Alabama Firecrackers
Get ready for these Alabama firecrackers to be the most popular finger food at your next get-together, picnic, or game day party. These spicy saltines are the perfect savory counterpart to a table full of sweets on a holiday buffet spread.
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Omgsh, you guys, these no-bake spicy crackers are the real deal. We love these year-round as they work for both BBQs and Christmas parties. Need more ideas? These spicy candied pecans are crunchy, sweet, and spicy, and these hummus deviled eggs are creamy and secretly packed with protein. Check out all of our appetizers recipes for even more inspiration.
Why you will love this recipe
This is a super easy party snack. We use simple ingredients, and prep time is pretty much zero, and who doesn’t love that?
If you love a spicy kick, these are for YOU. It is also an easy recipe to customize, so you can adjust the spice to your liking.
We use naturally vegan crackers, making this a plant-based recipe. Bonus!
Ingredient notes
Find the complete ingredient list, with measurements, in the recipe card below.
- Crackers – We’ve used both Late July brand crackers and 365 brand saltine crackers. Our preference is for non-GMO products with anything that uses wheat. We use 2 sleeves of a 16 ounce box.
- Olive Oil – To coat the crackers so the seasonings will stick. Use a light olive oil for the most neutral flavor.
- Italian Seasoning – This balances the heat and the spices bring a softening, earthy vibe. We have a homemade Italian seasoning blend if you’re interested.
- Chili Flakes – AKA crushed red pepper and red pepper flakes, whatever you call it, this is the ingredient that brings the heat.
Equipment
Nothing fancy is needed for this recipe.
- Large Zip-top Bag – All the ingredients go in the bag, and that is it. Love the minimal cleanup here.
- BPA-free
- Perfect for storing fresh produce and leftovers
- Double zipper ensures secure closure
Instructions
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the FULL recipe details.
Step 1
Start by placing the sleeves of crackers in the large zip-top bag.
Step 2
Then, pour the oil over the crackers to coat them.
Step 3
Next comes the seasonings. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and chili flakes into the bag over the crackers.
Seal the bag and gently turn it over a few times to ensure the crackers are evenly coated with the oil and spice mixture.
Step 4
Finally, let the crackers sit at room temperature for at least 8 hours/overnight for all of the goodness to absorb.
Turn the bag every hour or so to keep the texture consistent and allow each side to soak up the oil.
Remember to rotate, not stir. Don’t shake or stir the bag because you might crush the crackers, and you want to keep them in one piece.
Expert Tip!
Using a large zip-top bag allows you to gently turn everything without crushing the crackers, and they all get well coated with the spice and oil mixture.
Substitutions and recipe variations
Using ranch dressing mix is very popular as a substitute for Italian seasoning. Try them both and do a taste test!
This recipe works well with a variety of different crackers, from mini saltines to Ritz crackers to Cheezits. Have fun experimenting with your faves.
Other neutral oils, such as canola, grapeseed, or vegetable oil, will also work. Use what you have in the pantry. Even melted butter tastes delish.
Serving suggestions
These are great for parties. Add them to a cheese board or serve in a big bowl with a creamy dip like this caramelized onion dip to offset the spice.
The salty, spicy flavor goes well with cold drinks. We love butterfly pea tea or iced green tea in spring and summer.
Having soup? These crackers are a delicious spicy counterpart to a rich soup like this creamy tomato basil soup.
FAQS
No. Keep these at room temp. The cold fridge will cause them to lose their crispiness, and we don’t want that.
Yes! Simply reduce the amount of chili flakes that you add to the crackers for a milder version.
Nope! That is the beauty of this recipe. I know some readers have baked them for extra crispiness, but it isn’t necessary, and it may dry them out.
Storage tips
To Store: Keep the crackers in the bag or an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
More spicy recipes
This post was originally a roundup of recipes that highlighted Oscar-nominated movies back in 2015. My friend Haley from Cheap Recipe Blog organized it, and it was so fun to be a part of. My movie was Selma, which was set in Alabama, hence these crackers. These are some of the other recipes from that OG article:
American Sniper: The $10 Mezze Platter from Cheap Recipe Blog
The Imitation Game: High Tea from Pickles Travel
The Theory Of Everything: Boozy Nutella Milkshakes from Dining With Alice
*Originally posted February 16, 2015, updated February 17, 2023, and updated again April 17, 2026.*
If you’ve tried these Alabama fire crackers, please give me a rating and let me know how it turned out by leaving me a comment below. I’m always interested in feedback!
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Alabama Firecrackers
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz. box of saltine crackers *approximately 2 sleeves
- ¾ cup olive oil *use light olive oil for a neutral taste
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2-3 tbsp chili flakes *adjust spice to you liking
Instructions
- Place the crackers into a large Ziploc bag and cover with the olive oil. Coat the crackers with the oil and sprinkle in the spices.
- Seal the bag and turn it over and over until the crackers are all well and evenly coated.
- Leave at room temperature in the sealed bag for up to 8 hours or overnight, turning it over every hour or so to keep the flavors even.
- Enjoy on their own or with a dip.
Bake for max of 8 minutes at 350°F to 375°F after coating crackers. It helped the seasoning and oil to soak in.
Loved them! I used the premium brand mini saltines. Perfect size.
Minis are a great idea!! Thanks Peggi 🙂
We all really liked these, with the mini square saltine crackers. I only used 1 tablespoon of pepper flakes, as mine are really spicy. It was plenty. Perfect tailgate snack!
Oooh! Mini squares! Fun. 🙂 Great idea for a tailgating snack! Thanks Dee.
Can you bake them instead?
My crackers seem VERY oily. The recipe said 3/4 cup olive oil. Are you sure it isn’t supposed to be 1/4 cup?
Yes, the ingredients for the recipe are how they are supposed to be. Be sure to have the right amount of crackers, turn the bag every so often, let them sit overnight and they should be good to go.
Can you bake them instead?
I haven’t tried this personally but I think it could work.
I agree …I followed the recipe using 3/4 cup olive oil and they were to oily. I’m going to try using 1/2 cup next time
Where can I purchase the round saltine crackers?
I always use the standard square crackers, but the round looks so much better.
There is a link in the recipe card to the ones they sell at Amazon from Whole Foods. 🙂
I’m wondering if anyone has tried using oyster crackers?
Yes and reports are they are delicious!
Please !! Send to me copy to Recipe to Alabama Firecrackers ? And I’m Deaf ? Nice meet you too.
Hi Debra! Nice to meet you. 🙂 I’m not sure what you need – did you want to print this recipe? There is a print button in the recipe card at the bottom. Hopefully that is helpful! Let me know.
So good for Christmas eve.
Yes! This recipe is tradition on Christmas for many. Have a wonderful holiday Louise!
I used avacado oil and I don’t like the taste. Will try olive next time.
Yes I definitely recommend olive oil. Try a light olive oil if you want a really mild taste. They are so good!
The Chili Flakes are Red Pepper Flakes.?? My husband loves the heat, I may do a compromise for us. I have seen this recipe with Grated Parmesan Cheese added. Maybe just a pinch of Ranch seasoning. Usually it’s too salty. Probably a Homemade Cool Ranch Dip to go with it. Thanks for sharing. ** For something Sweet I will make Puppy Chow. **
Yes chili flakes are red pepper flakes. We’ve always called them chili flakes where I grew up. 🙂 Ranch dip sounds awesome with these. Hope you enjoy!
This firecracker snack cracker is really super easy but I wonder,could you give it another flavor?like swap out the Italian seasoning for garlic pepper? I don’t know if all the grocery stores have this one particular season, but I bought it from family dollar, and it’s very potent in flavor and taste.it gives everything you sprinkle a hint of garlic flavor with a little heat of black pepper and makes rice,noodles tastes great with the two spices flavor,so I just want to see if you could add it to the ritz cracker?
Hi George! Yes, for sure you can swap the seasoning out. I know we have used ranch seasoning and it was delicious. Let us know if you try it!
Found this recipe searching for a way to make Ritz Italian flavored. Like the flatbread crackers I’ve used & love. But I like Ritz crispy texture better. These are wonderful made exactly per the recipe & I ALWAYS do it per poster on the first run. Way too hot for us, but ate them all. Second batch I used hint of salt crackers, 1 pkt of Good Seasons Italian dressing mix (2T), 1T Italian seasoning & 1 T red pepper flakes. Got the flavor i wanted! Thanks again for the starter recipe!
Love it Tracy! I tweak this recipe all the time too. Have a great week. 🙂
I have made these three times. They are fantastic. What I appreciate is that the recipe doesn’t call for ranch. I’m not a ranch fan. I did only use 1 Tbsp of red pepper flakes for my family’s sake. They’re wusses. Lol
Haha! I love it! All wusses, aside, I’m in full agreement that these are fantastic. I make them for Christmas parties and the Superbowl every year. Thanks, Heather!
amazing
They are very good. I went slow on pepper flakes because I don’t like food too spicy hot. Very simple to make. Will take to my next family gathering. I will try with a creamy dip. Just not sure which kind. I did use Ritz crackers.
Thanks!
Love it
what are the little green specks on the crackers – herbs? If so what kind?
It is from the Italian seasoning. It is listed in the recipe 🙂
Those measuring spoon are just divine! Where did you get those ?
Aren’t they cute? My best friend bought them for me in a small shop in Tofino, BC a few years ago when we were on vacation. They have sentimental value as well! 🙂
Looks, great!
2 boxes of Ritz crackers or sleeves? Thank you
I use 2 boxes of Late July brand that are 170 grams each – so it will depend on the size of box you buy. If you get the standard Ritz box that is 388 grams (4 sleeves) I would use all 4 sleeves for this recipe. Hopefully that helps – let me know!
WOW! can’t wait for people to stop talking about them and ACTUALLY make them!
Look great. Planning on sending a batch to west coast. After the 12 hour marinade what would be the best way to package for shipping? And I’m worried about the oil making them soggy since it takes 3-5 days to get there. Any suggestions?
Hmmmm…good question! I haven’t shipped these before. I wouldn’t worry about them getting soggy as the crackers really absorb all of the oil during the marinating process. Just be sure to turn the bag. 🙂 I think the bigger concern would be them getting all broken and jostled around. I would maybe double bag them in ziplocks then put that in a small box so they don’t get crushed. Let me know how it goes!
Is it really 2 full boxes of crackers. Most are 13-15 oz
I use Late July crackers (as linked in the recipe card) and those boxes are 170 grams which is close to 6 ounces. If you use a different brand and the box is 13 ounces then one would work perfectly.
Don’t they get soggy?
Not at all! Just keep turning the bag and they magically stay crisp. 🙂 And they really are so yummy.
We have used packages of Ranch dressing and also the spicy ranch. They are addictive!
So addictive!! But so gooood. 🙂
Looks like Ritz crackers. Are they just a plain white cracker? I dont think the brand you used are sold here in Louisville KY.
These crackers are called Late July – Whole Foods usually carries it if you have one local to you. Ritz works too though! Or saltines.
Thanks for sharing! Do they keep well?
They do! At least a week (if they last that long!). Thanks Vanessa. 🙂
This looks so good! What a great way to spice up crackers for company!
Right? A fun twist. Thanks Suzanne!
Could I use Good Seasons dressing mix?
Hey Adam! That should work. I haven’t tried it but the ingredients are similar. 🙂 Let me know!
wow dear i like this recipe and surely i’ll try this recipe
How far in advance can these be made?
How long will they keep?
They need 12 hours or so to marinate After that they last 2-3 days in the sealed bag. Thanks Diane!
Can I add Sriracha sauce to the olive oil? Do you think it will be too hot?
It would definitely add more heat. Maybe skip the chilis?
Can these be made with Ritz?
Ritz should work fine. Thanks Kathy! 🙂
I love how you’ve made your own flavouring for these little crackers. I’m throwing an Oscar’s party Sunday and think these would be perfect to share!
Yes! Do it. 🙂 They are so simple but so popular at a party. Maybe they feel nostalgic? Enjoy the Oscars Thalia!
I’ve never seen anything like this but what a great, easy recipe and so perfect for a party.
I had never seen it before either! So cool, right? And it definitely is a crowd pleaser. Enjoy! 🙂
These crackers look great! Oh I have a friend who needs to see this Sharon! She.Would.Die.
I died! How am I writing this? Died. 😉
These looks so good and the photography is so clear, I actually salivated while reading through. I can just taste their butteriness. I have Ritz in my pantry right now, so I guess I know what I’ll be doing later today… 🙂
You will die! Like Madame D. 😉 I hope you love them. 🙂 Thanks.
How do they not get soggy?
The crackers absorb the oil like a sponge. They are still crispy! I promise. 🙂
Love these! I actually had something similar to these a few months ago at someone’s home…but didn’t know how they were made. They are SOOO good! Can’t wait to try this version!
They are good and super easy. I hope you love them! Thanks so much. 🙂
I’m sure they stay somewhat crispy but could you bake them at say 325 for a few minutes to crisp up and I would serve with smoked cream cheese
I have never baked them but I’m sure it wouldn’t hurt. They really don’t get soggy after the marinating but if you think they could be crispier taste test one – then decide if you want to bake. 🙂 And YES to smoked cream cheese! Yum.
What kind of dip selections have been tried? They sound so yummy i think my husband would live them little spicy bites. But I would definitely need the cooling down for myself. I am a spice sissy!
Yum! I’m lying in bed, thinking about getting up and mixing up a batch of these RIGHT NOW because they look so good. Beautiful photographs and this recipe sounds like it fits just perfectly with the movie!
Thanks Liz! These actually are great with any movie. 😉 As long as there’s something crunchy to snack on, right?
Mmm, these look fantastic- and so easy!! They’re definitely doing on my next appetizer menu! Beautiful photos and always fun to make a new blogging friend!
You will love them! Thanks so much Greta. Great to connect with you also. 🙂
Love this recipe! Can’t wait to make them and take a batch to work. This is just the kind of snack we like to nibble on. Perfect for the theme of this event. I haven’t seen the movie but would like to before Sunday.
Thanks Karen! So much fun participating. 🙂 And I totally recommend the movie. Excellent.
Ooh I secretly love biting into a crunchy, oily snack. It’s the best sensation on the tastebuds!
These are super fun. Oh, and delicious and fast disappearing as well. 😉 Thanks Chelsea!
These look wonderful! I guarantee I will be making them – the only question is, can I wait until the Academy Awards to do so??! Thanks so much for participating and coming up with a beautiful, creative recipe 🙂
They are good. Don’t wait. 😉 I’m so glad you asked me to join the fun. Let’s make it annual! 🙂
I agree! Let’s do this annually! It’s been so much fun.
Yes!