Ranch Oyster Crackers

This oyster cracker snack looks so simple that you might pass it over for something flashier, but you’d be missing out.  The simple crackers act as a crispy canvas for loads of savory flavor sourced from the spice cabinet. Dry ranch dressing seasoning mix is the real hero. It adds salt, tanginess and lots of herbal flavor. We back it up by adding even more to this no-cook snack. Make this for poker or movie night with friends, for a road trip, or for grazing when you’re hosting houseguests.

Ingredients for Oyster Cracker Snack

• Oyster Crackers: Form the base of the snack recipe, offering a crunchy and slightly salty foundation for the flavorful seasonings.
• Canola Oil: Binds the dry ingredients together, creating a cohesive coating on the crackers and helping the seasonings adhere to the surface.
• Ranch Salad Dressing Mix: A packet of ranch dressing seasoning mix adds tanginess, thanks to dehydrated buttermilk, and savory onion flavor notes. It’s the primary seasoning for this recipe. The rest of the herbs really serve to enhance the ranch flavor. Use a packet or a homemade ranch version.
• Dill Weed: Dry dill, often sold in the spice aisle as “dill weed,” provides a fresh, herbaceous aroma and flavor, adding a touch of brightness to the snack mix.
• Onion Powder: Offers a savory and slightly pungent taste.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a strong, garlicky flavor, contributing to the overall savory profile of these crispy snacks.
• Lemon-Pepper Seasoning: A little lemon pepper adds a touch of citrusy warmth to the mixture.

Directions

Step 1: Make the seasoning mix and add to crackers

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Place the oyster crackers in a large bowl. In a small bowl, add canola oil, ranch salad dressing mix, dill week, onion powder, garlic powder and lemon-pepper seasoning. Whisk it thoroughly to combine. Drizzle the entire mixture over the  crackers and mix well until the seasoning mixture is thoroughly distributed. Let stand 2 hours. Store in an airtight container.

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Recipe Variations 

• Add more snacks: To add snacking variety, replace a portion of the oyster crackers with another type of small snacks such as mini pretzels or pretzel nuggets, breakfast cereal, mini cheddar crackers or nuts.
• Replace the ranch: Swap out the dry ranch dressing mix for a different flavor, like Italian dressing or garlic and herb, to create a new flavor profile.
• Add cheese: Sprinkling in some Parmesan (the kind in the canister is totally fine for this application) adds another layer of savory flavor to this snack.

How to Store Oyster Cracker Snack

Though best eaten fresh, you can keep these ranch oyster crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Can you freeze oyster cracker snacks?

Yes, you can. Freeze these seasoned crackers to prevent them from going stale if you’re not likely to finish them off quickly. Transfer them to a zip-top bag and then gently press out as much air as possible before sealing. They will keep in the freezer for two to three months. Let the crackers come to room temperature in the sealed bag before serving.

Can you make oyster cracker snacks ahead of time?

Yes! Because the crackers keep well either fresh or frozen, these seasoned crackers are an ideal make-ahead snack.

Oyster Cracker Snack Tips

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Can you use a different type of oil besides canola oil? 

Absolutely. You can use sunflower, peanut, olive, safflower, vegetable, safflower or avocado oil to make this recipe. Really any neutral oil will work, as it’s primarily important to help coat the crackers so the dry spices stick to them.

Can you bake the oyster crackers after they’re seasoned?

Certainly! Baking the oyster crackers lightly browns them and intensifies their savory flavor. Spread the crackers onto a baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes in a 250°F oven. You can also toast them lightly in the air fryer. Check out this how-to for instructions. Let cool to room temperature before serving.

How else can you serve oyster cracker snacks?

Oyster cracker snacks are an unexpected topping scattered on soups like fish chowder, butternut squash soup or tomato soup. Toss them on top of your favorite salad in lieu of croutons. Our favorite suggestion is to include them on your cheese board.