Ingredients
½ cup olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 oz ranch dressing mix (1 packet)
3 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
16 oz saltine crackers (about 4 sleeves)
Most Alabama firecracker recipes use a similar base: saltine crackers, oil, ranch seasoning, garlic, onion, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Using olive oil gives a slightly lighter, more flavorful coating compared with heavier vegetable oils, which some modern versions prefer.
Step-by-step instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This low-and-slow temperature is standard for firecracker crackers and helps dry and toast the coating without burning the spices.
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, ranch dressing mix, and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk or stir until the mixture looks smooth and the seasoning is evenly suspended in the oil. This step mirrors many firecracker recipes that mix oil and dry seasonings together first so the flavors disperse evenly.
Place the saltine crackers in a large mixing bowl. Pour the spicy oil mixture over the crackers and gently toss to coat, using a spatula or your hands to turn the crackers carefully so you do not break them. Take your time to scrape all the seasonings out of the bowl so every cracker gets some of the flavorful coating.
Spread the coated crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 15–20 minutes, stirring once halfway through baking so the crackers toast evenly and no areas stay soggy. The crackers are ready when they smell fragrant, look dry on the surface, and feel crisp, but the seasonings should not look dark or scorched.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the crackers cool completely on the pan. Cooling allows the oil and spices to set into the crackers, giving them a firm, crunchy texture instead of a greasy one. Once cooled, transfer them to a serving bowl or airtight container.