Zesty Saltines Firecrackers Recipes

CRISPY, SPICY FIRECRACKER RECIPE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, mix together the oil and spices, whisking until blended.
• Divide crackers into 2 gallon-size zippered bags.
• Pour half of the oil mixture into one bag and half into the second bag. Seal and gently rotate bag to coat crackers.
• Continue rotating the bags every 5 minutes for an hour.
• Let sit overnight, then store crackers in an airtight container

FIRECRACKER CRACKERS

Steps:

• Whisk the canola oil, crushed red pepper flakes, ranch dressing mix, and chili powder together in a bowl.
• Divide the saltine crackers evenly into 2 1-gallon-sized sealable bags. Pour the oil mixture evenly over the crackers. Seal the bag and flip to allow the oil mixture to run over the crackers for 5 minutes; flip again. Repeat the flipping every five minutes to evenly coat the crackers for about 1 hour. Remove the crackers from the bags and spread onto large platters. Allow to sit overnight before serving.

ALABAMA FIRE CRACKERS

Steps:

• Place the vegetable oil, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, ranch dressing mix, and crushed red pepper flakes in a 2-gallon plastic zipper bag. Seal the bag and smoosh with your hands to thoroughly combine the oil and spices. Place the crackers into the bag, seal, and turn the bag over to cover the crackers with the spice mix. Let the bag sit for about 1 hour, then turn again. Repeat several more times until the crackers are well-coated with spice mix, and allow the bag to sit overnight. Remove crackers and serve.

ROOSTER'S FAMOUS FIRE CRACKERS

Steps:

• Arrange a rack in the center and preheat oven to 475ºF. Spray a 10x15-inch jelly-roll pan (not shiny) with nonstick cooking spray, and arrange crackers (about 40) in rows so that crackers are touching each other. One sleeve fits almost perfectly in this size pan.
• Sprinkle seasoning over crackers, then sprinkle with as many pepper flakes as you dare. About 5 flakes to a cracker is good. Finally, top evenly with grated cheese.
• Bake for 1 minute only. Turn the oven off. Leave in the oven overnight.The hot oven melts and browns the cheese, producing an even coating of crisp brown cheese. The fat from the cheese soaks inot the crackers and puffs them slightly. Leaving them in the oven dries them out well so that they are super crunchy. Break apart and eat or store. They keep well for several weeks sealed in an airtight tin.
• Note: From The Oregonian: The basic method, which we cribbed from an old recipe called Rooster's Famous Fire Crackers, calls for placing a layer of saltines on a baking sheet, sprinkling it with shredded cheese and spices, and baking briefly in a super-hot oven. The cheese melts, then crisps up as it cools. The spices -- any blend of you can dream up -- give it zing, and the results are addictive. After falling in love with Fire Crackers, we couldn't stop there. We tried different cheeses -- some mellow, some sharp -- and different spices, from barbecue rubs to lemon-dill. After lots of testing, we found a handful of great combinations, such as Smoky Cheddar and Barbecue, and Lemony Parmesan and Red Pepper. Don't wait for a party to try them.
• Note: Here are a few tips to remember as you make these snacks at home:.
• • Use any type of saltine cracker you like.
• • Finely shred the cheese using the small holes on the grater, so it melts into a uniform layer.
• • Don't be afraid to improvise; any kind of cheese/herb combo is fair game, though we especially like spice blends combining some heat and a bit of sweetness.
• Fire Cracker variations:.
• Make these versions using the accompanying basic recipe for Rooster's Famous Fire Crackers, or use them to inspire your own creations.
• Smoky cheddar crackers:.
• 6 ounces of smoked cheddar (shredded on the finest holes of a grater).
• 1 tablespoon barbecue seasoning blend (such as KC Masterpiece BBQ Seasoning).
• Spicy jack crackers:.
• 6 ounces pepper jack (shredded on the finest holes of a grater).
• 1 tablespoon Spicy Montreal Steak Seasoning (McCormick).
• Gouda and seed crackers:.
• 6 ounces gouda (shredded on the finest holes of a grater).
• 1/2 teaspoon dehydrated garlic flakes.
• 1/2 teaspoon dehydrated onion flakes.
• 1 teaspoon white sesame seeds.
• 1/2 teaspoon black sesame seeds.
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds.
• 1 tablespoon pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds).
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
• Lemon-parmesan crackers:.
• 5 ounces shredded parmesan cheese (shredded on the finest holes of a grater).
• Grated zest of 2 lemons.

SPICY RANCH FIRE CRACKERS

Steps:

• Place crackers in a deep, air-tight food saver container with a lid.
• Combine oil, ranch dressing mix, and red pepper flakes and whisk together thoroughly.
• Pour oil mixture over crackers, cover with lid, and toss gently to thoroughly coat; turn container periodically until ready to serve.
• Best if made one day ahead of serving. Will keep in airtight container for approximately one week. Do not refrigerate.