Spicy Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its: Crunchy Snack Kick (Print Version)

Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its: Spice up your snack game! Get that bold, zesty crunch you crave. Your fiery treat for parties or a personal kick.

# 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 box (12-13.7 oz) Cheez-It crackers (original flavor)
02 - 1/4 cup olive oil

→ Spicy Ranch Blend

03 - 1 (1 oz) packet dry ranch seasoning mix
04 - 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (or more for extra heat!)
05 - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
06 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, preheat your oven to a cozy 250°F (120°C). Then, grab a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This is key, trust me, it makes cleanup so much easier! Pour your whole box of Cheez-Its onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out into a single layer. I always find a few broken ones at the bottom, but hey, those are just pre-crushed for extra flavor distribution, right?
02 - Next, in a small bowl, measure out your olive oil. Now, here's where the magic starts. Drizzle that oil evenly over the Cheez-Its. I usually do it in a zigzag pattern to make sure every cracker gets a little love. Then, gently toss the crackers with your hands or a spatula. You want them lightly coated, not swimming in oil. This is where I sometimes get a bit messy, but it’s all part of the fun!
03 - In another small bowl, whisk together your ranch seasoning mix, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Give it a good mix until it’s all combined. This is your flavor bomb! Sprinkle this spicy mixture evenly over the oil-coated Cheez-Its. Don't be shy, but try to get it everywhere.
04 - Now, for the careful part. Gently toss the Cheez-Its again, making sure all those glorious spices adhere to every single cracker. I find using two spatulas works best to avoid breaking too many. You want a beautiful, even coating of that fiery ranch blend. This step smells incredible, honestly, a preview of the deliciousness to come.
05 - Slide that baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, giving them a gentle stir every 5-7 minutes. This ensures even toasting and prevents burning. Keep an eye on them, because ovens can be quirky! You're looking for a slightly deeper golden color and an intensified aroma. Don't overbake, or they'll get too hard.
06 - Once they're done, pull the Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its out of the oven. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet. This is crucial for achieving that ultimate crispness! As they cool, they'll become even crunchier and the flavors will really meld together. Honestly, waiting is the hardest part. Once cool, transfer them to a serving bowl and prepare for an explosion of flavor!

# Notes:

01 - Don't skip the parchment paper, seriously. It saves so much scrubbing later.
02 - Stirring every few minutes during baking is key for even seasoning and preventing hot spots.
03 - Let them cool completely! That's how you get the perfect, irresistible crunch.
04 - For an extra kick, a drizzle of hot honey after cooling is surprisingly good!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large baking sheet
02 - Parchment paper
03 - Small mixing bowls
04 - Spatula or spoon

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 150-200
Total Fat: 10-15g
Total Carbohydrate: 15-20g
Protein: 2-4g

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