Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its Recipe

Introduction

Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its are a spicy, flavorful twist on a classic snack. With a zesty ranch coating and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, they’re perfect for party snacks or anytime you want a crunchy, addictive treat.

Ingredients

• 1 (10 oz) box Cheez-Its
• 1 (1 oz) package ranch dressing mix
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius).
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
3. Step 3: Slowly add the vegetable oil to the dry mix, stirring constantly until you get a smooth and even coating mixture.
4. Step 4: Add the Cheez-Its to the bowl and toss gently until every cracker is evenly coated with the mixture.
5. Step 5: Spread the coated Cheez-Its in a single layer on a large baking sheet, making sure they are spread out evenly.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent burning.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the Cheez-Its cool completely on the baking sheet.
8. Step 8: Once cool, store your Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its in an airtight container to keep them crispy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes to 1 1/2 teaspoons or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Try swapping vegetable oil for olive oil for a richer flavor, but watch for a stronger aroma.
• Add a tablespoon of parmesan cheese to the dry mix for a cheesy, savory boost.

Storage

Store the cooled Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and crunchy for up to one week. If they soften, you can refresh them briefly in a low oven for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cracker instead of Cheez-Its?

Yes, this recipe works well with other snack crackers like Goldfish or buttery crackers. Just adjust baking time slightly as needed.

How spicy are these Cheez-Its?

The heat level is moderate thanks to the red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the spiciness by adding more or less red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its Recipe

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4.9 from 349 reviews

Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its are a spicy, savory snack made by coating cheesy crackers with a flavorful blend of ranch seasoning, garlic, onion powder, and fiery red pepper flakes, then lightly baked to create a crispy, zesty treat perfect for snacking or parties.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 3 cups of Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 (10 oz) box Cheez-Its
• 1 (1 oz) package ranch dressing mix
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking.
2. Mix Seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes to create the spicy seasoning base.
3. Add Oil: Slowly add the vegetable oil to the dry seasoning mixture while stirring constantly, ensuring a smooth, even coating mixture forms.
4. Coat Cheez-Its: Pour the Cheez-Its into the bowl with the seasoning mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to evenly coat all crackers.
5. Arrange for Baking: Spread the coated Cheez-Its in a single layer on a large baking sheet to ensure even baking without overcrowding.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, stirring halfway through to avoid burning and to promote uniform crispness.
7. Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the Cheez-Its to cool completely on the sheet; this helps them crisp up further.
8. Store: Once cooled, transfer the Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its to an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor.

Notes

• Stir halfway through baking to prevent the Cheez-Its from burning and to ensure an even toast.
• Adjust red pepper flakes quantity for preferred spice level or substitute with cayenne pepper for a different heat profile.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for optimal freshness.
• Use vegetable oil or any neutral oil to avoid overpowering the seasoning mix.

Keywords: Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its, Spicy Snack, Cheez-It Recipe, Baked Snack, Ranch Seasoned Crackers, Spicy Cheez-Its