Fitness / May 24, 2023

How To make Ranch Oyster Crackers

Ranch Oyster Crackers — a healthy, high-protein vegan snack with a hint of ranch that will curb your hunger without ruining your appetite or your diet.

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Okay, I admit it. I thought oyster crackers were made from oysters in some way. I don’t know how or why but there you have it.

Phew. That’s a load off my chest.

Turns out they’re called oyster crackers because they were used to add a bit of crunch to oyster STEW, a popular, 19th-century dish in northeastern United States. The association with the stew is no more but the name stuck. The more you know, am I right?

In any case, these crackers make for a great snack: they are packed with protein (thanks to the nutritional yeast), easy to make, and healthy if you assemble the seasoning as outlined below. You can’t say all this about most snacks, which are usually only counted upon to fill the hunger gap between meals.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe is vegan! You could make it gluten-free as well by using gluten-free crackers.
Nutritional yeast is a source of complete protein, containing all nine amino acids (the same as animal proteins). 10 grams of protein per serving!
You can easily make this recipe no-bake or in the air fryer (320°F for 5 minutes).

Are These Ranch Oyster Crackers Healthy?

This recipe features a healthy, dairy-free source for its flavor and not the highly processed ranch seasoning packets.
It uses heart-healthy avocado oil, rich in omega-9 fatty acids and vitamin E.
Nutritional yeast is a source of vitamin B12, which helps produce red blood cells and promotes a healthy nervous system.
It also contains beta-glucan which is a fiber that can help reduce cholesterol.
It is low on the glycemic index and filled with antioxidants.

INGREDIENTS

Mostly powders and seasoning, this shopping list can be completed in one section of the store.

5 cups oyster crackers
1/3 cup avocado oil
2 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp dried dill
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
1 tbsp nutritional yeast

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep

Preheat oven to 250°F. Place oyster crackers in a bowl or resealable bag.

Add

Add avocado oil, spices, salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast. Gently toss to coat.

Bake

Place on a baking tray in a single layer and bake for 20 minutes, flipping once halfway. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

DEVOUR!

Variations

To save time, you could use a typical ranch seasoning packet you find in the shops here in lieu of the custom seasoning spice mix, though I think the homemade stuff is well worth the effort on account of how unhealthy those packages can be.

Use gluten-free crackers to make a vegan & gluten-free snack for everyone!
There are so many options when it comes to seasonings and toppings. Parmesan & thyme, taco seasoning, fajita seasoning, and for a sweet dessert, use cinnamon and sugar.

FAQs

I’m not sure about Nutritional Yeast, can I substitute it?

You could omit the nutritional yeast from this recipe or decrease it to ½ tbsp to try it out on your first batch!

My crackers aren’t crisp, what did I do wrong?

Make sure you bake these at low heat for enough time. Depending on the size of your oyster cracker, they may need an additional 5-10 minutes in the oven. Also, flip them halfway into baking.

Can I make this no-bake?

While you can make this no-bake, that will allow the cracker to soak up more oil and they will not be as crisp for as long. You could also try using butter or vegan butter if going no-bake.

How to Store Ranch Oyster Crackers

Let the crackers cool completely. Put them in an airtight container or a resealable bag. Store them in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months. If you live in a humid clime, you should consider putting the crackers in the fridge where they will last for up to 3 months. You can also freeze them for up to a year. The important thing is that they are sealed well to prevent them from drying out.