Ranch Dill Oyster Crackers Recipe
Introduction
This recipe for Ranch Dill Oyster Crackers offers a flavorful and crunchy snack that’s perfect for parties or everyday munching. With a blend of ranch seasoning, dill, and lemon pepper, these crackers are simple to make and irresistibly tasty.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups canola or vegetable oil
- 2 1-ounce envelopes Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning (or 6 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning)
- 4 teaspoons dried dill weed
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper
- 36 ounces oyster crackers
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 275°F.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the oil, ranch seasoning mix, dried dill weed, and lemon pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Step 3: Place the oyster crackers into a large bowl and pour the seasoned oil mixture over them.
- Step 4: Gently stir the crackers until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Step 5: Spread the coated oyster crackers in a single layer on a baking sheet or in a large roasting pan.
- Step 6: Bake for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even crisping. Bake until the crackers are crispy and golden.
- Step 7: Remove the crackers from the oven and let them cool completely. Store in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
- Try using garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth of flavor in the seasoning blend.
- Use homemade ranch seasoning to control the salt and additives for a fresher taste.
- Make smaller batches to maintain crispness and freshness if you don’t plan to serve all at once.
Storage
Store cooled ranch dill oyster crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If they lose crunch, briefly reheat them in a low oven (275°F) for 5 to 10 minutes to restore crispness before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cracker?
Yes, while oyster crackers work best for their size and texture, you can experiment with other small crackers like cheese crackers or mini pretzels if you prefer.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free oyster crackers or substitute with gluten-free mini crackers, and ensure your seasoning blends don’t contain gluten ingredients.
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Ranch Dill Oyster Crackers Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 cups seasoned oyster crackers 1x
Description
Crunchy and flavorful Ranch Dill Oyster Crackers tossed in a zesty blend of ranch seasoning, dried dill, and lemon pepper, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a snack or party appetizer, these crackers offer a delightful combination of tangy, herby, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Seasoning Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups canola or vegetable oil
- 2 1-ounce envelopes Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning (or 6 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning)
- 4 teaspoons dried dill weed
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper
Main Ingredients
- 36 ounces oyster crackers
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C) to prepare for baking the crackers evenly and slowly, ensuring crispness without burning.
- Prepare seasoning mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the canola or vegetable oil with the ranch seasoning mix, dried dill weed, and lemon pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a flavorful oil mixture.
- Coat the crackers: Place the oyster crackers into a large bowl, then pour the seasoned oil mixture evenly over the crackers. Gently stir the mixture until every cracker is coated with the seasoning blend.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Spread the coated oyster crackers in a single layer on a baking sheet or large roasting pan to ensure even baking and crisping.
- Bake the crackers: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Stir the crackers halfway through baking to promote even crispness and golden color.
- Cool and store: Remove the crackers from the oven once they are crispy and golden. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. After cooling, transfer the crackers to an airtight container for storage until ready to serve.
Notes
- Using a lower oven temperature (275°F) ensures the crackers crisp up without burning.
- Gently stirring midway through baking helps all crackers bake evenly.
- You can substitute homemade ranch seasoning if preferred to control sodium and additives.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain crunchiness for up to two weeks.
- For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: ranch oyster crackers, baked snack, dill crackers, seasoned oyster crackers, party snacks, crunchy appetizers
