The Hidden Valley Ranch Retro 5-Ingredient Snack I've Been Making for Decades—It's My Favorite

Oyster crackers are one of my ultimate comfort foods. They’re a must with clam chowder. My mom sprinkled them on chili when I was a kid as an enticement to eat my lunch, and I always snap them up when they appear in small cellophane packets on salad or soup bars. They are one of life’s happy little extras. 

Imagine my joy back in the '80s when I came across a recipe for ranch-seasoned oyster crackers in a glossy cooking magazine. (Remember those?)  A salty snack that combines two of my favorite things: ranch dressing and oyster crackers? Yes, please!

In an inspired marketing scheme to show consumers that ranch dressing mix can be used for much more than just salad dressing, the folks at Hidden Valley Ranch developed a brilliant recipe that uses its tangy, herby dry ranch dressing mix as a seasoning for oyster crackers. As a young, inexperienced cook, I felt like I had struck gold. The recipe couldn’t be easier, was ready in under half an hour, and after one handful of the tangy, amped up oyster crackers, my family and I were hooked. 

I’ve been making the same recipe for decades, and now with the advent of the large eight-ounce and 20-ounce shaker of Hidden Valley Ranch ranch mix (instead of the small envelopes), I am making this snack even more frequently. Finally, I don’t have to open an envelope of dressing mix to use only two tablespoons, and then have the remainder kicking around in my pantry, leaking powder everywhere! 

These ranchy oyster crackers are a great snack, but they’re also a big flavor and texture bonus on hearty soups like chicken pot pie, extra-loaded baked potato soup, and, of course, clam chowder. Their citrus-and-dill flavor makes them a natural pairing with shrimp and avocado salad and crab louie as well. And of course, they’re the ideal snack food to eat by the handful. The only issue with this Hidden Valley Ranch’s Oyster Crackers recipe? It is nearly impossible to stop eating them!

How To Make Hidden Valley Ranch’s Oyster Crackers

The recipe is so simple! Just whisk together neutral-flavored oil, Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix, fresh dill, and lemon pepper or garlic powder until combined. Pour over a bag or box of oyster crackers and stir to coat the crackers with the seasoning blend. 

Spread the crackers on a rimmed baking sheet in an even layer, and bake in a low (250ºF) oven until the crackers begin golden around the edges, 15 to 20 minutes. It’s key to let the crackers cool once they’re out of the oven because they’ll absorb the oil as they sit and become more crisp. It’s hard to wait, I know, but you’ll be rewarded with a crunchy, tangy nibble that’s tough to stop eating. 

Tips for Making Ranch Oyster Crackers

• The recipe on the website calls for a 16-ounce box of oyster crackers, but most brands offer nine or 10-ounce quantities. I find that the ratio of seasonings and oil in the recipe is perfect for a nine to 10-ounce bag. 
• The old recipe called for dried dill, while the newer iteration on the company's website calls for fresh dill, and I wholeheartedly endorse the change. Fresh dill gives this snack a much more vibrant flavor.  
• The recipe gives an “and/or” option of lemon pepper and garlic powder. Definitely use both for maximum flavor. 
• You can substitute any flavoring you wish. I’ve tried Italian seasoning, toasted onion powder, and even a tablespoon of chili crisp to the basic recipe with great results. 
• To keep the crackers crisp and fresh tasting, transfer them to an airtight container as soon as they’ve cooled down. Use them within a week for the best texture.