There's something irresistible about the bold, spicy crunch of Alabama Fire Crackers. With every bite, you get a burst of zesty, garlicky, and fiery flavors that make these seasoned crackers a true Southern favorite. Perfect for snacking, game nights, or as a party appetizer, these crackers have just the right amount of heat to keep you coming back for more.

I first discovered this recipe at a family gathering in Alabama, where a big jar of these seasoned saltines sat at the snack table. One taste, and I was hooked. The blend of ranch seasoning, crushed red pepper, and a hint of garlic took simple crackers to a whole new level. Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to make with just a few pantry staples!
Why You'll Love These Alabama Fire Crackers
Get ready for a snack that’s crunchy, flavorful, and seriously addictive. Here’s why you’ll love this easy recipe:
First off, they’re incredibly simple to make. All you need is a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience while they soak up all that delicious seasoning.
They pack a bold, spicy kick. If you love snacks with a bit of heat, these crackers are perfect. The red pepper flakes bring just the right amount of spice, but you can adjust them to your liking.
These crackers are great for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, packing them for road trips, or just munching on them at home, they’re always a hit.
Plus, they store beautifully. Make a big batch, and they’ll stay crispy and flavorful for days—if they last that long!
Ingredients Notes

The magic of Alabama Fire Crackers comes from a simple mix of seasonings that turn everyday saltine crackers into something truly special. Let’s break down the key ingredients:
Saltine Crackers: These serve as the base, providing a perfectly crisp texture. While saltines are traditional, you can also use club crackers or oyster crackers for a slight variation in crunch.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: This adds a zesty, herby flavor that balances the heat. You can use a store-bought packet or make your own blend with dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: The star of the show when it comes to spice! Feel free to adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance—more for extra fire, less for a milder version.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These enhance the overall savory flavor, making every bite packed with delicious seasoning.
Olive Oil: This helps the seasoning adhere to the crackers, ensuring an even coating. Some recipes use canola oil, but olive oil adds a richer flavor.
You’ll also need a large zip-top bag or an airtight container for mixing and marinating the crackers.
How To Make Alabama Fire Crackers

Making these Alabama Fire Crackers is as easy as mixing, marinating, and enjoying. Here’s how to do it:
Start by placing four sleeves of saltine crackers in a large gallon-sized zip-top bag. This makes it easy to evenly distribute the seasoning without making a mess.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of olive oil, 1 packet of ranch seasoning, 2 tablespoons of crushed red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Make sure everything is well combined.
Pour the seasoned oil mixture over the crackers in the bag. Seal the bag tightly, then gently turn it over and shake to coat the crackers evenly. Let them sit for about 4-6 hours, flipping the bag occasionally to ensure every cracker gets coated in seasoning.
After marinating, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the crackers in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, just to help set the seasoning and crisp them up slightly.
Let them cool completely before serving. The flavors continue to develop as they sit, making them even better the next day!
Storage Options
Once cooled, store your Alabama Fire Crackers in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and crispy for up to a week, but chances are, they’ll be gone long before that!
If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
To refresh stale crackers, pop them in a 250°F oven for 5-7 minutes to bring back the crunch.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is easy to customize based on your taste preferences. Here are a few fun variations:
- Milder Version: Reduce the crushed red pepper flakes or swap them for smoked paprika for a smoky, less spicy alternative.
- Cheesy Fire Crackers: Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
- Different Crackers: Try making these with Ritz crackers, oyster crackers, or even pretzels for a different crunch.
- Extra Spicy: For a real kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the oil mixture.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crackers to make this snack friendly for those avoiding gluten.
No matter how you tweak the recipe, these crackers are bound to be a hit. Try them out, and you might just find yourself making a double batch next time!
PrintAlabama Fire Crackers Recipe
Alabama Fire Crackers are a crunchy, spicy snack made with saltine crackers, ranch seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Perfect for parties or snacking!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (includes resting time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 box (16 oz) saltine crackers
- 1 cup canola oil
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2-3 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place the crackers in a large, sealable plastic bag or container.
- In a bowl, whisk together oil, ranch mix, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the crackers, seal the bag, and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Let the crackers sit for at least 4 hours or overnight, flipping occasionally to distribute seasoning.
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread crackers on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Let cool before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Try using oyster crackers for bite-sized versions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5-6 crackers
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
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