Ranch Oyster Crackers
Ranch Oyster Crackers are a flavorful, crunchy snack coated in a tangy ranch seasoning blend, perfect for parties or everyday snacking. This easy recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and bakes the crackers to a perfect crisp.
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 packet ranch seasoning dry ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons canola oil neutral oil to help seasoning stick
- 2 teaspoons dried dill
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 16 ounce small oyster crackers
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (about 120°C). This low temperature will help toast the crackers gently, allowing the oil and seasonings to fully absorb without burning.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ranch seasoning packet, dried dill, lemon pepper, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.
- Pour the 2 tablespoons of canola oil into the seasoning mixture. Stir well until the oil is fully incorporated and creates a slightly wet, crumbly paste. This will help the seasoning stick perfectly to the crackers.
- Add the entire box of oyster crackers to the bowl with the seasoned oil mixture. Using a spatula or your hands, gently toss the crackers until every piece is coated evenly with the ranch seasoning blend.
- Spread the coated crackers in a single layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even toasting and to prevent any sticking.
- Remove the crackers from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling process helps them crisp up even more. Once cooled, transfer them to a serving bowl or an airtight container for storage.
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Silicone Baking Mat
- Spatula
- Oven
Notes
Use a silicone spatula or your hands to toss the crackers gently but thoroughly for the most even seasoning coverage. Adjust oven time for desired crunchiness. Stir every 10 minutes during baking to avoid burning. For more intense ranch flavor, add extra ranch seasoning or garlic powder before baking. Allow crackers to cool completely before storing to maintain crunch. Variations include adding cayenne pepper for spice, nutritional yeast or Parmesan for cheesy flavor, or herbs like parsley or thyme. For a low-oil version, use cooking spray instead of oil. Gluten-free crackers can be substituted if desired.