Busy moms know that snack time can be a challenge. You want something tasty that your kids will love, but you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Here’s a simple yet delicious option for you: Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its. This easy-to-make snack delivers the perfect punch of flavor and is sure to keep everyone satisfied.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its are perfect for families. They are quick to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. The kids love munching on them, and they also make a fantastic addition to movie nights or school lunches. You get the crunch of Cheez-Its combined with zesty ranch seasoning and a hint of spice. There is minimal prep work, and the ingredients are easy to find. Plus, they stay fresh for days!
How to Make Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its
Ingredients
- 1 (10 oz) box Cheez-Its
- 1 (1 oz) package ranch dressing mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Directions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Slowly add in the vegetable oil to the dry mix, stirring constantly to form a smooth and even coating mixture.
- Pour the Cheez-Its into the mixing bowl with the coating mixture. Toss the crackers gently until they are thoroughly and evenly coated.
- Lay the coated Cheez-Its in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Spread them out evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent burning.
- Once the baking time is complete, remove the sheet from the oven and let the Cheez-Its cool completely on the sheet.
- Once cooled, transfer the Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its to an airtight container for storage.
Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its
A quick and delicious snack combining Cheez-Its with zesty ranch seasoning for a flavorful crunch.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 (10 oz) box Cheez-Its
- 1 (1 oz) package ranch dressing mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Slowly add vegetable oil to the dry mix, stirring constantly to form a smooth coating mixture.
- Pour Cheez-Its into the mixing bowl and toss gently until thoroughly coated.
- Lay coated Cheez-Its in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Place baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Once baked, remove from oven and let Cheez-Its cool completely on the sheet.
- Transfer the cooled Cheez-Its to an airtight container for storage.
Notes
For extra spice, feel free to increase red pepper flakes or mix in cayenne pepper. Experiment with different seasonings for varied flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
How to Serve
These Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its are incredibly versatile. Serve them at family gatherings or parties as a fun snack. You can also pack them for after-school treats, or enjoy them during family movie nights. For a delightful twist, pair them with a simple cheese dip or some fresh veggies.
How to Store
To keep your Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its fresh, store them in an airtight container. They can stay crispy for up to a week when stored properly. If they begin to lose their crunch, just pop them in the oven for a few minutes to revive them.
Tips and Variations
For an extra kick, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes or mix in some cayenne pepper. You can also experiment by adding different seasonings, like smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or dill for a refreshing twist. If your family loves cheese, consider adding some grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture for an even cheesier taste.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cracker?
Yes, you can use a variety of crackers. Just ensure they’re similar in size for even coating and baking.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare these in advance and store them in an airtight container. They make a great snack for busy days.
What if my Cheez-Its are soggy after baking?
If they turn out soggy, double-check that you spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet. Giving them time to cool completely also helps restore their crunch.
Conclusion
Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its are a fantastic go-to snack that your entire family will love. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this tasty treat in no time. Try this recipe today and get ready for a crunchy, flavor-packed snack that you can keep coming back to. Don’t forget to save this recipe for later!
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