They make a great addition to a charcuterie board or cheese plate, adding a crunchy element to balance out the soft cheeses and cured meats.

You can even incorporate them into a homemade snack mix, combining them with nuts, pretzels, and other tasty tidbits for a customized treat.

Ranch fire crackers are also fantastic crunchy topping added to other recipes. Try using them to add flavor and texture dimensions to side dishes and casseroles, like mac and cheese or cheesy broccoli and rice casserole.

As for beverages, these bold crackers pair perfectly with a cold beer, a crisp glass of white wine, or even a fruity cocktail. End any meal that includes these crackers with a creamy, homemade cheesecake or my Southern Chocolate Delight for a sweet and salty finish.

Ingredients needed to make Ranch fire crackers

Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients that make Ranch fire crackers so delicious:

• Saltines or Mini Saltines: These serve as the base for the ranch fire crackers, providing a crispy, crunchy foundation for the flavorful seasoning.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter helps the seasoning mixture adhere to the crackers, ensuring an even coating and a rich, savory flavor.
• Ranch Dressing Mix: This seasoning packet gives the crackers their signature ranch flavor that everyone loves.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adding a bit of heat, the crushed red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick that perfectly balances the ranch seasoning.
• Onion Powder: This ingredient adds another savory flavor layer.
• Garlic Powder: A little garlic powder goes a long way, adding depth and richness to the seasoning mix.

Kitchen equipment needed

1. Baking sheet
2. Parchment paper
3. Gallon Ziploc bag

Frequently asked questions about ranch fire crackers

Finally, here are some common questions and answers about making, serving, and storing ranch fire crackers. If you have a question I’ve not covered, leave a note in the comments section, and I will reply as soon as I can.

Can I make Ranch fire crackers ahead of time?

Yes, you can make ranch fire crackers in advance. Simply prepare the crackers as directed and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to a week, making them perfect for party prep or snacking throughout the week.

Can I adjust the spiciness of ranch fire crackers?

Absolutely! You can easily customize the heat level of your ranch fire crackers by adjusting the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the recipe. You’ll see I left some leeway in the recipe below. For a milder version, use one tablespoon, or crank up the heat with two tablespoons for a spicier kick.

Can I make Ranch fire crackers gluten-free?

While the traditional Saltine crackers used in this recipe contain gluten, you can easily make a gluten-free version by substituting the Saltines with your favorite gluten-free crackers. Be sure to check the labels on the ranch seasoning mix and other ingredients to ensure they’re also gluten-free.

Can I use a different type of cracker for ranch fire crackers?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of crackers to create your own version of these ranch fire crackers. Some alternatives to Saltines include oyster crackers, mini pretzels, Ritz crackers, club crackers or even pita chips. Just keep in mind that the cooking time and seasoning amounts may need to be adjusted depending on the size and shape of the crackers you choose.

More Grandma-Approved Recipes To Try

If you like this recipe for Ranch fire crackers, you will love these other yummy recipes.

• Bacon Crackers Appetizer
• Cocktail Meatballs With Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce
• BLT Loaded Tater Tots
• Cheesy Sausage Wonton Cups
• Bisquick Sausage Balls Recipe