Baked Old Bay Oyster Crackers are the perfect savory snack for any occasion. Coated in buttery Old Bay seasoning and baked to golden perfection, these bite-sized crackers offer a bold, zesty flavor and an irresistible crunch. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing game-day snacks, or just craving something salty and satisfying, this quick and easy recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish.
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Bursting with Flavor: Old Bay seasoning provides a rich blend of spices that coat each cracker perfectly.
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Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal as a party snack, soup topper, or savory addition to trail mix.
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Budget-Friendly: Requires only a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
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Crowd-Pleaser: A snack that both kids and adults love, making it a go-to for gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 (10 oz) bag oyster crackers
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning (adjust to taste)
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1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
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1/4 tsp onion powder (optional)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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Add the oyster crackers to the bowl and toss until evenly coated.
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Spread the crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 10–15 minutes, tossing halfway through to ensure even baking.
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Remove from the oven and let the crackers cool completely.
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Serve immediately or store once fully cooled.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Bake time: 10–15 minutes
Total time: 15–20 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the butter mixture.
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Cheesy Version: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the crackers before baking.
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Lemon Twist: Add a bit of lemon zest to brighten the flavor.
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Herbed Option: Mix in dried parsley, dill, or thyme for a herbal note.
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Smoky Version: Substitute smoked paprika for extra depth and warmth.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
For longer freshness, keep them in a resealable bag or glass jar. Re-crisp in a 250°F (120°C) oven for 5–7 minutes if needed.
FAQs
What is Old Bay seasoning?
Old Bay is a classic American spice blend made from celery salt, paprika, black pepper, and other spices. It’s widely used for seafood, but also works well on snacks and vegetables.
Can I use other types of crackers?
Yes, mini saltines or other small, plain crackers can work, but oyster crackers hold the seasoning particularly well.
Is this recipe spicy?
Old Bay has a mild kick, but it’s not overly spicy. You can adjust the heat by adding cayenne or omitting optional spices.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but the flavor may be slightly different. Unsalted butter offers the best results for richness.
Do I have to bake the crackers?
Baking helps the seasoning adhere and creates a crispy finish. Skipping this step would result in a softer, less flavorful snack.
Are these crackers gluten-free?
Traditional oyster crackers contain gluten. To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free oyster crackers.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just use a second baking sheet to avoid overcrowding and ensure even crisping.
How long do these stay crispy?
When stored properly in an airtight container, they stay crisp for up to one week.
Can I freeze seasoned oyster crackers?
It’s not recommended, as freezing may affect the texture. These are best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.
Are these safe for kids?
Yes, they are generally kid-friendly. Adjust the seasoning to suit younger palates if needed.
Conclusion
These Baked Old Bay Oyster Crackers are a simple yet flavorful snack that’s both easy to make and hard to resist. With bold seasoning and a satisfying crunch, they’re perfect for any occasion—from casual snacking to elegant entertaining. Try them once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.
Print
Baked Old Bay Oyster Crackers: A Crunchy, Flavorful Snack in 15 Minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: About 5 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Old Bay Oyster Crackers are an easy, crunchy, and boldly seasoned snack ready in just 15 minutes! Coated in butter and zesty Old Bay seasoning, they’re the perfect addition to parties, soups, or on-the-go munching.
Ingredients
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1 (10 oz) bag oyster crackers
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning (adjust to taste)
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
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1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
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Season the Crackers: In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the oyster crackers and toss until evenly coated.
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Bake: Spread the crackers out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10–15 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until lightly golden and crispy.
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Cool & Store: Let the crackers cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Notes
Want them spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes.
Try this with mini saltines or pretzels for a different twist.
These make a great DIY food gift when packaged in a jar or bag.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Cuisine: Baking
