Pickle Saltines are a fun and easy-to-make snack that combines the crunch of Saltine crackers with the tangy, zesty flavors of pickles. They’re a great addition to a party spread, a game day snack, or just a quick and savory treat. Here’s a simple recipe for making Pickle Saltines:
Ingredients:
- 1 sleeve of Saltine crackers (about 40-45 crackers)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) pickle juice (from a jar of dill pickles or sweet pickles)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix (about 1 ounce/28 grams) or homemade ranch seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crackers:
- Lay the Saltine crackers out in a large mixing bowl or a shallow dish (like a 9×13-inch baking dish). You can break them into smaller pieces if you’d like, but it’s not necessary.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine the pickle juice, olive oil, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Stir until the seasoning mix is well dissolved and everything is well combined.
- Coat the Crackers:
- Pour the dressing mixture over the crackers. Use a spoon or your hands to gently toss the crackers, making sure they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. Be gentle to avoid breaking the crackers.
- Let the Flavors Meld:
- Once the crackers are evenly coated, cover the bowl or dish with plastic wrap or a lid. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes to an hour to allow the flavors to absorb. If you have time, letting them sit overnight in the fridge is even better, as the crackers will soak up more of the flavor.
- Serve:
- After the crackers have absorbed the flavors, they’re ready to serve. Enjoy them as a snack, or serve them alongside sandwiches, soups, or salads.
Tips:
- Pickle Juice: The more flavorful the pickle juice, the better! If you’re using a jar of pickles that’s been open for a while, it might have a stronger, more concentrated flavor, which is great for this recipe. Feel free to use dill pickle juice, sweet pickle juice, or even bread-and-butter pickle juice, depending on your taste preference.
- Ranch Mix: If you don’t want to use a store-bought ranch dressing packet, you can make your own ranch seasoning by mixing together 1 tablespoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon dried dill.
- Storage: Pickle Saltines can be stored in an airtight container for several days. They get more flavorful the longer they sit, so they’re great for meal prep or for making ahead of time.
Variations:
- Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to give the crackers a spicy kick.
- Cheesy: Add some grated Parmesan cheese or even a bit of shredded cheddar to the seasoning mix for a cheesy twist.
- Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like dill, thyme, or oregano can add a lovely herbal touch to the crackers.
These Pickle Saltines are simple, addictive, and full of flavor—perfect for pickle lovers!
