These crispy, buttery little nuggets of magic are the perfect soup topper, salad crouton, or crispy cracker snack you can imagine! With the ideal hint of herbs and spices, this Seasoned Soup Cracker Recipe is so irresistible you'll need to make a double batch every time.
Today we're making this recipe with oyster crackers. I find this small shape to be more suited for every possible application of these delicious morsels - from salad croutons to soup toppers to a great snack any time of day!
Over the years I've made several variations of this recipe (all included below) so no matter what kind of soup you're topping, we've got the answer!
What you'll need to make this recipe:
Before we get to the step by step directions, a few notes about the ingredients.
Crackers: we're using oyster crackers, but you can substitute saltines, if you prefer.
Butter: use salted butter, or add an extra pinch of salt to unsalted butter.
Red pepper flakes: for a completely mild, but still flavorful, cracker, omit or reduce the amount chili flakes.
Full ingredient list and measurements included in the printable recipe card below.
Step by step instructions:
1. Prep seasoned butter
To begin, preheat oven to 250℉. In a heatproof bowl or measuring cup, melt butter in the microwave. Remove once melted and add in all of the spices to the melted butter. Stir well to combine.
2. Prep oyster crackers
Measure out 3 cups of oyster crackers onto a baking sheet. Pour seasoned butter mixture over the crackers and toss to coat each cracker. Arrange buttery crackers in a single layer on the baking tray.
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and toss to coat.
3. Bake crackers
Bake on sheet tray in 250℉ oven for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown. Open the oven and remove the pan around 8 minutes, tossing the crackers to keep them from browning too deeply.
4. Get ready to party!
Serve with soup, chowder, bisque, stew, salad, as a quick afternoon snack or on your snack table at your next party.
Looking for tasty soup recipes for your seasoned crackers?
FAQ's, Serving Suggestions and Variations:
Garlic & Herb Oyster Crackers
Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt and 2 tablespoons of fresh dill to the butter. (If using dried dill, reduce to ¾ teaspoon of dill weed.)
Spicy Ranch Oyster Crackers
Add 3 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the butter before tossing and baking the crackers. (No need to add extra salt - the ranch dressing mix is well seasoned!)
Cacio e Pepe Oyster Crackers
Add 2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper to the butter. Top the oyster crackers, then toss with ½ cup grated parmesan before baking.
Taco Seasoned Oyster Crackers
Add 1 package of dry taco seasoning, 1 teaspoon of garlic and ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika to the melted butter, then toss in crackers before baking.
Absolutely. Start with ½ cup of olive oil mixed with the spices and tossed into the crackers.
Oyster crackers are wheat flour-based crackers that have a flavor similar to saltine crackers but usually with less salt. Oyster crackers are docked and slow baked at low temperatures until crisp.
To store, transfer these seasoned soup crackers to an airtight container or mason jar and keep at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Spicy Seasoned Soup Cracker Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
3 cups oyster crackers
6 tablespoons salted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250℉. In a heatproof bowl or measuring cup, melt butter in the microwave. Remove and add in all of the spices to the melted butter. Stir well to combine.
- Measure out 3 cups of oyster crackers onto a baking sheet. Pour seasoned butter mixture over the crackers and toss to coat each cracker. Arrange buttery crackers in a single layer on the baking tray. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and toss to coat.
- Bake on sheet tray in 250℉ oven for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown. Open the oven and remove the pan around 8 minutes, tossing the crackers to keep them from browning too deeply.
- Serve with soup, chowder, bisque, stew, salad or as a perfect quick afternoon snack or on your snack table at your next party.
Notes
Substitute saltines for oyster crackers, if preferred.
Omit or reduce red pepper flakes for a milder seasoned cracker.
You can also substitute olive oil instead of butter.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Easy Recipes
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
christina toth
Butter and parm kn an ouster cracker! I have lived too long without knowing this trick!!
Christina Jolam
Hold onto your hat...it's about to change your soup-loving life!