These delicious Spicy Cheese Crackers are seasoned with spices and butter and baked briefly to a crispy finish.
Have you noticed how certain recipes seem to make the rounds on the internet? For a while, it was the Magic Cake recipe. Then everywhere you looked, you saw the baked Ham and Cheese Sliders.
Another recipe you see often is for “fire crackers.” I love those things! They’re simply saltine crackers drenched in oil and seasoned with red pepper flakes. In a way, they remind me of the ranch oyster crackers we used to make.
These are a similar idea, yet distinctly different. They’re a combination of whole-grain Cheez-Its with spices and butter. You’ll enjoy them with soups and chili or just with a nice cold beverage as a snack.
❤️ Why We Love This Recipe
- It’s easy and quick — You can’t ask for much better than 10 minutes from start to finish!
- Bold flavors — The combination of garlic powder, celery seed, and cayenne pepper adds flavors that are hard to resist.
- It’s very versatile — Great for a wide range of occasions, from movie nights, game days, and picnics to tailgate parties.
🛒 Ingredient Notes
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- Celery seed and garlic powder – Both seasonings really complement the cheese in the crackers.
- Cayenne pepper – Adds a lovely spicy bite to the crackers. Feel free to adjust according to your taste. The 1/4 teaspoon I use in the recipe produces a mild amount of heat.
- Butter
- Bite-size cheese crackers – My choice for cheese crackers is always Cheez-It. Use either the original or whole grain in this recipe.
The complete ingredient list with detailed measurements is included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
🥄 How to Make Spicy Cheese Crackers
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a gallon size zip top bag, combine the celery seed, garlic powder, cayenne, and butter. Close the bag and use your hands to thoroughly mix the butter and spices.
- Add the crackers and toss gently until thoroughly coated. Take some time to make sure the butter and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the crackers. Be careful not to break up the crackers.
- Spread the crackers on a baking sheet. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and cool.
- Store in an airtight container.
🍚 How to Store
Store the completely cooled crackers at room temperature in an airtight container. They’ll last for about 5-6 days.
Have a question or thought to share?
If you have a question about the recipe or if you’ve made it and want to share how it turned out, I would truly enjoy hearing from you. Just scroll down to leave a comment or add your star rating.
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📖 Recipe
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Spicy Cheese Crackers
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon celery seed
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more according to your taste
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 3 ½ cups bite-size cheese crackers
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a gallon size zip top bag, combine the celery seed, garlic powder, cayenne, and butter. Mix butter and spices together.
- Add the crackers and toss gently until thoroughly coated.
- Spread the crackers on a baking sheet. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and cool.
- Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Store for 5-6 days at room temperature in a container with a tight fitting lid.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.
— This post was originally published on March 8, 2016. It has been updated with additional information.
I’m Lana Stuart, an award-winning cookbook author, food blogger, and lifelong cook raised deep in Southwest Georgia. I started Lana’s Cooking in 2009 to share the tried-and-true recipes I grew up with. Around here, the food is full of flavor, the traditions run deep, and there’s always room at the table.
I have made tons of these crackers. I sprinkle a little extra cayenne pepper across the top of the crackers before I bake them. My family loves them. I give them away at Christmas time along with other goodies and cookies. Thanks for a great simple recipe.
Yes, they do make an excellent addition to a gift basket, don’t they?
I prefer baking these crackers rather than buying the packs. Thanks a ton for sharing the recipe
I think my hubby would love this! amazing recipe. Thanks a lot for sharing
You’re welcome! And I do hope he enjoys it.
Not only is it quick, easy, and tasty (thank you very much!), but it makes wonderful croutons. Grab a handful and put them on a piece of wax paper. Fold over the wax paper and press lightly to break into smaller pieces. Use in a green salad or to top a scoop of chicken salad (which was what I had for lunch).
That’s a great idea! I’m definitely trying it.
Those could be addictive! What a great idea to take when folks are having a little “get together.”
I love, love, love snacks. Much more than sweets. I would devour that entire tray of crackers in about 30 minutes.
I happen to notice what appear to be two adult beverages in the photo. Tell BeeBop to enjoy.
Miss P
I like savory snacks much more than sweet, too! And you’re right – these are highly addictive. And delicious with a cold adult beverage (I think a crisp white wine is perfect myself) :-)
What South GA town did you grow up in?
Dianne – I grew up in Colquitt (Miller County) in southwest Georgia.