Spicy Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its Snack: Fiery Crunch (Print Version)

Spicy Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its Snack brings bold, fiery flavor and addicting crunch. Perfect for parties or a spicy treat.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 5 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Base Crunch

01 - 1 (12.4 oz) box Cheez-It crackers
02 - 2 tablespoons neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)

→ Fiery Flavor Boosters

03 - 1 (1 oz) packet dry ranch seasoning mix
04 - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

→ Optional Heat Kick

08 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let’s get the oven ready. Preheat it to 275°F (135°C). While that’s warming up, grab a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This little step makes cleanup a breeze, and honestly, who wants to scrub a sticky pan after making an amazing <strong>Spicy Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its Snack</strong>? Spread your entire box of Cheez-It crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Try not to let them overlap too much; we want every single cracker to get equally toasty and covered in flavor.
02 - In a medium bowl, pour in your neutral oil. Then, add the dry ranch seasoning mix, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. If you’re feeling brave and want that extra kick, now’s the time to toss in those red pepper flakes! Give everything a good whisk until it’s all combined and looks like a glorious orange-red paste. This is the magic potion that transforms plain crackers into our incredible <strong>Spicy Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its Snack</strong>. It should smell absolutely divine, spicy and savory all at once.
03 - Now for the fun part! Drizzle your spiced oil mixture evenly over the Cheez-Its on the baking sheet. This step is crucial for getting that consistent fiery ranch flavor on every single bite. Gently toss the crackers using a spatula or your (clean!) hands. You want to make sure every square is coated. I always end up with orange fingers, but it’s worth it! Spread them back into a single layer after tossing. Don't worry if it looks a little messy, that's just part of the homemade charm.
04 - Pop that baking sheet into your preheated oven. We’re going for a slow bake here, about 15-20 minutes. This low temperature allows the crackers to absorb all that delicious seasoning and get super crispy without burning. About halfway through, around the 8-10 minute mark, give them another gentle stir. This ensures even baking and helps prevent any soggy spots. You’ll start to smell the amazing aroma of garlic, onion, and that fiery cayenne filling your kitchen – honestly, it’s the best part of making this <strong>Spicy Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its Snack</strong>.
05 - Once the crackers look beautifully golden and smell incredibly aromatic, pull them out of the oven. Transfer them immediately to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is super important, as it helps them crisp up even more. Honestly, trying to eat them straight off the pan is tempting (I've done it, burnt my tongue, oops!), but patience here pays off. They get that perfect snap when they’re fully cool. This is where the magic of the <strong>Spicy Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its Snack</strong> really comes alive.
06 - Once fully cooled, your <strong>Spicy Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its Snack</strong> is ready to be devoured! Transfer them to a big serving bowl and watch them disappear. They're perfect for game nights, movie marathons, or just when you need a little pick-me-up. The texture should be wonderfully crunchy, with that initial cheesy tang followed by a satisfying ranch flavor and a building heat that leaves you wanting just one more. Trust me, you'll be making these again and again.

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd the baking sheet, hon; it stops them from getting that perfect, even crispiness. My first batch was a sad, soggy mess!
02 - Store these in an airtight container at room temp for up to a week. They lose a bit of their *oomph* if left out too long, trust me.
03 - I've tried other square crackers, but the classic Cheez-It really holds up best to the seasoning. Generic brands just don't have that same sturdy crunch.
04 - Serve these with a big glass of cold milk or a bubbly lemon-lime soda. The contrast is seriously a lifesaver when the heat kicks in!

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large baking sheet
02 - Parchment paper
03 - Large mixing bowl
04 - Whisk
05 - Spatula
06 - Wire rack

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 150-200
Total Fat: 8-12g
Total Carbohydrate: 15-20g
Protein: 3-5g

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