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 5–6 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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