Ranch Oyster Crackers (Best Recipe)

If you think oyster crackers are an incredible snack, just wait. This recipe for ranch oyster crackers is about to blow your mind. 

Oyster crackers are the perfect snack food.

They’re light, fluffy, and addictive. And they taste even better with a bit of flavor.  

This recipe is a simple but delicious snack that combines two favorites: oyster crackers and ranch dressing.

Plus, it’s easy to make and requires no special ingredients. 

So, try these ranch oyster crackers if you want something tasty to tide you over between meals!

Ranch Oyster Crackers 

Even if you don’t often snack on oyster crackers, you likely know what they are.

They’re those small, round, crunchy crackers we usually throw in soups. Some people call them water crackers.

They’re dry, light, and airy. And if you toss them in ranch seasoning and a few other things, they’re divine. 

The Wicked Minis brand of oyster crackers has a few different flavors, including:

• Jalapeno
• Garden dill
• Garlic parmesan
• Crushed red pepper

But why buy those when you can make ranch-flavored ones at home?

You can whip them up in no time and without much trouble.

They’ll quickly become your new favorite crunchy, salty snack.

Plus, they can really liven up a dull salad or bowl of soup.

If you’re a hardcore ranch lover, you won’t be able to get enough.

Fortunately, they’re inexpensive and great for snacking on the go.

Now, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make them. 

Ingredients 

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it uses only six ingredients.

(Four if you don’t add in the two optional seasonings, but I always do.) 

And most of them are probably hanging out in your spice rack right now! 

If you’re getting ready to make this recipe, here’s what you’ll need: 

• Vegetable oil: Some recipes call for tossing the crackers in a butter-based mixture. I find that vegetable oil works better. Mixing and tossing the crackers in it is easier, and the seasonings stick better with it. It also adds a nice touch to the overall flavor.  
• Ranch-style dressing mix: I always reach for the dry Hidden Valley Ranch packet for this step. It’s ridiculously flavorful and makes these crackers taste heavenly. If you prefer another brand, use it instead. Use the entire 1-ounce packet, or dip two tablespoons from a larger container.
• Dried dill weed: Dill really brings out these crackers’ bold zestiness. It smells incredible, too.
• Lemon pepper: Lemon pepper is an optional ingredient. However, it’s great for adding some zingy heat to the crackers. It won’t cause your mouth to burn, but it adds a kick.
• Garlic powder: Another optional ingredient, garlic powder enhances the robustness of the flavor. Ranch seasoning already has some garlic, but adding garlic powder gives you a double dose.
• Oyster crackers: You can’t make ranch oyster crackers without the oyster crackers. The recipe calls for five cups, so you might have to buy a few packages. 

Once you have all that, you’re ready to toss and bake these bad boys.

Recipes Tips & Variations 

Alternate Seasonings

These ranch oyster crackers are insanely good. But they aren’t the only flavor you can make. 

You could go the garlic Parmesan route. Or you could go with oregano, basil, and parmesan for a more Italian-flavored snack.

(Using Italian seasoning would also work!) 

There’s a wonderful South-of-the-Border recipe, too. You’ll need the following:

• 1 (1-ounce) packet of taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

You could even go with sweet oyster crackers if you prefer. Cinnamon and sugar work well for that.

Additionally, add cayenne or crushed red pepper to this recipe for a spicier treat.

Alternate Crackers

This recipe works best with oyster crackers. They’re small, delightfully crunchy, and perfect for snacking.

However, you could also use saltines if that’s all you have.

Trying it with already-flavored crackers (Goldfish, for example) might also be fun.

Alternate Cooking Methods

Instead of baking, you can make these in a slow cooker or over a campfire! 

Keep them in a slow cooker for about an hour.

Or pop them in a large pot and roast them over a fire for 10-20 minutes.

Alternatively, if you use butter, you don’t have to cook them at all.

I prefer the taste when they’re baked, but you can eat them unbaked, too.

Just toss them and let them sit for 15 minutes.

Storage Tips

After they cool, you can store these crackers in an airtight container or Ziploc bag.

(Be sure you remove as much air as possible before sealing the bag.)

Keep them in a dry area – on the countertop or in the pantry.

They should keep for 4-5 days without losing their crunch. After that, they’ll likely go stale.

Can I Use Butter Instead?

You can use butter if you don’t have vegetable oil on hand. 

I think the crackers taste better and stay crunchier with oil.

However, butter won’t make them any less tasty.

The main issue with butter is that the crackers might stick together.

Try to keep them as separate as possible on the baking sheet.

How to Serve Ranch Oyster Crackers 

These tasty treats are so yummy that you’ll want to eat them by themselves.

However, they also taste phenomenal in soups, stews, and chilis. 

You can use them in place of croutons on a salad. Or add them to your sandwich to make it crunch!

Serving them alongside dips is a good option, as well.