This Spicy Cheese Crackers recipe takes a box of cheese crackers and turns them into a snack that takes center place in your spread. They’re seasoned with butter, celery seed, garlic, and cayenne, and then baked until crispy.
Have you noticed how certain recipes make the rounds on the internet? For a while it was magic cake. Then it was the baked ham and cheese sliders you simply couldn’t scroll past.
Another one you see everywhere is “fire crackers,” and I love those things. If you’ve never made them, my Alabama fire crackers are saltines drenched in oil and seasoned with red pepper flakes. In a way, they remind me of the ranch oyster crackers we used to make back in the 80s and 90s.
These spicy cheese crackers come from the same snacking family, but the technique is a little different. Instead of drenching the Cheez-It crackers with oil and a packet of mix, I like to use melted butter, celery seed, garlic powder, and cayenne. Then I pop them in the oven for a quick bake to heighten the seasonings and crisp up the crackers.
I like Cheez-Its for this quick recipe, sometimes the original ones and sometimes their whole grain version. Both are great. And sure, they’re good with a cold drink, but offer these with soup or chili instead of plain saltines and watch them disappear!
Recipe Snapshot: Spicy Cheese Crackers
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 14
Cuisine: American
Cooking Method: Oven
Primary Ingredients: Cheez-it crackers, celery seed, garlic powder, cayenne, butter
Skill Level: Easy
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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING …
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I have made tons of these crackers. My family loves them. I give them away at Christmas time along with other goodies and cookies. Thanks for a great simple recipe.”
— Marsha
“Not only is it quick, easy, and tasty (thank you very much!), but it makes wonderful croutons. Use in a green salad or to top a scoop of chicken salad.”
— James Kennington
What Makes This Recipe Special
Most seasoned cracker recipes contain an oil-and-ranch base with a long, low bake. These don’t. In my version, the butter carries the seasoning, and a short bake at 350 crisps them while deepening the cayenne, garlic, and celery seed at the same time.
I really like the celery seed in these. I added it years ago because I thought it would taste good with the cheese, and it does, so I never stopped. It’s the flavor that makes people ask what’s in these.
Good for movie nights, game days, tailgates, or any time you want a quick salty and spicy nibble.
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.
- Bite-sized cheese crackers – My choice for cheese crackers is always Cheez-It crackers. 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
STEP 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
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STEP 2. 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.
STEP 3. 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.
STEP 4. Spread the crackers on a baking sheet. Cook for 5 minutes.
STEP 5. Remove from the oven and cool.
STEP 6. Store in an airtight container.
Recipe Tips
- Coat every cracker. Keep tossing the crackers in the butter and spices until they’re all evenly coated.
- Set a timer for the short bake. Five minutes at 350 is all these crackers need. They’re already baked, so they can go from crisp to scorched pretty quickly. Set a timer and stay close by.
- Adjust the cayenne if needed. Based on my taste, the recipe as written is mild. If you like more heat, I’d suggest adding 1/4 teaspoon at a time and trying them before adding more (you can taste before baking).
- Cool completely before storing. Warm crackers in a sealed container trap steam and lose their crunch. Let them come to room temperature before you put them away.
- Save the broken bits. If a few crackers crumble, they make great croutons for a green salad.
How to Serve
These seasoned Cheez-Its are their own standalone snack. Set a bowl out for a movie night or a game day spread, or serve them as an afternoon snack with a cold drink. I always enjoy a handful with a glass of Southern Iced Sweet Tea.
I sometimes offer these along with soup or chili. They’re right at home with a bowl of my quick and easy chili on a cold night, or with a lighter white chicken chili when you want something just a little different.
How to Store
Store the completely cooled crackers at room temperature in an airtight container. They’ll last for about 5-6 days.
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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
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.½ teaspoon celery seed, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more according to your taste, 3 tablespoons melted butter
- Add the crackers and toss gently until thoroughly coated.3 ½ cups bite-size cheese crackers
- Spread the crackers on a baking sheet. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and cool.
- Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Cheez-It crackers are my choice, either original or whole grain. Both work well.
- The 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne makes a mild snack. Adjust in 1/4-teaspoon increments if you want more heat.
- Coat the crackers slowly and thoroughly in the bag so every one picks up butter and seasoning. Toss gently so they don’t break.
- Monitor the baking time. Five minutes at 350 is enough, and these can scorch fast since they’re already baked.
- Cool completely before storing so they stay crisp. Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 5-6 days.
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.
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.