01 -
First things first, get that oven going to 250°F (120°C). While it's heating, grab a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This step is a lifesaver, trust me. I once skipped the parchment, and cleaning up sticky, spiced-up cracker bits was not my idea of a fun afternoon. A clean pan means less stress, and who needs more stress when you're making a snack?
02 -
In a medium bowl, combine the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Give it a good whisk until everything is evenly distributed. This is where the magic really starts to happen; you can practically smell the zesty, spicy goodness already! Don't be afraid to take a little sniff—it’s honestly quite invigorating.
03 -
Pour the entire box of Cheez-It crackers into a large bowl. Drizzle the oil evenly over the crackers. Now, gently toss them to coat them lightly. You want just enough oil to make the spices stick, not to make them soggy. I use a spatula for this, but clean hands work just as well, just be ready for a little mess, which is totally fine!
04 -
Sprinkle the prepared spice mixture over the oiled crackers. Toss again, gently but thoroughly, until every single Cheez-It is beautifully coated in that vibrant, fiery seasoning. This takes a minute or two, so be patient. You want that full flavor experience on every bite of your Spicy Firecracker Ranch Cheez-Its.
05 -
Spread the seasoned crackers in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Try not to overcrowd them; they need space to get perfectly crispy. Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. I usually give them a gentle stir halfway through to ensure even toasting. You'll start to smell the spices really bloom—it's heavenly!
06 -
Once they're done, the crackers will look slightly darker and smell incredibly aromatic. Remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. This is crucial for achieving that ultimate crispness. Honestly, trying to eat them warm just isn't the same. Once cool, they're ready for snacking!