Cajun Crackers

Spicy Cajun Crackers made with pantry ingredients. Bold firecrackers that are an addictive snack, perfect for parties, game day, or gifts.

Cajun Crackers with flakes of red pepper on each cracker.

Cajun Firecrackers

One year my neighbor sent these down to the house for a Christmas. Firecrackers? Never heard of them... After one cracker, I was calling her up and asking for the recipe.

Of course, I couldn't leave her recipe alone. I added a few touches and made a tweak or two.

Cajun Crackers are the kind of snack you make once and get asked about forever. They are mildly unassuming. I mean, really... they are made with saltines.

But they turn out bold, spicy, and addictive. The perfect make-ahead snack that comes together with pantry ingredients and zero hovering.

Make them for parties, holidays, game day, or anytime life calls for something crunchy with a little heat.

Serving the Cajun Crackers in a pink bowl.

Ingredients

Pantry staples plus a little time and you'll have one of the parties favorite snacks.

  • saltine crackers
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • black pepper
  • ranch seasoning 🧡 Use nutritional yeast to make this recipe Alpha Gal friendly
  • red pepper flakes -- adjust the amount to increase or decrease the heat
  • dried dill -- amps up the ranch flavor
  • Cajun seasoning -- I use Tony Chachere's, but use what you like.
  • canola oil -- I like the mild flavor of canola, but substitute olive oil for some or all if you prefer

See recipe card for quantities.

Ingredients needed to make Cajun Crackers.

How to Make Cajun Crackers

  1. In a small bowl combine all ingredients except saltine crackers. Stir well.
  2. Place the saltine crackers into a gallon sized zip top bag or large lidded container and pour the oil mixture over.
  3. Gently turn multiple times to coat the crackers with the oil mixture.
  4. Let set for 12 hours, turning frequently.
  5. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. Spread the coated crackers onto the baking sheet in a single layer.
  7. Bake for 15 minutes.
  8. Allow to cool and serve.
  9. Store in an airtight container.

Hint: Gently turning the crackers often when coating helps to distribute the flavor.

Substitutions & Variations

  • Crackers - instead of saltine crackers, use any cracker you like. However, I prefer a simple cracker that doesn't compete with the flavors. Try oyster crackers for a bite sized cajun cracker.
  • Oil - use olive oil if you prefer the stronger flavor. I like the light flavor of canola here.
  • Seasonings - adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add more chili flakes or even cayenne pepper if you want the crackers even hotter.
  • Unbaked - skip the baking step if you are in a rush for time. They are tasty that way, too.

Storage

These crackers keep for several weeks in a air tight container.

Top Tip

Be gentle with your crackers to keep them whole. However, I love using the broken ones as croutons in my salad or as a topping for soup.

Fresh out of the over cajun crackers being served at the holiday party.

FAQ

What are Cajun firecracker crackers?

These crackers are spicy soaked saltine crackers that are perfect for snacking straight out of the bag, with a dip, or with a bowl of soup.

How spicy are firecracker crackers?

As I have shared the recipe, I would consider them medium heat. Adjust to your taste. Cut back on the red chili flake if you want them mild. Add more chili flake and some cayenne pepper if you have some real spice lovers to feed.

Can you make firecracker crackers ahead of time?

Absolutely, these crackers hold up nicely for weeks.

Do firecracker crackers need to be baked?

I've tested them both ways. I prefer them baked as I find them to be a little bit crispier, but don't find the unbaked ones to be soggy at all. So, if you're pressed for time, skip the baking step.

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Cajun Crackers:

Share the Love

Leave a comment and I'll do my best to answer you!

And, if you made this recipe, please let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment and/or giving a rating!

And of course, if you do make this recipe, tag @laughingroostereats on Instagram and hashtag it #laughingroostereats! Seeing your photos is our favorite thing!

Cajun Crackers with flakes of red pepper on each cracker.

Cajun Crackers

5 from 3 votes
Spicy Cajun Crackers made with pantry ingredients. Bold firecrackers that are an addictive snack, perfect for parties, game day, or gifts.
Prep Time 12 hours 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 12 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 20
Course: Appetizer, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 106

Ingredients
  

  • 2 sleeves saltine crackers
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 Tablespoons ranch seasoning Use nutritional yeast for a dairy free, Alpha Gal version
  • 1 Tablespoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning such as Tony's Chachere's
  • 1 cup canola oil

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl combine all ingredients except saltine crackers. Stir well.
  2. Place the saltine crackers into a gallon sized zip top bag or large lidded container and pour the oil mixture over.
  3. Gently turn multiple times to coat the crackers with the oil mixture.
  4. Let set for 12 hours, turning frequently.
  5. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. Spread the coated crackers onto the baking sheet in a single layer.
  7. Bake for 15 minutes.
  8. Allow to cool and serve.
  9. Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Serving: 4crackersCalories: 106kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 0.1gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.04gSodium: 120mgPotassium: 13mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.05gVitamin A: 169IUVitamin C: 0.03mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 0.1mg

Notes

🧡 Alpha Gal Notes: This recipe is one that can easily be enjoyed. Be aware of any specific needs and read labels for all ingredients. 
🧡 Alpha Gal Adaptation -- Swap out 1-2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast in place of ranch powder.

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5 from 3 votes

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