These crispy comeback crackers (also known as Alabama fire crackers) are one of our favorite snacks with a little kick to them. The ranch mix and red pepper flakes coat the top of the crackers, giving them so much flavor and a hint of spice. I love adding these spicy crackers to a charcuterie board, bringing to any get-together, or as part of a tailgating spread alongside Greek yogurt ranch dip and fresh veggies!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my Full Disclosure Policy for more information.
Jump to:
Equipment
- Resealable plastic bag or airtight container - a bag works great because it's easy to mix the oil and seasonings and then toss the crackers in. I like to put the finished spicy ranch crackers back in the bag after toasting to soak up any extra flavors!
- Large baking sheet - I recommend using a bigger baking sheet because you want to spread the crackers out when toasting.
Ingredients
Full ingredients, measurements, and instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Crackers - you can use regular saltines, mini saltine crackers, captain's wafers, oyster crackers, or Ritz crackers. I would just make sure you try to use the equivalent to the saltines amount below (4 sleeves of crackers) to ensure proper oil and seasoning ratios.
- Olive oil - the oil will combine with the seasonings and seep into the crackers to give them so much tangy, spicy flavor.
- Ranch seasoning - this is the best part of these comeback crackers! You can find ranch seasoning with the dressing mixes in the dressing aisle of the grocery store.
- Red pepper flakes - if you like spicy, red pepper flakes are a must. You can omit these altogether if you don't like any spice, or add more if you like things extra spicy!
- Garlic powder and ground black pepper - these just add a hint of more flavor!
How to Make Spicy Ranch Crackers
1: Combine oil and seasonings in a large resealable bag. Seal, then squeeze the bag to mix the ingredients. Add each sleeve of saltines to the bag. Seal, then toss so the crackers are evenly coated. Let sit overnight (or at least for a couple of hours) to let the crackers really soak up the oil mixture.
2: Spread the crackers onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or foil.
3: Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Substitutions & Pro Tips
- You could use oyster crackers or Ritz crackers instead of saltines! You may need to alter the amount of oil and seasonings based on how many crackers you use. I would try to equate the amount to the amount listed in the full recipe below!
- Gluten-free crackers can be used but may not absorb the oil the same and may need a different baking time.
- Keep any leftovers in the resealable bag used to toss the oil mixture and crackers! The crackers will continue to soak up any extra flavor, leaving a delicious coating.
Storage
Store in the resealable bag used to toss the crackers and oil mixture or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days, if they can last that long!
Recipe FAQ
I love making these comeback crackers with stale crackers! Instead of thowing them away, toss them in a bag with olive oil, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. I highly recommend toasting them in the oven after they've marinated overnight to bring the stale crackers back to life!
The tangy, salty, spicy flavor combination of the seasonings in this comeback crackers recipe makes it so you don't even need a topping for crackers. Other than cheese, I love any dip or jam/jelly on crackers!
It's really simple! Place olive oil and seasonings in a large resealable plastic bag and mix. Add the crackers and toss them around in the bag with the oil mixture. Let them sit for at least a few hours (ideally overnight), toast in the oven, and enjoy!
Other Recipes You May Like
Want more healthy recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Click here to join The Perfect Pear newsletter!
If you give this recipe a try, please rate and review it below! I would love to hear your feedback. Also snap a photo and tag me on Insta @theperfectpearr so I can see your creation!
Comeback Crackers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 28 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 box (453g) saltine crackers (4 sleeves)
- 1 ¾ cups (372g) olive oil
- ½ cup (57g) Ranch seasoning (or 2-1oz packets)
- 3 Tablespoons red pepper flakes (you could use more or less depending on spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Mix oil and seasonings/spices in a resealable gallon plastic bag or plastic container until well-combined. You want a big enough bag or container so you can toss the crackers around.
- Add crackers and toss them around so they’re fully coated.
- Let crackers sit overnight (feel free to toss them periodically!).
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Line large baking sheet with parchment paper or heavy duty aluminum foil.
- Lay crackers out on a baking sheet (you may need to use 2 sheets in order to evenly spread the crackers out).
- Bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool and enjoy!
Notes
- Crackers will last in an air-tight container for about a week.
- This fire crackers recipe is great for a tailgate, charcuterie board, family gathering, road trip, or just to have around!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 crackers
- Calories: 83
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 415
- Fat: 3
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 2
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 0
Keywords: firecracker recipe, seasoned crackers, alabama fire crackers, spicy ranch crackers, comeback crackers recipe, cocktail crackers
Tyler says
The heat on these things is so perfect. Only complaint is that i ate them too fast because they're too good!
Lauren says
Hahaha we have the same complaint!