These old-fashioned seasoned oyster crackers are seasoned with dry ranch, dill, garlic powder, and a hint of lemon pepper. They are super tasty, crunchy, and oh so flavorful.
Seasoned Oyster Crackers
My family can’t keep their hands out of the bowl when I make this seasoned oyster crackers recipe! I normally like to make it as a snack to tie us over until dinner is ready on Thanksgiving or on Christmas, but it’s so easy and well-loved that I sometimes make it throughout the year, too. It really is just such an easy snack recipe.
If you love flavorful snacks, this recipe is for you. You can taste the hints of lemon and the dill mixed with the ranch. It really is just such an easy snack with a super tasty combination of flavors.
Ingredients
Oyster Crackers: These light, crispy crackers have a really neutral flavor and delicious crunchy texture. That neutral flavor lets the flavor of the seasonings shine.
Vegetable Oil: Oil helps the seasoning stick to the crackers and helps to achieve a golden brown color and crispy texture. Using a neutral flavored oil really helps the overall flavor of the dish.
Ranch Seasoning: This seasoning packs so much flavor in one little packet. It coats the crackers in a delicious herby, tangy blend. My favorite brand to use is Hidden Valley Ranch, but this recipe also turns out great with other brands, too.
Dried Dill: Adding dried dill elevates the fresh flavor of these crackers.
Garlic Powder: This adds a savory, aromatic flavor.
Lemon Pepper: Lemon pepper seasoning adds a bright, fresh, citrus flavor with just a bit of a kick from the pepper.
Alternative Ingredients
- Oil: Feel free to swap the vegetable oil with canola oil if that’s what you have on hand. You can also use olive oil if you’d like, but it does change the flavor a bit. Melted butter is another delicious option – it will give the crackers a more savory depth of flavor.
- Seasonings: This is definitely a recipe where you can play with the flavors! If you want to make these crackers without ranch, try using Italian seasoning instead, or taco seasoning, or add a bit of cayenne pepper for a little kick. You could also make Cajun seasoned crackers by using Cajun seasoning. Old Bay seasoning is another great seasoning option for these crackers, especially if you’re planning to serve it with seafood.
How To Make Seasoned Oyster Crackers
Make the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the vegetable oil, ranch seasoning, dried dill, garlic powder, and lemon pepper seasoning. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed. (See the recipe card below for the full printable instructions.)
Mix: To a larger bowl, add your oyster crackers. Gradually pour half of your prepared seasoning over the crackers. Using a rubber spatula, gently toss the crackers and seasoning together, making sure the crackers are evenly coated. Repeat this step with the remaining seasoning.
Transfer: Transfer your seasoned oyster crackers to a large rimmed baking sheet, spreading them out evenly.
Bake: Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven. Remember to stir the crackers halfway through cooking for even baking.
Cool: Once the crackers are golden brown, remove them from the oven. Allow them to cool for a bit before transferring them to a serving bowl. Fully cooling them allows the crackers to crisp up even more. See the recipe card below for the full written instructions, including ingredient amounts, cooking times, and helpful tips, etc.
Pro Tips
- Add the Oil Mixture in Two Rounds: When I was first testing this recipe, I tried adding all of the oil and spice mixture at once, and it all sank to the bottom rather than sticking to the crackers. I found that the oil and spice mixture did a much better job of sticking to the crackers if you add half, stir it, add the rest, and stir again.
- Stir Halfway: It’s important to stir the crackers halfway through the baking time so that they brown evenly and don’t burn.
- Cool Completely: The crackers need to be completely cooled before you store them, otherwise condensation will form inside the container and make them soggy.
Why Is An Oyster Cracker Called An Oyster Cracker?
Oyster crackers got their name partially because they slightly resemble the shape of oysters, but also because they’re popularly added to oyster stews. They’re small, round, and crispy, with a mild flavor, which means they don’t overpower the flavor of seafood stews.
How Long Do Seasoned Oyster Crackers Last?
These crackers will last for up to 5 days in an airtight container or bag. It’s important to fully cool them before storing them though. This will help avoid any condensation build up inside the container.
Can You Freeze Seasoned Oyster Crackers?
Yes! These can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just be sure to fully cool them before storing and freezing them in an airtight container or bag.
What Do You Eat With Oyster Crackers
These seasoned oyster crackers are the perfect addition to a comforting bowl of soup. My favorite ones to serve with these crackers are:
- Chili Con Carne
- Instant Pot Beef And Barley Soup
- White Chicken Chili With Cream Cheese
- Tomato Rice Soup
- Cowboy Stew
- Sweet Chili
- Chicken Potato Soup
- Hamburger Potato Soup
Keep In Touch
I’d love to hear what you thought of this recipe in the comments or on Instagram! @KeyToMyLime #KeyToMyLime
Side Dish Recipes
If you like this recipe, be sure to check out all of our other side dishes. Some reader favorites are:
- Cajun Rice
- Jiffy Cornbread with Creamed Corn
- Polenta Cakes
- How to Make Jiffy Cornbread Better (More Moist)
- Baked Velveeta Mac and Cheese
- Velveeta Mac and Cheese
BEST Seasoned Oyster Crackers Recipe
These old-fashioned seasoned oyster crackers are seasoned with ranch, dill, garlic, and lemon pepper. They are tasty, crunchy, and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons ranch seasoning (1/2 of a 1 oz packet)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried dill
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 (9 oz) package oyster crackers
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250F.
- To a small mixing bowl, add the oil, ranch seasoning, dill, garlic, and lemon pepper. Mix until fully combined.
- To a large mixing bowl, add the oyster crackers. Pour half of the seasoned oil onto the crackers, then use a rubber spatula to gently toss the oil and crackers together until the crackers are evenly coated. Repeat with the remaining oil. Adding the oil at 2 separate times helps you get even coverage on the crackers (by stopping the oil from sinking straight to the bottom).
- Transfer the oyster crackers from the bowl to a large rimmed baking sheet, and spread out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 17-20 minutes until golden brown, stirring halfway through.
- Once the crackers are golden, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a serving bowl.
Notes
These will keep for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Just be sure to fully cool them first before storing them.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1/8Amount Per Serving: Calories: 257Total Fat: 16.4gCarbohydrates: 24.3gFiber: 1gSugar: 0.5gProtein: 3.1g
Nutrition information isn’t always accurate.
I hope you love these seasoned oyster crackers as much as I do! They’re my favorite easy snack mix.
