These irresistible seasoned crackers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering! Infused with a harmonious blend of ranch and Italian seasonings, these crackers are incredibly simple to prepare and undeniably delicious. Prepare to make them again and again!
Irresistible Seasoned Crackers: Your Ultimate Easy Party Snack
Prepare to become utterly obsessed with these homemade seasoned crackers! Crafted with a delightful combination of Italian seasoning, classic ranch dressing mix, and melted butter, this recipe couldn’t be simpler to make – or more difficult to stop eating. I often find myself whipping up a batch of these savory delights for holiday parties, family gatherings, or simply for us to munch on during quiet evenings at home. If you’re searching for a new, exciting, and utterly addictive snack, look no further than this fantastic Seasoned Crackers recipe!
The Magic Behind These Flavor-Packed Crackers
What makes these seasoned crackers so incredibly good? It’s the ingenious blend of classic flavors that come together to create a snack that’s both familiar and exciting. The creamy, herby notes of ranch seasoning perfectly complement the robust, aromatic herbs found in Italian dressing mix. When coated in melted unsalted butter and baked to a toasty perfection, these humble saltine crackers transform into crispy, golden bites bursting with savory goodness. The subtle addition of granulated sugar creates a magical balance, enhancing the savory notes without making the crackers overtly sweet. This simple yet brilliant combination ensures every cracker is a tiny explosion of flavor, making them utterly irresistible for all ages.
Versatility for Every Occasion
One of the best aspects of these seasoned crackers is their incredible versatility. They’re not just for holidays; they’re perfect for almost any occasion!
- Party Appetizer: Arrange them on a platter for an instant hit at birthday parties, game nights, or casual get-togethers. They disappear quickly!
- Holiday Snacking: During the bustling holiday season, these crackers are a welcome addition to any snack table, offering a delicious break from heavier dishes.
- Everyday Treat: Keep a batch on hand for after-school snacks, movie nights, or whenever a savory craving strikes. They’re a more exciting alternative to plain crackers.
- Soup & Salad Companion: Crumble them over creamy tomato soup or sprinkle them on a garden salad for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
- Cheese Board Addition: Elevate your next charcuterie or cheese board with these flavorful crackers, providing a fantastic contrast to cheeses and cured meats.
Their ease of preparation also means you can whip up a batch on short notice, making you the hero of any last-minute gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Seasoned Crackers
While I personally love using mini saltine crackers for their perfect bite-sized appeal, they are not a strict requirement for this recipe. You can easily find them alongside other crackers at your local grocery store. However, regular-sized saltine crackers will work just as wonderfully! Simply use the same total amount (by weight, typically an 11-ounce box) as specified in the recipe. The baking time and method will remain consistent, ensuring you get the same delicious results regardless of cracker size.
Absolutely! If you’re a fan of a little kick and want to transform these into “Firecrackers,” it’s incredibly simple to do. Just add about a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the butter and seasoning mixture before heating it. For an extra layer of heat, you could also add a light sprinkling of your favorite hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper. Adjust the amount of spice to suit your personal preference, starting with a smaller quantity and adding more if you dare!
No, it is highly recommended that you do not use salted butter for this recipe. The seasoning packets (ranch and Italian) already contain a significant amount of salt, which provides more than enough seasoning for the crackers. Introducing salted butter would likely result in an excessively salty flavor that would be overpowering for most palates. Stick to unsalted butter to achieve the perfectly balanced and delicious taste that makes these crackers so popular.
You can certainly double this recipe without any issues! In fact, if you’re planning to serve these seasoned crackers to a larger crowd or want to ensure you have plenty of leftovers (which are unlikely to last long!), I highly suggest preparing a double batch. These crackers are known to disappear remarkably fast, so making more means more enjoyment for everyone. Simply scale all the ingredients proportionally and use larger baking sheets if needed to ensure an even layer during baking.
Storing any leftover seasoned crackers is straightforward to maintain their freshness and crispness. Simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature on your kitchen counter, where they will remain delicious for up to 5 days. For longer storage, these crackers can also be frozen. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, and they will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just remove them from the freezer and let them thaw on the countertop until they reach room temperature.
Key Ingredients for Irresistible Seasoned Crackers
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making these amazing seasoned crackers. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect flavor and texture:
- Unsalted Butter: The base for our flavorful coating. Unsalted is key to controlling the overall sodium content.
- Ranch Dressing Mix: Adds a creamy, herby, and tangy flavor profile that is universally loved.
- Italian Dressing Mix: Contributes aromatic herbs like oregano, basil, and garlic, providing a savory depth.
- Granulated Sugar: A small amount creates a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the savory seasonings and helps with caramelization.
- Mini Saltine Crackers: The ideal canvas for soaking up all the delicious seasoning. Their mild flavor and crisp texture are perfect.
These simple ingredients come together to create a snack that tastes far more complex than its humble components suggest.
How to Make Seasoned Crackers: Step-by-Step Guide
Crafting these delicious seasoned crackers is a breeze. Follow these easy steps to create your next favorite snack:
First, preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). While the oven heats, line a large sheet tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Set this prepared tray aside for later. In a small saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, ranch dressing mix, Italian dressing mix, and granulated sugar over medium-low heat. Stir constantly as the butter melts and the ingredients thoroughly combine into a fragrant, smooth mixture. Once completely melted and well-integrated, remove the saucepan from the heat.
Next, transfer all of your crackers into a large mixing bowl. Carefully pour the warm, melted butter and seasoning mixture evenly over the crackers. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently stir and toss the crackers until each one is thoroughly coated with the delicious seasoning blend. Take your time with this step to ensure maximum flavor in every bite.
Once coated, spread the seasoned crackers in a single, even layer onto the prepared sheet tray. It’s okay if a few crackers are stacked on top of each other, but try to keep the layer as even as possible for uniform baking. This allows them to crisp up beautifully.
Bake the crackers for 30 minutes, making sure to stir them gently every 5 minutes. This regular stirring ensures that they bake evenly and become golden brown and perfectly toasty on all sides. Once baked to perfection, remove them from the oven, allow them to cool completely on the sheet tray, and then they are ready to serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Perfect Seasoned Crackers Every Time
While this recipe is incredibly simple, a few tips can help ensure your seasoned crackers turn out perfectly crispy and packed with flavor:
- Even Coating is Key: Don’t rush the mixing step. Ensure every single cracker is well-coated with the butter and seasoning mixture. This guarantees consistent flavor throughout the batch.
- Low and Slow Baking: The 275°F oven temperature is intentional. Baking at a lower temperature for a longer period allows the crackers to slowly toast and absorb the flavors without burning.
- Regular Stirring: Stirring every 5 minutes during baking is crucial. It prevents the crackers on the edges from burning and ensures all sides get golden and crisp.
- Cool Completely: Resist the urge to snack immediately! Allowing the crackers to cool completely on the baking sheet will ensure they reach their maximum crispness.
- Customize Your Spices: While ranch and Italian are a winning combination, feel free to experiment. A pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or even a dash of smoked paprika can add new dimensions.
- Storage for Optimum Crispness: Always store your cooled crackers in an airtight container. Exposure to air will quickly make them lose their crunch.
Want More Delicious Recipes?
If you loved these seasoned crackers, you’ll surely enjoy exploring more savory and easy-to-make snacks and appetizers from our collection:
- Bacon Ranch Crackers
- Ranch Pretzel Bites
- Million Dollar Dip
- The Best Party Chex Mix
- Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix
- Crock Pot Buffalo Ranch Chex Mix
- 100 Best Super Bowl Recipes
Seasoned Crackers
5
35
40
8
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- 1 ounce packet ranch dressing mix
- 0.7 ounce packet Italian dressing mix
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 11 ounce box mini saltine crackers
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C). Line a sheet tray with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, add ¾ cup unsalted butter, 1 ounce packet ranch dressing mix, 0.7 ounce packet Italian dressing mix, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Heat, constantly stirring, until melted and combined. Take off the heat.
- In a large bowl, add 11 ounce box mini saltine crackers. Pour the butter mixture on top and stir to combine.
- Spread the crackers in an even layer on the prepared sheet tray. If some are stacked on top of each other, that’s okay.
- Bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until golden brown and toasty. Let cool and serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- Regular saltine crackers can be used. Just use the same amount (by weight).
- Make sure you only use unsalted butter to avoid over-salting.
- You can make these into “Firecrackers” by adding about a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
Snack
American
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 34g |
Protein: 4g |
Fat: 21g |
Sodium: 895mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 2g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Did you make this recipe?
Share it on Instagram @thecountrycook and mention us #thecountrycook!