Fiery Southern Splitters Recipe

Sizzlin’ Southern Spicy Splitters Recipe: Fiery Comfort Food

Sizzling and packed with bold flavors, this southern spicy splitters recipe delivers a mouthwatering punch that will spark conversation at any gathering.

Crispy edges give way to a tender, zesty interior that dances with heat and southern charm.

Regional spices weave through each bite, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.

The secret lies in the perfect blend of seasonings and technique that make these splitters irresistible.

Generations of southern cooks have perfected this delectable dish, passing down traditions through every sizzling batch.

Guaranteed to tantalize taste buds and ignite hunger, this recipe promises a delightful journey into southern comfort cuisine.

Fire up your skillet and get ready to savor every spicy, crispy moment.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 165 kcal

Servings: 13

The Basics for Southern Spicy Splitters

For Seasoning Base:
  • Olive Oil: Carries and distributes flavor while adding a silky texture to coat the crackers evenly.
  • Ranch Powder: Delivers tangy and herbal undertones that complement the spicy elements.
  • Nutritional Yeast: Optional umami booster that provides a subtle cheesy complexity.
For Spice and Aromatics:
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces fiery heat and vibrant color to the seasoning blend.
  • Onion Powder: Provides deep, rounded savory notes without added moisture.
  • Garlic Powder: Offers intense aromatic depth and traditional southern seasoning profile.
For Enhancement and Balance:
  • Kosher Salt: Amplifies overall flavor and balances the spicy and herbal components.
  • Citric Acid: Optional ingredient that adds bright, tangy brightness to cut through richness.
  • Mini Saltine Splitters: Classic crispy base that perfectly absorbs and holds the seasoning blend.

Tools to Cook Southern Spicy Splitters

  • Medium Bowl: Perfect for whisking together seasonings and creating the flavorful oil mixture.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending ingredients smoothly and evenly.
  • Gallon-Sized Ziploc Bag: Ideal for coating splitters with seasoning without mess.
  • Baking Sheet: Helps achieve extra crispiness when optional baking step is used.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
  • Measuring Spoons: Crucial for accurate seasoning amounts.

Making Southern Spicy Splitters Step-by-Step

  • Flavor Foundation Blend seasoning ingredients in a medium bowl, whisking until completely integrated. The mix creates a zesty, tangy coating that will transform ordinary crackers into a mouthwatering snack.
  • Cracker Magic Place splitters inside a large sealed bag. Gently tumble the seasoning mixture over the crackers, ensuring each piece gets a generous, even coating of spicy goodness.
  • Flavor Infusion Let the seasoned crackers rest and soak up all the delicious spices. Waiting allows the flavors to deeply penetrate and develop a bold, irresistible taste profile.
  • Crispy Transformation Optional baking step for extra crunch. Spread crackers on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at a low temperature. Occasional tossing helps achieve a golden, crispy texture that will make everyone crave more.

Make Southern Spicy Splitters Even Better

  • Adjust red pepper flakes to match your personal spice tolerance, ranging from mild warmth to fiery explosion for adventurous taste buds.
  • Sprinkle grated parmesan or nutritional yeast over splitters after seasoning for an extra tangy, cheesy dimension that complements the spicy profile.
  • Keep seasoned splitters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, ensuring maximum crunch and flavor preservation.
  • Pair these zesty crackers with ranch dressing, spicy hummus, or creamy blue cheese dip to enhance their bold Southern-inspired flavor palette.

Southern Spicy Splitters Presentation Tips

  • Enjoy as Party Snack: Serve these zesty crackers at game nights, movie marathons, or casual gatherings where guests crave a spicy, crunchy bite.
  • Pair with Dips: Complement the Southern Spicy Splitters with cool ranch, creamy blue cheese, or tangy salsa to balance their bold, fiery flavor profile.
  • Create Charcuterie Companion: Use these seasoned crackers as a zesty addition to cheese boards, adding a spicy kick alongside cured meats and soft cheeses.
  • Gift in Mason Jars: Package the cooled splitters in cute mason jars with a decorative ribbon for a homemade, thoughtful food gift that friends will love.

Southern Spicy Splitters: Storing Made Simple

  • Store Smartly: Transfer the seasoned splitters to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, ensuring maximum freshness and crunch for up to 7 days at room temperature.
  • Freeze for Later: Seal the splitters in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. They'll maintain quality for 1-2 months when stored in the freezer, ready to enjoy whenever cravings strike.
  • Quick Revive Technique: If splitters lose their crisp edge, spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a 250°F oven for 5-10 minutes to restore their original texture and crunchiness.
  • Portion and Protect: Divide the batch into smaller portions using resealable bags, preventing unnecessary exposure to air and maintaining optimal flavor intensity throughout storage.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Fiery Southern Splitters Recipe

Fiery Southern Splitters Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Delectable southern spicy splitters blend fiery jalapeños with creamy cheese in a crispy cornmeal coating. Southern kitchens showcase this irresistible appetizer that you will savor with pure Southern comfort and zest.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box mini saltine splitters (about 56 cups)
  • ¾ cup (180 mL / 6 fl oz) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsps (30 mL / 1 fl oz) red pepper flakes
  • 3 tbsps (45 g) buttermilk ranch powder
  • 1 tsp (5 g) onion powder
  • 1 tsp (5 g) garlic powder
  • ½ tsp (3 g) kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp (1 g) citric acid (optional)
  • 2 tbsps (10 g) nutritional yeast (optional)

Instructions

  1. Seasoning Fusion: Blend olive oil, ranch powder, nutritional yeast, red pepper flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and citric acid in a medium mixing bowl until ingredients form a harmonious, well-integrated mixture.
  2. Cracker Infusion: Pour the seasoned oil mixture over mini saltine crackers in a large, sealable plastic bag, then seal and gently tumble to ensure every cracker receives an even, comprehensive coating.
  3. Flavor Marination: Let the seasoned crackers rest and absorb flavors, ideally allowing them to marinate for a minimum of 2 hours or overnight to maximize taste depth and complexity.
  4. Texture Transformation: Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C), line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and spread the marinated crackers in a single, uniform layer for even heat distribution.
  5. Crisp Perfection: Bake for 20-30 minutes, intermittently tossing and rotating the crackers every 5-10 minutes to achieve a light golden color, optimal crunchiness, and uniform browning.
  6. Cooling and Serving: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the spicy crackers to cool completely, ensuring a satisfying crunch and flavor intensity before serving.

Notes

  • Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let crackers marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight to ensure deep, rich seasoning penetration and enhanced taste profile.
  • Toss Carefully: Gently rotate crackers during baking to prevent burning and guarantee uniform crispiness across every single cracker.
  • Control Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes quantity to personalize heat intensity, making the recipe adaptable to different spice tolerances.
  • Storage Tip: Store cooled crackers in an airtight container to maintain crunchiness and preserve robust seasoning for up to a week.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 165
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 172 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 1.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star