Spicy Firecracker Crackers
These spicy and crispy Saltine crackers are light and flaky with a little kick to them. With just a few simple ingredients and just 30 minutes to make, these firecracker crackers are the ultimate snack!
These Fire Crackers are the perfect snack for game day! Simple ingredients and about 30 minutes and you are all set to go.
Not only are these spicy crackers great on their own, but they are delicious with cheese balls and other types of spreads. Don’t forget to add them to your cheese try or charcuterie board.
Like these crackers, check out my other snacks: redneck snack mix, this seasoned oyster cracker recipe, sweet and spicy bacon crackers, and spicy Chex mix.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my disclosure policy.
See recipe card for complete information on ingredients and their quantities.
Ingredient Notes
- Saltine crackers – Full size saltines are best for this recipe but feel free to use a different cracker, like Club crackers, or even the salt free version.
- Olive oil – Some recipes say that olive oil doesn’t absorb as well but I like it because it keeps the crackers crispier longer and it doesn’t taste as greasy. Substitute vegetable oil or other light, neutral tasting oil.
- Spices – I use a combination of my homemade steak seasoning with garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. Feel free to use your own combination of spices and leave out the red pepper if you it’s too spicy.
For more insider tips, tricks, and a behind the scenes look, follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, & X.
How To Make Firecracker Crackers
- Place the crackers (all 4 sleeves of crackers) upright in a container in a single layer.
- Mix your oil and spices together in a bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Drizzle the seasoned oil to coat the crackers as evenly as possible. Make sure to scrape out all the seasoning in the bowl. You don’t want to miss any. Seal the container.
- Flip the container upside down and let sit for 5 minutes. Continue to flip the container every five minutes, for a total of 30 minutes. That’s it! They are the best if they sit overnight.
For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Store them in an airtight container for up to a week if they last that long. I like to give them a little shake before I eat them again.
There are a ton of different seasoned saltines recipes out there using different spice mixes. I prefer my steak seasoning for the kick but feel free to modify the spices to your liking. Some use spicy ranch seasoning, Italian seasoning, or a salad dressing mix. Just the powder, not the full liquid.
Yes, you can! Try this with mini saltine crackers, unsalted saltines, Ritz crackers, Club, Club crackers, or other butter crackers. If you use mini saltines or oyster crackers, you can make them in a zip-top bag.
Approximately 40 in each sleeve. Just enough to calm the stomach or inhale with a pot of soup!
Believe it or not they do! The crackers are so absorbent and there isn’t THAT much oil so they stay crispy. I like to use leftovers as the coating for my fried mac and cheese bites. Makes them extra spicy!
Best Oil To Use
A lot of other recipes use canola oil or peanut oil. I like olive oil as it doesn’t taste as strong and it’s not as oily.
Oven Warming Option
This is a no bake recipe so you won’t need to. You can put them in the oven at 400F for 3-5 minutes to crisp them back up if you want.
They stay crispy for up to a week at room temperature if they last that long. You can heat fire crackers up in the oven if you want to serve them warm.
Tapas Tips & Tricks
- Use ranch dressing mix, Italian seasoning, or even greek seasoning.
- Flip the crackers every 5 minutes so the crackers soak up the oil evenly.
- These make a great party food or afternoon snack.
If you love this recipe as much as I do, please leave us a five-star review in the comment section below. Thanks!
Spicy Alabama Fire Crackers are an easy party appetizer for any gathering. Not only that but they make a great snack for you in the afternoon.
Alabama Fire Crackers
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Saltine crackers all 4 sleeves
- 1 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Steak Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 large container airtight lid
Instructions
- Place all your crackers (all 4 sleeves) upright in a container.
- Mix your oil and spices together in a bowl.
- Whisk to combine.
- Drizzle over the crackers as evenly as possible. Make sure to scrape out all the seasoning in the bowl. You don’t want to miss any.
- Seal the container.
- Flip the container upside down and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Every five minutes, for 30 minutes.
- Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Use ranch dressing mix, italian seasoning, or even greek seasoning.
- Flip the crackers every 5 minutes so the crackers soak up the oil evenly.
- These make a great party food or afternoon snack.
Nutrition
{Originally Published 02/10/16 – Recipe notes/photos updated to improve reader experience 10/08/24}
©TakeTwoTapas.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
I came across this recipe looking for one that didn’t use ranch seasoning due to not having it on hand.
I should have looked at my steak seasoning and adjusted accordingly (I probably should have used 1tbsp). Good flavor and spicy, but mine are a bit on the saltier side. I’ve made versions with ranch seasoning and you would think I would have had the same issue, but I can’t recall them being so salty.
Thanks for the recipe and ideas for using different seasonings!
I like to switch up my seasonings too! And making homemade seasonings mean I can control the level of salt. I tend to like things on the saltier side but will make a note in the recipe to start slow. Try them with my BBQ seasoning too. I like that combo a lot.
Delicious
Thank you so much. So glad you liked them!
Maybe try with butter flavor popcorn oil.
great idea!
Love these! I added Worcestershire sauce to my oil and used a little bit of everything in my spice cabinet lol. Everyone is right about the saltiness of store bought steak seasoning. I’ve been reading comments about butter rather than oil and have been thinking about using butter with cinnamon and sugar for a sweet treat. I don’t know, we will see!
When you do let me know how they turn out! I would love to try a cinnamon sugar version!!
I was looking for a seasoned cracker recipe and found this one! The taste is amazing and will compliment my soup perfectly! I used unsalted crackers and realized that if I had used saltines with the store bought steak seasoning it would definitely have been way to salty!! I Also added extra garlic because you can never have too much garlic on anything! Thanks for the recipe it’s amazing!
Loves these! Great basic recipe that you can leave be, or spruce up! I like to use unsalted crackers, since there’s plenty of salt in the seasoning, and also add some powdered ranch, and/or nutritional yeast! yummy!
Love the idea of using unsalted crackers! And that nutritional yeast does add some savory flavors to things.
Put them on a smoker @225° for 1 hour and it’s a game changer..
Sounds amazing!!
@Stinkythumbs, after you let them soak?
I absolutely love these crackers. They make such a great snack topped with cheese and even peanut butter. But i tried using clubhouse crackers instead because they are my favorite cracker. However wasn’t thinking they wouldn’t absorb like saltines. Definitely should have used less oil with them. However do you have any suggestions to fix them if they are too oily?
I have spread them out on a baking sheet with paper towels and let them sit on them for about 1/2an hour and that helps.
Awesome! I added 1/2 TSP. Ranch Seasoning in second batch and they were awesome!
Love that idea!
These were very flavorful. I make my own steak seasoning, and I felt it was a tad overpowering. Not a lot but will cut back a bit next time I make them. Definitely will make again.
this is a good recipe
Used all purpose steak seasoning and my crackers are so salty!
Do not use steak seasoning unless you make your own!
I like to use my homemade steak seasoning because you can control the amount of salt. You can also use unsalted saltine crackers if you are watching your salt intake.
Send me the recipe by email
My grandmother use to make a similar version but after seasoned they were put in the oven on high or broiled, I’m 80 and can’t remember. I do remember back then she used melted butter, paprika and not too much of the hot stuff. But the same good old saltines. I wish I could remember her recipe we loved them.
Irene
I, too have seen this! I have baked mine and used melted butter instead of the oil. Turn out great. Especially when they are warm out of the oven:)
I love all your recipes! Can’t wait to try these.
Thanks so much!!
Can’t wait to make these!
Where did you find the adorable white lined basket to serve them in?
Would be great for a hostess gift at a potluck.
Here is the link to where I found them on amazon. I just used smaller squares of parchment paper that I cut from a large sheet. Hope you enjoy them!
https://amzn.to/3zj1nl3
I make these with 1.5 c canola oil. I also add some wheat crackers since there usually enough oil to cover everything. Easy peasy recipe that’s a crowd pleaser.
I’ll try it with the EVOO and see what that tastes like.
I like the EVOO because of the lighter taste but canola or peanut oil work great. I will have to try these with the wheat crackers!!
Omg that’s so much to scroll
Through and so many pop ups it’s literally not worth it
I have a jump to recipe card right at the top of the post so you won’t have to tax yourself with the scrolling.
I make these & mail them all over the USA in my Christmas baskets every year. They definitely stay fresh for weeks, especially if you put them in the oven at 200°F for 20 minutes. I think it deals the flavors in best.
No steak season, used ranch mix. Served the mens on card nite. All I can say is
it was a big hit. Gone-Gone
So glad they liked them!
@Arlene, did you use all the other ingredients then?
After making saltine toffee, I had some crackers left over. Added Trader Joe’s everything but the bagel seasoning with olive oil. Turned out great. Can’t wait to try this version.
I love this recipe. I’ve done this with pretzels also. Thanks.
Oh I will have to try it with the pretzels! That sounds amazing!
My mom used to make these when I was growing up and now my granddaughter ask for them. They sure don’t last long at my house! Thank you fir bringing this recipe back!!!!
I always put mine in the oven so the crispness is supreme & lasts forever!
@Bea, How long did bake them in the oven and at what temperature? Thank you in advance for your help.
These don’t need to be baked at all. Just toss in the oil every 5 minutes for 30 minutes and then done.
@Robyn G Bolle, put them in the oven at 200° F for 20 minutes.
I out them in a trash bag and shake shake shake… Then store them… AND no steak sauce, IMA have to try that…
I wanted to know why didn’t you bake these seasoned saltines? I baked mine in a 390’F oven for 20 mins. It I was so good and toasty. It crisps up the crackers really nicely because of the veggie oil.
These are amazing! I made them but with ranch powder instead of steak seasoning. These are a quick and easy snack
I had these at my daughters’ house the other day. Could not stop eating them. They added “chicken in a bisquit” crackers with, also. Couldnt wait to make my own. Easy to adjust other spices too.
I’ll have to try it with the Chicken in a biscuit crackers too! thank you!
@Kay, What is chicken in a biscuit? Just as it sounds, recipe please? An what kinda spice’s did your daughter use for your crackers? Much appreciated thank you.
@Christy,
Since no one replied I thought I would. Chicken in a Biskit is made by Nabisco and started in 1964. They are available internationally and different flavors depending on the country. They actually were flavored with deydrated chicken but all I know is that as a child they were addicting. They are rectangular shaped and kind of have the texture of a butter cracker – similar to saltines in a way but smooth texture.
I’ve made spicy crackers many, many times. I mix it up by using mini-sized saltines and club crackers and oyster crackers, and I use Mrs. Dash seasoning (garlic and southwest chipotle). I have a large Tupperware bowl that I mix them in, and I usually get very good coating on all the crackers. I’ve found that if I mix the dry ingredients in the oil and let it set up, the flavor seems to be better; but I never have crackers left even if I don’t do that. After I coat the crackers, I sit and watch TV for about 15-ish minutes and carefully turn the bowl. I’m excited to try them with your recipe! Thanks for sharing
Can u make them in a ziploc bag much easier to distibue seasoning
I tried doing this and still ended up with pockets that didn’t get any seasoning and I broke quite a few in the process. The sturdy container keeps the crackers upright and not soaking in large quantities of oil if they were laying flat!
Great
Has anyone tried this with the mini club crackers?
I haven’t yet but I am pretty sure it would work. Just might be a little harder to make the layers with the smaller crackers. I don’t see why you couldn’t just mix the mini crackers in the caramel mix and then pour out to a dish since you are going to crush it all up in the end.
I haven’t, but a friend made some with the mini saltines and they were great!
I love making these with the mini crackers!
I just tried this with the mini saltines and they are still oily. I tried with regular saltines a few days ago and they were perfect. Any tips on how to get the oil soaked up?
If you are using mini saltines, cut back on the oil by 1/4 cup. I will make a note in the recipe card. Thank you! If they are still too oily, you can always lay them out on paper towel for a five minutes to soak up any extra.
@Bev, I think they actually work best. That’s all I’ve ever used is the mini saltines or the oyster crackers.
I got the recipe for a similar cracker years ago from THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER my recipe specified UNSALTED TOP PREMIUM SALTINES. I tried regular saltines ONCE, the oil did not absorb well, always use unsalted PREMIUMS since then.
Thanks for the tip!
I just tasted these “Comeback Crackers” today. These are the best crackers I have ever tasted in my life! I ate WAY more than my share as my mouth kept wanting more! The name describes them perfectly. I live in San Antonio, Texas, where most people love hot spices. These crackers were a little too hot for me but that did not slow me down at all when I was eating them. Some people from areas that don’t enjoy hot spices, may want to adjust (but don’t leave out completely) ONLY that part of the receipe that adds heat. These are awesome crispy and flavorful crackers for home use or parties.
Thank you so much! Sometimes I like mine more on the spicy side but most times I like mine a little calmer just so I can eat even more 🙂
These came out pretty good. I just made one sleeve to start since I was not sure if my husband and I would like them. And of course I cut all the ingredients down to 1/4. A little bit spicy but hubby still wants me to make more. I’ll just scale the heat back a bit. Really great recipe.
That’s my favorite part of making my own spice mixes, being able to change up to fit my family’s needs. I have a lot of family that can’t have salt or extra spicy foods so I just change up the spices a bit. Next time try it with my Greek seasoning. They are so good. Thanks for reading!
I needed a finger food dish for a family reunion. I will travel 10 hours to get there. The Comback Crackers will be great for traveling and do not need to be refrigerated or heated. I think I will be asked to bring these year after year!
These are a great choice! They last a week! I hope everyone loves them and they will definitely want you to come back with more next time:)
Awesome
I read all of reviews and the recipe intrigued me. And, well, since I had everything on hand, I decided to give this recipe a try. Girrrrlllll!! I am HOOKED! It was easy and these wonderfully savory crackers taste like I put in much more work to make them than I actually did. Everyone who tastes them love them like I do. These will be a staple in my house. Oh, and now, I can’t wait to marinate some steaks with the steak seasoning mixture and grill those babies. Thank you so much for this recipe!
I use just the store brand of extra virgin since it’s so much unless I have a fancier bottle that I got on clearance because I am cheap LOL. Glad you like them!
What kind of olive oil do you recommend?
Used in Ritz and they were amazing!
The flavor was amazing, but mine ended up SO salty. Is there any way to reduce this?
I’m sorry that they turned out overly salty. Did you use the recipe for the steak seasoning on the blog or a different one? If you used the recipe from the blog, you can always remake a smaller amount of the steak seasoning and leave out the salt or you can use unsalted Saltine crackers next time. Thank you!
Took a batch to work…GONE in 10 minutes and everyone begging for the recipe!!! Would give 10 stars if I could, love it doesn’t use Ranch dressing mix like so many others, and super easy to adjust the heat ! YUM!
thank you so much! So glad you liked them!!
That recipe looks so yummy! I’ll have to try that one. Thanks for sharing.
My picky teen loved this crackers, as did everyone else in the family. Great recipe.
Thank you! I love a good crackers and this looks delicious. It is definitely one of my favs!
This looks tasty! These are absolutely mouth watering! It will quickly disappear in our house, very tasty and flavorful!
This sounds so easy and flavorful and I love that it can be made ahead of time only 6 flips in 30 minutes!!! Thank you!!
Thank you! I hope you love them!
About to try it out right now! Had to go get some saltines and I have to seasoning mixed already.
So great! Let me know how they turn out!!
This makes my heart so full! I am so glad that you liked them and I love your innovation for getting them made in your office!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!
I first made these last summer. I was working in Rome and needed something to bring to a cocktail social. My assignment was to bring something American. I had no access to an oven, so these seemed perfect. I was able to find all of the ingredients and make them in my office using a borrowed container for the crackers and my water bottle to mix the oil and spices. They were devoured. I had to make 4 more batches in the next two weeks. Every time I turned around, somebody asked me to make another batch. Thank you for this recipe!
Wow! At last I got a web site from where I can genuinely
obtain helpful data regarding my study and knowledge.
What airtight container do you use for these? I’m looking for another container that these crackers will fit into without leaking. Thanks so much!
I used a rubbermaid container. I believe it was a premier brand one. It was the square one that is about 4 inches tall. Maybe a 9 cup volume. I don’t have that exact container anymore but these are the ones I use now. https://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Premier-Easy-Storage-Containers/dp/B01E07KYKO/ref=sr_1_4?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1542648072&sr=1-4&keywords=rubbermaid+storage+containers I just use the big square that is short so the crackers don’t move around. I hope this helps:)
Wow! At last I got a web site from where I can genuinely
obtain helpful data regarding my study and knowledge.
No they are not greasy, or oily.
I’m planning to make this and pair it with a gourmet cheese, and give to friends as a gift for Christmas. What cheese would you recommend?
Since the crackers are on the spicy side I would suggest a White Cheddar or a Gouda! The smoky gouda pairs well with the seasoning mix and the white cheddar tastes great and allows the crackers to shine! Thank you for reading!!
Never a fan of saltines. My husband likes Ritz and I wheat thins. I’m assuming these crackers would work???
I have not personally tried the Ritz but I am sure it would work! I have tried it with Triscuits and Wheat Thins and they turn out great!
Thank you! I have used them too and that extra buttery flavor is so good!
Are the crackers greasy or oily??
I don’t think so at all. Almost all of the oil is absorbed by the crackers. I hope you like them!
What brand of steak seasoning did you use?
I make my own blend because I am sensitive to certain spices. Here is the link to my homemade All-Purpose Steak Seasoning (https://www.taketwotapas.com/all-purpose-steak-seasoning-blend/) but you can use any of the steak seasonings on the market that you like. Thanks for reading! I hope you like them!
That sounds so awesome! I love the idea of cheese! I might have to do a reboot of the recipe with cheese pairings!
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net, you are telling me that these crackers are so awesome that it is worth me taking this awesome recipe, and with the understanding…that we are not ‘baking’ the crackers, we are soaking up the oil with the spices for 30 minutes…..and then I can proceed to sit and enjoy a sleeve or two of these with a slight sip of whatever? And when I am finished, and probably take these to my next potluck or night out, I will be making these in batches?? This is correct? Just checking, because I thought these needed baked in the oven?
that is correct. No baking needed! That’s my favorite thing about these crackers. Just a few flips of the container and you are all set!
OUTSTANDING! I’m making these again to take to a gathering this evening. This time I’m putting them on a tray with slices of cheese to go with. What a perfect snack and so easy! Thanks for sharing!
Oooh, I’ve never thought of sprucing up my own crackers this way! Just sit me down with some cheese to go along with these crackers and a glass of wine and I’m good
They will definitely spice up a cheese tray. Let me know if you find a good pairing. I have been pairing mine with vodka:)
I WANT THIS! I looove crackers but want them spicy – so this is so so perfect for me!! I’m just excited thinking about making these 🙂 Such a good way of spicing up Saltines!!
Thanks D! I knew your spicy self would like these:)
Girl, these are so ridiculously on point it’s ridiculous.
Thanks Christine! I didn’t know that they would be so fun to make:) I have made three batches this week…
Thank you so much! I love a simple recipe that wows!
This is such a great idea for a recipe! I love the spices you used to jazz up these crackers.
Thank you Joanie! I like that it is a simple recipe yet packs a punch!
I’ve never tried seasoning my own crackers before! This sounds like a great way to kick up the flavor!
Thanks! It does get spicy the longer they sit so you might want to start with 1/2 the red pepper if you don’t like it too spicy!
oooo these look amazing and so good! Kinda thinking I should make these soon!
I was going to make another batch but I noticed my kids ate all the crackers!
These are some darn good looking crackers! I would have a hard time not eating them all 🙂
I do have to portion them out when I eat:)
This is such a cool way to “dress up” Saltines. I use them in recipes, but never have them around just to nibble on. That might well change, now that I can turn them into Comeback Crackers.
Thank you Laura! They are addicting!
What a great idea to spruce up regular crackers. I will definitely have to give this a try!