Spicy Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its Snack Recipe (Print Version)

Kick up your snack game with my Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its Snack Recipe! Spicy, savory, and ridiculously addictive. Learn my easy, messy kitchen secrets.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1 (12.4 oz) box Cheez-Its original crackers
02 - 3 tablespoons olive oil

→ Flavor Boosters

03 - 1 (1 oz) packet Ranch seasoning mix (like Hidden Valley)
04 - 1 - 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

→ Optional Kick

08 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for extra heat)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). While that’s warming up, grab a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Trust me on the parchment paper; it makes cleanup so much easier, and prevents sticking, which I've definitely dealt with before. Spread out your whole box of Cheez-Its in a single layer. Don't overcrowd them, hon; they need space to get nice and crispy. I usually use two baking sheets just to give them room to breathe.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together your olive oil, Ranch seasoning, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Give it a good whisk until it's all combined and smells absolutely divine – that’s the smell of delicious Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its coming to life! Now, drizzle this glorious spice mixture evenly over your Cheez-Its. This is where I sometimes get a little messy, so don't be afraid to get your hands in there.
03 - Gently toss the Cheez-Its on the baking sheet to coat them evenly. You want every single cracker to be kissed by that spicy ranch goodness. I use a spatula, but sometimes I just carefully lift the parchment paper from the sides to gently tumble them. The goal is even distribution without breaking too many crackers. It's a delicate dance, but so worth it for these Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its.
04 - Slide those baking sheets into your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring gently every 5-7 minutes. This is crucial for even toasting and making sure those spices really adhere. Don't walk away and forget them like I did once – they'll go from perfectly golden to sadly burnt in a flash! Keep an eye on them; you're looking for a slightly deeper golden color and an amazing aroma filling your kitchen. This is the best part, honestly!
05 - Once they’re done, pull them out of the oven. They'll still be a little soft, but they'll crisp up as they cool. Transfer them to a wire rack. This step is super important, as it allows air to circulate and keeps them from getting soggy. I usually try to resist eating them immediately, but honestly, a warm one right off the rack is pretty irresistible. Just be careful, they're hot!
06 - If you're feeling extra bold, sprinkle a few red pepper flakes over your cooled Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its for an extra kick. This is purely optional, but it adds a nice visual pop and a little more heat for the true spice lovers out there. Let them cool completely before storing, if they even last that long in your house!

# Notes:

01 - Make sure to spread the crackers in a single layer; overcrowding leads to uneven seasoning and less crispiness, I learned that the hard way.
02 - Stirring every 5-7 minutes is key! It prevents burning and helps distribute the heat and flavor for truly amazing Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its.
03 - Don't skip the cooling rack; it's essential for that perfect crunch!
04 - For an extra deep flavor, let the seasoned crackers sit for 30 minutes before baking to let the spices really meld.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large baking sheets
02 - parchment paper
03 - medium mixing bowl
04 - whisk
05 - spatula
06 - wire rack

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 150
Total Fat: 10g
Total Carbohydrate: 12g
Protein: 3g

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