Spicy Cajun Firecrackers
These Spicy Cajun Firecrackers are crispy saltine crackers that pack a serious flavor punch. They’re an easy appetizer for parties or gamedays!
This post may contain paid links. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.
This Spicy Cajun Firecrackers recipe is one of those viral TikTok recipes. We’ve tried some of those recipes, and they’ve been lacking at best. But this one? It’s legit! These saltine crackers are packed (and I mean packed!) with flavor. Add in some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, and you’ve got a fantastic snack!
Saltines. We always keep a pack in the pantry. They’re great as peanut butter “sandwiches,” and they’re invaluable if you have an upset stomach. And we can’t leave out saltine crackers with a bowl of homemade tomato soup. But today we’re taking those saltine crackers and giving them a flavor boost.
Spicy Cajun Firecrackers
Sometimes called Cajun Crackers, these Spicy Cajun Firecrackers are an insanely easy recipe to make. The crackers themselves are irresistible – good luck eating just one. The flavor comes from a combination of powdered ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, paprika and red pepper flakes. The result is a batch of spicy ranch saltine crackers that are a great party snack!
In addition to being a party snack, I could see these Firecrackers being crumbled up on top of a casserole. (Have you ever used crumbled saltines in place of breadcrumbs on a casserole? It’s a fun twist!)
Ingredients for Saltines with Ranch Dressing
The ingredients for this recipe are all pantry staples – at least for us. We always keep a box of saltines around, and we usually have packets of dry ranch dressing mix as well. From there, just add some vegetable or canola oil and a few other basic seasonings from your spice cabinet. That’s it!
- Powdered Ranch Dressing Mix – Easy flavor-booster. (I make a similar recipe during the holidays every year using powdered ranch and pretzels – it’s also delicious!)
- Seasonings – Red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, garlic powder.
- Vegetable oil
- Saltine Crackers – for a fun twist, try using pretzels or even Ritz crackers.
The only downside to this recipe is that you have to babysit the crackers a little bit while they’re baking. They go into a low temperature (200°F) oven, but you still need to flip the crackers periodically so that they bake evenly. Every ~20 minutes or so, just pull the baking pans out and flip the crackers with a spatula. Do that a couple of times, and you’re all set!
Flavor Variations
While I do love this spicy ranch flavor, I could see other variations on this concept. What about an Italian version using basil, oregano, rosemary and thyme? Or perhaps a Southwestern version using chili powder, cumin, paprika and cayenne pepper? The possibilities are endless here! Just use the same amount of saltines and oil, and then play around with the seasonings.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. I do not recommend refrigerating or freezing leftovers. These crackers probably won’t last that long anyways!
If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing snack, then put these spicy ranch saltine crackers on the list! Enjoy!
Did you make a batch of these Spicy Cajun Firecrackers at home? Leave a comment, or snap a photo and tag me on Instagram (@Spicedblog) – I’d love to see your version!
Spicy Cajun Firecrackers
Ingredients
- 1 1-oz. packet powdered ranch dressing mix
- 1½ Tbsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¾ cup vegetable or canola oil
- 2 sleeves of saltine crackers ~80 crackers
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°F.
- Line 2 baking pans with aluminum foil; set pans aside.
- Using a large ziptop bag, add the powdered ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and vegetable oil. Close bag and gently shake until well combined.
- Add crackers to the bag, seal and gently shake until crackers are well coated with oil mixture.
- Spread crackers in a single layer on the prepared pans.
- Bake for 90 minutes, flipping every 20 minutes.
- Allow crackers to cool before storing in an airtight container.
Looking for more tasty appetizer recipes? Check out these other favorites, too:
LOVE these! Been making them for years and my family devours them! Main difference is I don’t bake mine and I use oyster crackers. Throw the oil and spices/herbs in a gallon ziploc, knead until well mixed, add crackers, knead again, lay it flat on counter. I come back and flip every couple of hours and voila! My hubs wonders what they’d be like made with Goldfish or Cheez-Its!?!🤔
P.S. miss you up north but love the recipes you’re crankin out down there!
Haha – thanks, Marla! You’re the best! I hope the north is treating you well!
Ohhh–oyster crackers would be fun for these, Marla! I love that idea. 🙂 In fact, what about using oyster crackers AND then serving those with soup? And your idea of Goldfish or Cheez-Its needs to happen, too. Do try baking them at a low temperature next time, too. I like the extra crunch, but I’m curious what you think!
Cant wait to make this soon for me i never had spicy cajun firecrackers before perfect for my after office snacks love your recipes as always brightens up my day everyday after work
If you love spicy snacks, then these are easy and really tasty, Ramya!
These sound fun! I love seeing that cayenne on the crackers!
You and me both, Mimi! These crackers are so easy to make, but they’re seriously addicting. Good luck stopping at one bite!
I love these jazzed up saltines! What a fun idea! And – I love the thought of saltines with “chili powder, cumin, paprika and cayenne pepper” in fact – think I might have to make a batch to go with that corn! Oooh what a fab combo!
I wonder if you could use these saltines as a “dipper” of sorts for corn? We might have to do some experiments, Shashi. Haha!
What a cool idea to elevate these saltine crackers to a totally new level! And I love the endless flavour possibilities – personally I’d love to have those infused with olive oil, rosemary, and garlic.
Oooo – I like that idea, Ben. Kind of an Italian-inspired version rather than a Cajun-inspired version. Those crackers would be great on a cheese board I bet!
I like the sound of these David. Powdered ranch dressing mix? Not sure we have that here :=)
cheers
sherry
I guess powdered ranch dressing is an American thing? It’s sold in the salad dressing aisle at the store, but it’s a powdered mixture. It’s an easy way to bring flavor without liquid, so it’s great for recipes like this one. Thanks, Sherry!
This really looks addictive, I think i wont stop muching on them once its served to me
I think you nailed it, Raymund – these firecrackers are an addicting treat to munch on. Perfect for watching sports!