Oven-baked oyster crackers infused with ranch and dill flavors! This delightful recipe originated from my best friend’s mom during my childhood, and it’s always a favorite!
Content Overview
A Guaranteed Hit.
Often (particularly during December), I find myself longing to wind down with a Christmas flick, accompanied by a non-alcoholic beer or rosemary pom spritzer, and – essential – a small dish of snacks. It’s literally a nightly treasure hunt around the home. Cookies won’t do, nuts feel too wholesome, and chips just aren’t cozy enough.
And Ranch Crackers are invariably perfect for this occasion.
I asked my mom to obtain the recipe from her girlfriend, who is the mother of my childhood closest friend, and also the parent of the beloved Tenor Chef?! So many small world connections here, which is very fitting for Ranch Crackers, as they seem to have been the predominant snack of the 90s in small Midwestern towns. ♡
When I shared these on Instagram, many of you shared your reminiscences: “Oh, my grandma would whip those up!” or, “I adore those and haven’t thought about them for ages!” or “I used to search for the extra ranch-coated pieces at the bottom of the bag!” (Same here.)
So for a salty-snack craving, a touch of 90s Midwestern nostalgia, and a tangy-salty, dill-drenched delight that satisfies each time, I present to you today: Deb’s Ranch Crackers.
Bring them to a soirée, sprinkle on top of soup (divine), or enjoy them in a bowl every evening on your couch while watching TV like I do. Relish!
Let’s whip up these little delights.
Combine it all!
Everything in a single bowl!
Bake Away!
Indeed, it’s that straightforward. (I sprinkled some everything seasoning on the left side of the pan! and take note of the generous dill on the right side!) Good luck resisting the urge to devour them all!
Deb’s Ranch Crackers
Description
Oven-baked oyster crackers infused with ranch and dill flavors! This delightful recipe originated from my best friend’s mom during my childhood, and it’s always a favorite!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Deb’s Ranch Crackers
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.
- Whisk together the ranch seasoning, oil, and dried dill.
- Drizzle the mixture over the oyster crackers in a large bowl. Gently stir to combine. (Sample and adjust at this stage and personalize it! Toss in some red pepper flakes, or additional garlic or onion powder, etc.)
- Spread onto a baking sheet; bake for 15-20 minutes until dried. Voila! They’re DELICIOUS.
Notes
You can opt for either butter or oil – I lean towards oil since it maintains their crispiness.
Dried dill tends to be more effective than freeze-dried dill in my opinion! It’s ground finer and possesses a stronger flavor.
The same technique could be applied to pretzels, Cheez-Its, mini saltines, or popcorn!
As presented, these will have a concentrated flavor! If you prefer a milder ranch cracker, utilize two bags of crackers instead of one. (But personally – I love a cracker loaded with ranch flavor!)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ranch Crackers FAQ
How do you serve these?
Present them in a bowl for snacking! Or as a “crouton” for soup – it’s delightful and fun! My favorite pairing is with tomato soup – either this amazing recipe or, if you’re short on time, this quick tomato soup.
Where can you find the crackers?
I prefer the small oyster crackers (also known as soup crackers) and particularly enjoy the ones from Target (Good and Gather brand). They have a fun hexagonal shape. The ones I utilized in this post were the Nabisco Premium brand.
Is it possible to use butter?
Absolutely, butter or oil can be employed in this recipe. I’ve noticed that oil retains the crackers’ crispiness, while butter yields a slightly softer texture, hence I gravitate towards oil.
Can you substitute another seasoning for ranch?
Definitely! You can mix another seasoning with the ranch, or swap it out entirely! Everything Bagel seasoning is a fun option, and Trader Joe’s offers a variety of exciting spice blends that could make for great experiments!
What’s the best way to store these?
I store them in an airtight container, sometimes in the refrigerator (not quite sure why – they don’t require that, but it’s just a habit we have)!
Can this method be applied to other snacks besides oyster crackers?
Certainly! Pretzels, popcorn, Cheez-Its, you name it!
Enhance These Soups With Crackers
**Deb’s Homemade Ranch-Flavored Crackers: A Snack Worth Savoring**
When it comes to snacking, few things can rival the satisfaction of a crispy, flavorful cracker. Whether you’re hosting a get-together, preparing a lunchbox, or just craving a savory bite, Deb’s Homemade Ranch-Flavored Crackers are the ideal choice. These simple yet delicious crackers are loaded with the zesty, herby goodness of ranch seasoning, ensuring they please everyone. In this article, we’ll delve into the allure of these homemade crackers, offer guidance on how to prepare them, and share some inventive ways to enjoy them.
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### The Temptation of Ranch-Flavored Crackers
Ranch seasoning brings together a mix of herbs such as dill, parsley, and chives with garlic, onion, and a touch of tangy buttermilk. This creamy, zesty profile has made it a favorite in dips, dressings, and snacks. By infusing crackers with this famous flavor, Deb has created a treat that is both nostalgic and hard to resist.
What differentiates Deb’s Homemade Ranch-Flavored Crackers from store-bought alternatives is their freshness, customizable taste intensity, and the joy of making something from scratch. Additionally, they are free from preservatives and artificial ingredients, making them a healthier choice than pre-packaged snacks.
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### The Recipe: How to Prepare Deb’s Ranch-Flavored Crackers
Creating these crackers at home is surprisingly easy, requiring only a few ingredients. Here’s Deb’s tried-and-true recipe:
#### Ingredients:
– 1 box of plain crackers (like saltines, oyster crackers, or mini club crackers)
– 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix (or homemade ranch mix)
– 1/2 cup of vegetable oil (or melted butter for a richer flavor)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon dried dill (optional, for added herby flavor)
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a smoky undertone)
#### Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). This lower temperature ensures even baking without burning.
2. **Mix the Seasoning Blend**: In a small bowl, mix together the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, dried dill, and paprika thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
3. **Coat the Crackers**: Put your crackers in a large mixing bowl. Pour over the vegetable oil (or melted butter), tossing gently to evenly coat them. Dust the seasoning mixture over the crackers, continuing to toss until each cracker is generously covered.
4. **Bake**: Spread the seasoned crackers in a single layer on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring midway to promote even cooking. The crackers should come out crisp and golden.
5. **Cool and Store**: Let the crackers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll remain fresh for up to a week—if they make it that long!
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### Personalize Your Crackers
One fantastic aspect of Deb’s recipe is its adaptability. Here are several suggestions to customize your crackers:
– **Spicy Flair**: Incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a heated twist.
– **Cheesy Goodness**: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese powder over the crackers before baking.
– **Gluten-Free Alternative**: Choose gluten-free crackers as the base to suit dietary preferences.
– **Herb Infusion**: Experiment with fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme for unique flavor variations.
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### Creative Uses for Ranch-Flavored Crackers
Deb’s Homemade Ranch-Flavored Crackers are delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a wide array of dips and toppings. Here are some ideas:
1. **Dips**: Serve alongside ranch dressing, hummus, guacamole, or spinach-artichoke dip for an appetizer spread that will impress.
2. **Cheese Board Addition**: Incorporate them onto a charcuterie board featuring an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, and fresh fruits.
3. **Soup Topping**: Use as a crunchy addition to creamy soups such as tomato bisque or potato leek soup.
4. **Salad Crunch**: Crush the crackers and sprinkle them over salads for a flavor-packed twist on traditional croutons.
5. **Portable Snack**: Pack them into small resealable bags for a convenient treat during road trips, picnics, or work breaks.
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### The Benefits of Homemade Snacks
In an age of convenience foods, taking the time to create something homemade is a delightful change. Deb’s Ranch-Flavored Crackers are not just simple to make but also permit you to control the ingredients and adjust the flavor profiles to suit your taste. Moreover, the entire process of preparing them is enjoyable!