Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing mix, vegetable oil (or melted butter), dill weed, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper until the mixture is well combined.
- Add the oyster crackers to the bowl and toss them gently until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Spread the crackers out in a single layer on a baking sheet, making sure they have a little room between them for even baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure they bake evenly.
- Once golden and fragrant, remove the crackers from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
Variations & Tips:
- Extra Kick: Add a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce to the oil and ranch mix for a spicy twist.
- Butter Lovers: Use melted unsalted butter instead of vegetable oil for a richer, buttery flavor.
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: Mix in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the seasoning mix before tossing with the crackers for a cheesy version.
- Customize the Seasoning: The ranch seasoning is the base, but feel free to adjust with other spices like paprika, lemon zest, or even a sprinkle of smoked salt for added flavor.
Storage:
- Store any leftover crackers in an airtight container to keep them crispy. They stay fresh for about a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long!
Serving Ideas:
- Stand-Alone Snack: Perfect for munching during movie night, game day, or just as a mid-afternoon snack.
- Soup Companion: Pair them with a hearty vegetable soup or creamy tomato soup for a satisfying combo.
- Salad Topper: Use them as a crunchy topping on your salads or as a fun addition to a charcuterie board.
- Trail Mix: Toss them into your homemade trail mix for an unexpected crunch.