When you need a quick crowd-pleaser, these Spicy Ranch Crackers always deliver. Just a few pantry staples and five minutes turn ordinary saltines into something crave-worthy.
Always a hit at parties, these ranch crackers are made for sharing. Pack them up for road trips, tailgates, or quick snacks between meals. They pair perfectly with our creamy Artichoke Dip, cheesy Beer Cheese Dip, or even sprinkled over a warm bowl of Creamy Tomato Soup.
When store-bought snacks just don't cut it, we turn to this quick homemade favorite. It's simple, a little nostalgic, and full of bold flavor that keeps everyone reaching for more. If you love savory bites like our Homemade Cheese Crackers, this one belongs in your regular rotation.
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Ingredients
What you'll need to make Spicy Ranch Crackers
- SALTINE CRACKERS: we prefer mini saltine crackers because their bite-size shape soaks up the ranch seasoning perfectly. Regular saltines or oyster crackers work too.
- RANCH DRESSING MIX: Hidden Valley Ranch or Simply Organic give that classic tangy flavor.
- GARLIC & ONION POWDER: add depth and savory balance.
- RED PEPPER FLAKES: a little heat that makes this snack pop.
- VEGETABLE OIL: helps the seasoning cling and keeps the crackers crisp.
*see recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Mix the dry ingredients: in small bowl, combine the ranch mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Add the oil: pour in the vegetable oil and stir until everything is fully blended.
- Combine with crackers: place the saltines in a large mixing bowl, then drizzle the seasoned oil over the top. Toss gently until all crackers are evenly coated.
- Let stand: spread the crackers out on a baking sheet and let them rest for about 20 minutes to allow the flavor to absorb.
🔪Top tip
Portion them in small bags for an easy grab-and-go snack, perfect for lunches, road trips or game day.
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Variations
- Cheesy Ranch Crackers: add a few tablespoons of grated Parmesan or cheddar for a savory, cheesy twist.
- Extra Spicy: Don't be afraid of a little heat. Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for bold flavor.
- Gluten-Free: use your favorite gluten-free saltines or crackers with the same ranch seasoning mix.
- Zesty Ranch Mix: Stir in a pinch of smoked paprika, cayenne, or dried dill for a flavor upgrade that keeps things interesting.
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Storage & make ahead tips
- Store: once the oil and seasoning have absorbed, keep crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Make ahead: these crackers actually taste better after a few hours! Make them the night before a party or tailgate so the flavor fully develops.
- Refresh: If they start to lose their crunch, spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a 250°F oven for 5 minutes to crisp them back up.
- Pack & go: portion into small bags or containers for easy grab-and-go snacking.
FAQ
Ranch crackers are ordinary crackers (usually saltines, mini saltines, or oyster crackers) coated with a blend of ranch seasoning, oil, and extra spices. The seasoning "sticks" to the cracker and gives it bold, tangy flavor without baking.
Mini saltines are our go-to because their size and texture allow them to asorb seasoning evenly. Regular saltines, oyster crackers, or mini club crackers work too. Just keep them whole so they don't absorb too much oil.
Yes. Once the seasoning has had time to settle (in about 20 minutes), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay crisp for up to one week.
Yes, butter works, although crackers made with oil tend to stay crisp longer. If using butter, melt it first and toss gently. For a lighter version, you can try a neutral oil like grapeseed or avocado oil.
They can be. Just use a gluten-free cracker with the same seasoning mix. The flavor works just as well. Note: always check your ranch seasoning blend for hidden gluten ingredients.
They shine as a snack on their own, but Ranch crackers pair beautifully with dips like our beer cheese dip, or artichoke dip. You can also sprinkle them on top of soups and salads for added crunch.
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Ranch Crackers recipe
Make this no-bake Ranch Crackers recipe in just 5 minutes. A quick, flavorful snack made with mini saltines and bold seasoning.
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 14 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 package dry ranch dressing mix
- 1 TBSP garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 TBSP red pepper flakes
- 1 C vegetable oil
- 2 (11 oz) boxes mini saltine crackers
Instructions
- In small mixing bowl, mix all dry ingredients together
- Add oil to dry ingredients and mix well.
- Pour crackers into large mixing bowl and add oil/herb mixture
- Toss gently until all crackers are covered thoroughly
- Spread crackers out on a baking sheet and let stand for about 20 minutes to allow oil and seasoning to absorb.
- Enjoy!!!
- Transfer crackers to an airtight container to store.
Notes
- Crackers: mini saltines work best because they soak up the seasoning evenly. Regular saltines or oyster crackers also work.
- Make ahead: these taste even better in a few hours. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Portion them in small bags for an easy grab-and-go snack, perfect for lunches, road trips or game day.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 oz
- Calories: 69
- Sugar: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 185.9 mg
- Fat: 2.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 10.5 g
- Protein: 1.2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Marji says
Sounds great!! What oven temp???
Jackie says
Hi Marji! You don't need to bake them! Just mix all ingredients in a bag or small container and shake up! Enjoy!!
Emily says
Where do I find saltine creamers?
Jackie says
Hi Emily, thanks for stopping by! Thank you for noticing our typo: we meant saltine crackers. This has now been corrected. Please let us know how they turn out!
Jackie says
Who knew saltines could taste so good? We make these all the time because the kids love them! They're so easy and SO TASTY!
Alyssa says
How spicy are they with the red pepper flakes? I want to make them for a christmas party but want to make sure everyone can enjoy them!
Keith says
They are mild, however feel free to adjust how much you use. We have never had anyone comment they were too spicy! We make them very often. Thanks for reaching out!