Name: Taco Crackers
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 box (12–16 oz) oyster crackers; 1 packet taco seasoning mix; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil); 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Crunchy, cheesy, and packed with bold taco flavor, these Taco Crackers are a fast and flavorful snack that I can throw together in just 25 minutes. Whether I’m prepping a party mix, looking for a game day treat, or just craving something savory and satisfying, these crackers hit the spot. The seasoning blend soaks right into the oyster crackers, giving them a punch of spice and zest in every bite.

Taco Crackers

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 box (12–16 oz) oyster crackers

1 packet taco seasoning mix

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

¼ cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)

1 tablespoon lime juice (optional, for a zesty kick)

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for a cheesy twist)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).

In a large mixing bowl, I whisk together the taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if I’m using it), oil, and lime juice until fully blended.

I add the oyster crackers and gently toss them until they’re well coated with the seasoned oil mixture.

I spread the crackers in a single layer on a large baking sheet.

I bake for 15–20 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until they’re lightly golden and crisp.

If I’m adding Parmesan cheese, I sprinkle it over the hot crackers right after they come out of the oven and toss gently to coat.

I let the crackers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 10 servings, with each serving being about ½ cup of crackers. The prep time is just 5 minutes, and they bake in about 20 minutes, for a total of 25 minutes from start to finish. Each serving has around 160 kcal.

Variations

Cheesy Ranch: I swap the taco seasoning with ranch mix and skip the cayenne, then load up on Parmesan.

Spicy Southwest: I add smoked paprika and a pinch of chipotle powder for a deeper smoky flavor.

Lemon Pepper Kick: I use lemon juice instead of lime and add lemon pepper seasoning instead of taco seasoning.

Tex-Mex Snack Mix: I mix the finished crackers with pretzels, corn chips, and cheese cubes for a bold snack mix.

No-Heat Option: I skip the cayenne for a kid-friendly version that's still full of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Once cooled, I store these taco crackers in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay crisp and flavorful for up to a week. I don’t usually need to reheat them, but if they lose their crunch, a quick 5-minute bake at 250°F helps restore their texture.

FAQs

What type of crackers should I use for this recipe?

I always go with oyster crackers because they’re small, round, and soak up the flavor really well. But I could also use mini saltines or other small, sturdy crackers.

Can I make these crackers gluten-free?

Yes, I just use gluten-free oyster crackers and double-check that my taco seasoning mix is also gluten-free.

How spicy are these taco crackers?

With just the taco seasoning, they have a mild to medium kick. I can add cayenne for extra heat or skip it to keep things mellow.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. I usually make them a day or two in advance for parties, and they stay fresh in an airtight container.

What’s the best way to serve these crackers?

I love putting them out in a bowl as a snack, adding them to a party mix, or packing them into bags for on-the-go munching. They’re also great with dips like guacamole or salsa.

Conclusion

These Taco Crackers are one of my go-to snack recipes—simple to make, bursting with flavor, and totally addictive. Whether I’m looking for a quick bite, a fun party treat, or just something to spice up my snack stash, they never disappoint. With a few easy tweaks, I can make them cheesy, spicy, or kid-friendly, and they always come out perfectly crisp and delicious.

📖 Recipe:

Taco Crackers

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Crunchy, cheesy, and packed with bold taco flavor, these taco crackers are an easy and addictive snack made with oyster crackers, taco seasoning, and a few pantry staples. Perfect for parties, game days, or on-the-go munching.

Ingredients

1 box (12–16 oz) oyster crackers

1 packet taco seasoning mix

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

¼ cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)

1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), oil, and lime juice until well combined.
Add the oyster crackers and gently toss to coat them evenly in the seasoned oil mixture.
Spread the coated crackers in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until lightly golden and crisp.
If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the hot crackers right after removing from the oven and toss gently to coat.
Let the crackers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.