Pioneer Woman Spicy Crackers: The Ultimate Firecracker Snack Recipe

Looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful snack that will set your taste buds ablaze? These Pioneer Woman Spicy Crackers, also known as Firecracker Crackers, are the answer! With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a batch of crispy, spicy, and utterly addictive crackers that are perfect for any occasion.

fire crackers pinterest pin image

These zesty crackers are not just a snack; they’re an experience. Imagine the satisfying crunch of a Saltine cracker, elevated with a fiery blend of spices and a touch of olive oil for that perfect crispy texture. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, need a flavorful addition to your charcuterie board, or simply crave a spicy afternoon treat, these Firecracker Crackers are guaranteed to be a hit.

If you’re a fan of bold flavors and easy recipes, you’re in the right place. These Pioneer Woman Spicy Crackers take inspiration from classic Southern “fire cracker” recipes, delivering a homemade snack that rivals any store-bought option. Forget complicated appetizers; this recipe is all about maximum flavor with minimum fuss.

comeback crackers in a bowl

What Makes These Spicy Crackers So Special?

These aren’t your average crackers. Pioneer Woman Spicy Crackers stand out because of their:

Incredible Flavor: The combination of steak seasoning, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes creates a complex heat that’s both spicy and savory.
Irresistible Crunch: Olive oil helps these crackers achieve the perfect level of crispiness that lasts.
Simplicity: With just a few pantry staples and a 30-minute prep time, you can have a crowd-pleasing snack ready in no time.
Versatility: Enjoy them on their own, pair them with cheese dips, or add them to your next snack mix – the possibilities are endless!

If you love exploring new snack recipes, be sure to check out some other easy and flavorful options like redneck snack mix, seasoned oyster crackers, sweet and spicy bacon crackers, and spicy Chex mix. But trust us, these Pioneer Woman Spicy Crackers will quickly become a new favorite.

labeled ingredients for firecracker crackers recipe

Key Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Spicy Crackers

Let’s break down what you’ll need to create these flavor-packed crackers:

Saltine Crackers: The foundation of our snack! Full-size Saltines work best, providing the ideal surface area to soak up the flavorful oil and spice mixture. You can experiment with other crackers like Club crackers or unsalted versions, but Saltines are the classic choice for firecrackers.
Olive Oil: While some recipes suggest olive oil isn’t ideal for absorption, we find it perfect for these crackers. It contributes to a longer-lasting crispiness and avoids a greasy feel. For a neutral taste, you can substitute vegetable oil or another light oil.
Spice Blend: This is where the magic happens! We use a homemade steak seasoning as the base, enhanced with garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. This combination delivers a robust, savory, and spicy profile. Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference, reducing or omitting the red pepper flakes for less heat.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Your Own Spicy Crackers

Creating these Pioneer Woman Spicy Crackers is incredibly straightforward. Here’s how:

saltine crackers in a container

Step 1: Arrange the Crackers:

Place all four sleeves of Saltine crackers standing upright in a container. A large airtight container with a lid works perfectly. Arrange them in a single layer to ensure even coating.

spices mixed with olive oil in a bowl

Step 2: Mix the Seasoned Oil:

In a separate bowl, combine the olive oil with your spice mixture. Whisk together the steak seasoning, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined. This seasoned oil is what will infuse the crackers with their signature spicy flavor.

rows of crackers with sauce being spooned over them

Step 3: Coat the Crackers:

Drizzle the seasoned oil evenly over the crackers, making sure to coat them as thoroughly as possible. Don’t forget to scrape every last bit of seasoning from the bowl to maximize the flavor.

container of crackers with a lid

Step 4: Flip and Wait:

Seal the container tightly with the lid. Flip the container upside down and let it sit for 5 minutes. Continue to flip the container every five minutes for a total of 30 minutes. This flipping process ensures that the seasoned oil evenly coats all sides of the crackers.

Step 5: Enjoy!

That’s it! Your Pioneer Woman Spicy Crackers are ready to enjoy. While they are delicious right away, they taste even better if allowed to sit overnight, allowing the flavors to fully meld.

For the complete recipe with detailed measurements, please refer to the recipe card at the end of this post.

close up of seasoned cracker

Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Spicy Crackers

Spice it Your Way: Don’t be afraid to adjust the spice levels to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. For extra heat, add a pinch of chili powder or hot sauce to the oil mixture.
Experiment with Seasonings: While our steak seasoning blend is fantastic, you can explore other flavor profiles. Try using ranch dressing mix, Italian seasoning, or even Greek seasoning for different variations.
Flip Regularly: The key to evenly seasoned crackers is flipping the container every 5 minutes during the soaking process. This ensures that all crackers get their fair share of the flavorful oil.
Let Them Rest: While you can enjoy these crackers immediately, letting them sit overnight (or even for a few hours) intensifies the flavors and allows the crackers to fully absorb the seasoning.
Storage: Store your Pioneer Woman Spicy Crackers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay crispy for up to a week, if they last that long!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different seasoning?

Absolutely! There are countless variations of seasoned saltine cracker recipes. Ranch seasoning, Italian seasoning, or even salad dressing mixes (powder only) are all great alternatives.

What other crackers can I use?

While Saltines are traditional, you can experiment with mini saltine crackers, unsalted saltines, Ritz crackers, Club crackers, or other butter crackers. For smaller crackers like mini saltines or oyster crackers, you can prepare them in a zip-top bag for easier mixing.

Do these crackers stay crispy?

Yes! Surprisingly, they do. The crackers are absorbent, and the amount of oil is just right to keep them crispy without becoming soggy.

Can I use a different oil?

Yes, canola oil or peanut oil are common substitutes. Olive oil is preferred by some for its lighter taste and less oily feel.

Can I bake these crackers?

This is a no-bake recipe, but if you want to crisp them up further, you can bake them in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 3-5 minutes. They are designed to stay crispy at room temperature for up to a week.

How many crackers are in a sleeve of Saltines?

Approximately 40 crackers per sleeve, perfect for a generous batch of spicy snacks!

this spicy snack is great for road trips

Pioneer Woman Spicy Crackers Recipe

These spicy and crispy fire crackers are light and flaky with a little kick to them. they are so addicting and they will keep you coming back for more!

4.51 from 292 votes

Print Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Additional Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 20 servings
Author: Jennifer Stewart

Equipment

Large airtight container with lid
Mixing bowl
Whisk

Ingredients

16 ounces Saltine crackers (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

Instructions

Place all your crackers (all 4 sleeves) upright in a container.
Mix your olive 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.
Seal the container.
Flip the container upside down and let sit for 5 minutes.
Flip the container every five minutes for 30 minutes total.
Enjoy!

Video

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Recipe Notes

For a milder flavor, reduce or omit red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper.
Experiment with different seasoning mixes like ranch, Italian, or Greek.
Flipping the crackers regularly ensures even seasoning.
Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Nutrition

{Originally Published 02/10/16 – Recipe notes/photos updated to improve reader experience 10/08/24}

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fire crackers last a long time

bowl of fire crackers