Description
A quick and easy homemade snack combining buttery crackers, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and ranch seasoning. Perfect for after-school hunger or anytime snacking.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (about 120g) buttery crackers (Ritz-style recommended)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 120g)
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon bits (about 50g)
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 tablespoons (60g) melted unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Crumble cooked bacon and shred cheddar cheese if not done already.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter and ranch seasoning. Stir well.
- Add crackers to the bowl and toss gently but thoroughly until all crackers are coated with the butter and seasoning mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the coated crackers. Toss gently again to distribute evenly. Add fresh parsley if using.
- Spread the cracker mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until cheese is melted and crackers are crisp but not burnt.
- Remove from oven and let crackers cool completely on the baking sheet to crisp up.
- Transfer cooled crackers to a bowl or airtight container for serving or storage.
Notes
Do not overbake to avoid burnt cheese and bitter taste. Use freshly shredded cheddar for best melting and flavor. Cooling the crackers after baking is essential for crisp texture. Butter can be substituted with olive oil for a dairy-free option, but texture will differ. Variations include adding cayenne for spice, using turkey or vegetarian bacon, or gluten-free crackers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/6th of the r
- Calories: 220
- Sodium: 380
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Protein: 7
Keywords: cheddar crackers, bacon crackers, ranch seasoning, after-school snack, homemade crackers, easy snack, kid-friendly snack