Dill Pickle Saltines are a wildly popular, addictive, and incredibly easy snack. They’re the perfect combination of salty, tangy, crunchy, and savory.
Here’s a complete guide on how to make them, including a classic recipe and tips for success.
What Are Dill Pickle Saltines?
They are saltine crackers that are coated in a seasoned oil mixture, featuring the classic flavors of dill pickles (dill, garlic, vinegar, and salt), then baked until crispy. The result is a cracker that’s transformed from plain to explosively flavorful.
Classic Dill Pickle Saltines Recipe
This is the most common and straightforward method.
Ingredients:
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1 sleeve (about 40) saltine crackers (standard 4×4 grid)
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½ cup neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or avocado oil work best)
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1 (0.4 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix (or 2 tbsp homemade ranch seasoning)
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2 tsp dill weed (dried)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ – 1 tsp pickle juice (from a jar of dill pickles) – for that authentic tang
Instructions:
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Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature is key to crisping them without burning. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
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Combine Seasonings: In a medium bowl, whisk together the oil, ranch seasoning packet, dill weed, garlic powder, onion powder, and pickle juice until well combined.
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Coat the Crackers: Place the saltines in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Using a spoon or a pastry brush, generously drizzle and spread the oil and seasoning mixture over the top of each cracker. Try to get as much of the solid herbs and spices onto the crackers as possible.
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Bake Low and Slow: Bake for 15-20 minutes. The goal is to dry them out and crisp them up, not to brown them.
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Cool Completely: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the crackers cool completely on the sheet. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
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Store: Once completely cool, transfer the crackers to an airtight container. They should stay crispy for several days.
“Upgraded” Stovetop Method (Even Flavor Distribution)
Many people find the oil soaks in better using this method.
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Warm the Oil: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the oil, ranch seasoning, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder. Warm it for just 2-3 minutes, whisking constantly. Do not let it simmer or fry. You just want to warm it enough to help the spices infuse into the oil.
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Remove from heat and whisk in the pickle juice.
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Coat the Crackers: Place the saltines in a single layer on your baking sheet. Use a pastry brush to generously brush the warm oil mixture onto each cracker, ensuring each one is fully coated.
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Bake as directed above (250°F for 15-20 mins) and cool completely.
Tips for the Perfect Dill Pickle Saltines
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Don’t Skip the Pickle Juice: The acid in the pickle juice is what gives them that authentic, tangy dill pickle flavor. Start with ½ tsp and add more if you want a stronger tang.
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Get Every Cracker: Make sure every single cracker gets a good amount of the oil and spice mixture. The ones on the edges of the pan can sometimes be missed.
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Low Temperature is KEY: Baking at a higher temperature will burn the spices and make the crackers bitter before they have a chance to crisp up. Patience is a virtue here!
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Let Them Cool: They will not be crispy straight out of the oven. They must cool completely on the baking sheet to achieve their signature crunch.
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Variations:
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Spicy: Add ¼ – ½ tsp of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the oil mixture.
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Extra Garlic/Dill: If you’re a fanatic, double the garlic powder and dill weed.
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Cheesy: Add 1 tbsp of nutritional yeast or grated Parmesan cheese to the oil mixture (though this will make them less “pure” pickle).
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Why Are They So Popular?
The trend took off on social media (especially TikTok) because they are:
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Incredibly Easy: Only 5 minutes of active prep.
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Highly Addictive: The combination of flavors hits all the right notes.
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A Perfect Snack: Great for parties, game day, gifts, or just satisfying a craving.
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Nostalgic: They taste like the seasoning from a bag of dill pickle potato chips, but on a crispy, familiar saltine cracker.
Enjoy your new favorite snack