Make your mornings a little less hectic with these overnight breakfast recipes. Prep the night before and enjoy a warm, comforting meal in the morning.
Hidden Valley Oyster Crackers
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Dry ranch salad dressing mix is an easy way to dress up plain oyster crackers. Perfect for snacking on or for adding to a salad or soup.
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
9 reviews
1 comment
ingredients
16 ounces plain oyster crackers
1 package (1 ounce size) dry ranch salad dressing mix
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon dill weed
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 cup salad oil
directions
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.
Place the oyster crackers in a bowl.
In another bowl, whisk together the dry ranch salad dressing mix, lemon pepper, dill weed, garlic powder, and oil. Mix until well combined.
Pour the ranch mixture over the crackers while stirring, then continue to stir until the crackers are coated in the mixture.
Transfer the crackers to a rimmed baking sheet (you can line it with foil for easier cleanup) and spread them out into a single layer.
Place the crackers in the oven and bake at 250 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until warm. Stir the crackers once during the baking time.
Remove the crackers from the oven and let cool to room temperature. Store the crackers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
recipe tips
Experiment with different flavors by adding ranch seasoning blends like spicy or garlic ranch.
Try to bake the crackers in a single layer for best crispiness.
Add nuts or pretzels to the mix for a crunchy snack mix variation.
If you want a spicier version, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the oil mixture.
Let the crackers cool completely before sealing them in a container to avoid moisture buildup.
Use foil or parchment paper on the baking sheet for easier clean-up.
These crackers can also be a fun topping for salads or used to add texture to soups.
common recipe questions
Can I use a different type of cracker?
You can substitute with other similar crackers like saltines or cheese crackers, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly. The flavor of the cracker should be neutral so it takes on the flavor of the seasoning mix.
Can I adjust the seasoning levels?
You can increase or decrease the amount of dill, garlic powder, and lemon pepper to taste.
Can I use olive oil instead of salad oil?
Yes, olive oil can be used for a different flavor, but it may impart a stronger taste than a more neutral salad oil.
What other seasonings can I add to the oyster crackers?
Options like cayenne pepper for heat, nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or other spices like paprika can be great additions.
Can I freeze the oyster crackers?
While it's not common, you can freeze them. However, they may lose their crispiness when thawed. If you plan to freeze them, make sure they are completely cool before placing them in a freezer bag.
Can I prepare the crackers ahead of time?
You can prepare them ahead. They stay flavorful, and their crispiness is maintained as long as they're stored properly in an airtight container.
tools needed
Mixing Bowls: One bowl is needed to mix the dressing ingredients and another larger bowl is for mixing the dressing with the crackers.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring the lemon pepper, dill weed, garlic powder, and salad oil.
Spatula or Spoon: For stirring the mixture together and coating the oyster crackers evenly.
Baking Sheet: To spread the seasoned oyster crackers before placing them in the oven for warming.
Aluminum Foil or Parchment Paper (optional): Lining the baking sheet with foil or parchment paper can make cleanup easier and prevent the crackers from sticking.
what goes with it?
Cheese Platter: Serve oyster crackers with a variety of cheeses for a diverse snack.
Soup Garnish: Sprinkle oyster crackers on top of creamy soups like clam chowder or potato soup. They provide a nice crunch that contrasts with the smoothness of the soup.
Topping for Salads: Use oyster crackers to add crunch to salads in place of croutons.
Snack Mix: Add the seasoned oyster crackers to a snack mix with nuts, pretzels, and dried fruits. Their flavors will blend well with other savory elements.
Cocktail Parties: Serve oyster crackers as a standalone snack at cocktail parties. Their flavor works well with cocktails, enhancing the casual atmosphere and keeping guests satisfied.
nutrition data
572 calories, 36 grams fat, 55 grams carbohydrates, 7 grams protein per serving.
It may look like a sad little package shoved in the back of your freezer, but frozen spinach actually has a lot of culinary uses (and some may surprise you).
This Italian cheese is so versatile that it can be used in both sweet and savory recipes from cheesecakes to lasagnas.
reviews & comments
December 3, 2015
We make this all the time for snacking and/or parties. It always goes fast.
December 23, 2010
Just when you didn't think that this could get any better I add a can of salted peanuts to the mix and bake it that way. If you think that the original way is addictive you will love this!!!! Guaranteed to be a hit!!!!!
January 28, 2010
I've made these crackers dozens of times over the years; they always come out perfect and of course, you can adjust seasonings and oil to suit your tastes. I use more lemon pepper than the recipe calls for, and a bit less oil, make sure the dressing is spread evenly and keep stirring during the heating, keep over very low and keep checking. Absolutely fabulous but can burn quickly if not watched closely.
January 13, 2010
These are delicious and very addicting!
December 28, 2009
Wow this was an awesome snack that has earned it's place right next to the chex party mix. You have to love the zesty flavor of the garlic and dill weed. You will have garlic breath most guaranteed, but it's so worth it. My kids are addicted to these crackers. Another person commented that they were too oily. One... you must stir them several times during the baking time and make sure they are a nice golden brown. If they are still too oily to some, you can always cool them on paper towel to absorb any excess oil. I think these crackers are wonderfully addictive!
November 3, 2009
this recipe called for way too much oil and dill weed. The oily taste and dill weed overpower the rest of the seasonings and they don't taste ranchy at all. Very disappointing.
August 12, 2008
These crackers taste amazing! They're so simple, but everyone seems to really love them. I tend to serve them at parties, but they're great for just snacking by yourself too.
August 29, 2007
A coworker brought this in to workto share. Very flavorful and perfect with soup. Those with sensitive tasebuds may think it has too much flavor, but it tastes great to me!
November 19, 2006
I love it, simplistic, delicious, cheap. Kudos!
This is sooooo good.I have also used Ritz Bits Cheese , snack crackers .They too are very good and keeps a very long time. Good for party snacks.Just eat them alone..YUM YUM