Are you looking for a simple and versatile ingredient to add some crunch and flavor to your favorite dishes? Look no further than the humble saltine cracker! These plain crackers may seem ordinary, but they can be transformed into a wide variety of sweet and savory treats. From classic desserts like pie crusts and icebox cakes, to savory snacks like nachos and pizza bites, saltine crackers are a pantry staple that can be used in countless ways.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious recipes that showcase the versatility of saltine crackers. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a show-stopping dessert, there’s something on this list for everyone. So go ahead and get creative – your taste buds will thank you!
Saltine Cracker Toffee
Saltine Cracker Toffee: A Simple yet Decadent Treat
This classic recipe combines the crunch of saltine crackers with the richness of toffee, creating a sweet and salty treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
– 16-20 saltine crackers
– 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
– 1 tablespoon white chocolate chips or toffee bits
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar, vanilla extract, and sea salt; stir until sugar dissolves.
3. Arrange saltine crackers in the prepared baking dish.
4. Pour the toffee mixture evenly over the crackers.
5. If using nuts, sprinkle them on top of the toffee layer.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until toffee is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Remove from oven; let cool slightly.
8. Melt white chocolate chips or toffee bits in microwave-safe bowl; stir until smooth.
9. Pour melted white chocolate over cooled toffee; spread evenly.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Saltine Cracker Chicken Casserole
A comforting and satisfying casserole that combines the simplicity of chicken, vegetables, and crackers with a hint of creaminess.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup saltine crackers, crushed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup cream of chicken soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the chicken, onion, and garlic until the chicken is cooked through.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed crackers, peas and carrots, cream of chicken soup, milk, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the chicken mixture to the bowl and stir until well combined.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Saltine Cracker Meatloaf
This unique meatloaf recipe uses crushed Saltine crackers to add texture and flavor to the traditional loaf. The result is a moist and savory dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup crushed Saltine crackers
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed Saltine crackers, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a spoon until just combined.
3. Beat in the egg until the mixture is smooth.
4. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Saltine Cracker Pie Crust
Make a crust like no other with this unique recipe using saltine crackers! Perfect for sweet or savory fillings, this crust is easy to make and adds a delightful twist to your favorite pies.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups saltine crackers, crushed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together crushed saltines and sugar.
3. Add the melted butter and stir until crumbs are evenly moistened.
4. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until crust is lightly browned.
6. Allow to cool completely before filling and serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Saltine Cracker Candy
Saltine Cracker Candy Recipe
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A sweet and salty treat that’s surprisingly easy to make! This recipe transforms saltine crackers into a crunchy, caramel-like candy.
Ingredients:
————
– 1 sleeve of saltine crackers (about 30-35 crackers)
– 1 cup light corn syrup
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Optional: chopped nuts or sea salt for garnish
Instructions:
————–
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the corn syrup, sugar, water, and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes or until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard-ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
5. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the crackers.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crackers are golden brown and the caramel is bubbly.
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely. Break into pieces and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Saltine Cracker Stuffing
This savory stuffing recipe is a twist on traditional bread-based stuffings, using saltine crackers as the base instead. The result is a crunchy, flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with roasted meats or as a snack on its own.
Ingredients:
– 1 sleeve of saltine crackers (about 30-40 crackers)
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1/4 cup chopped celery
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine saltine crackers, melted butter, chopped celery, and chopped onion.
3. Sprinkle poultry seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Mix well until the crackers are evenly coated.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Saltine Cracker Nachos
Elevate your snack game with this unexpected take on traditional nachos, featuring Saltine crackers as the foundation. This recipe is perfect for those looking to mix things up and satisfy their cravings.
Ingredients:
– 1 sleeve of Saltine crackers
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
– 1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup diced yellow onion
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Arrange the Saltine crackers in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Sprinkle half of the cheese evenly over the crackers.
4. Top with black beans, bell pepper, onion, and jalapeño.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the top.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
8. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Saltine Cracker Icebox Cake
A classic dessert that’s perfect for hot summer days, this Saltine Cracker Icebox Cake is a simple and refreshing treat that requires no baking. With just a few ingredients and some time to chill in the refrigerator, you’ll have a delicious cake that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups crushed saltine crackers
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the crushed saltine crackers and powdered sugar.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract; mix until stiff peaks form.
3. Fold the whipped cream mixture into the cracker mixture until well combined.
4. Press the mixture into a 9×13-inch dish or pan. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Cooking Time: None! Let it chill in the refrigerator before serving.
Saltine Cracker Crab Cakes
Transforming a classic appetizer into a delightful seafood treat, these Saltine Cracker Crab Cakes are sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb jumbo lump crab meat
– 1/2 cup finely crushed saltine crackers
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, gently combine crab meat, crushed crackers, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to break up the lumps of crab meat.
3. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty.
4. Place patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each cake.
5. Dot the top of each cake with melted butter.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Saltine Cracker Chocolate Bark
Elevate your snack game with this unique and delicious treat that combines the simplicity of Saltine crackers with the richness of chocolate. This recipe is perfect for a quick dessert or an after-school snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) milk chocolate chips
– 1 cup (100g) white chocolate chips
– 1 sleeve (27-30) Saltine crackers, broken into pieces
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– Optional: chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor
Instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
3. Stir in the broken Saltine crackers and melted butter until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into a thin layer.
5. Melt the white chocolate chips in a separate bowl and drizzle over the Saltine cracker mixture.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set before breaking into pieces.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including melting time)
Saltine Cracker Peanut Butter Balls
Saltine Cracker Peanut Butter Balls: A Twist on Classic Treats
These bite-sized treats combine the simplicity of peanut butter with the crunch of saltine crackers, making for a delightful snack or dessert. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups peanut butter
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped saltine crackers
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
2. Stir in the chopped saltine crackers.
3. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Saltine Cracker Cheesecake
This Saltine Cracker Cheesecake is an innovative dessert that combines the classic flavors of cheesecake with the crunchy texture of saltine crackers. The result is a surprisingly delightful treat that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup crushed saltine crackers
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well combined. Press into a 9-inch springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Add sugar, vanilla extract, and crushed saltine crackers to the cheesecake mixture. Mix until combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until edges are set.
6. Let cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Saltine Cracker Apple Crisp
A twist on the classic apple crisp recipe, this sweet and crunchy dessert uses saltine crackers as a topping instead of traditional oatmeal. The result is a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 sleeve of Saltine crackers, crushed
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until apples are evenly coated.
3. Transfer the apple mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish.
4. Sprinkle crushed Saltine crackers over the top of the apple mixture.
5. Drizzle melted butter over the crackers.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Saltine Cracker Tuna Melt
A creative twist on traditional tuna salad, this recipe combines canned tuna with cream cheese and saltines for a satisfying sandwich.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
– 6-8 Saltine crackers, crushed
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your broiler.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the tuna, cream cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.
3. Arrange the crushed Saltine crackers in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Spoon the tuna mixture over the crackers, leaving a 1/2 inch border around each cracker.
5. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top (if using).
6. Broil for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes
Saltine Cracker S’mores
Saltine Cracker S’mores: A Twist on a Classic Campfire Treat
These sweet and gooey treats are a fun spin on the classic s’mores recipe, using saltine crackers instead of traditional graham crackers.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of Saltine crackers
– 1 bar of milk chocolate (or your preferred type)
– 1 bag of marshmallows
– Fire or a kitchen torch for toasting marshmallows
Instructions:
1. Gather materials and prepare for s’mores-making!
2. Place a saltine cracker on a flat surface.
3. Place a piece of milk chocolate on top of the cracker.
4. Toast a marshmallow over a fire or with a kitchen torch until it reaches your desired level of toasting (some like them golden brown, others prefer them nice and gooey!).
5. Place the toasted marshmallow on top of the chocolate.
6. Sandwich the marshmallow between two saltine crackers.
7. Enjoy your Saltine Cracker S’mores!
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes (depending on desired level of toasting)
Saltine Cracker Pizza Bites
Transform classic pizza into bite-sized treats using saltine crackers as the crust. These easy-to-make bites are perfect for parties, snacks, or meals on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 1 sleeve of saltine crackers (about 30-40 crackers)
– 1/2 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
3. Place a saltine cracker on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Spread a small amount of marinara sauce on each cracker, leaving a 1/8 inch border around edges.
5. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
6. Top with chopped parsley and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
7. Drizzle olive oil over the top.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until crackers are golden brown and cheese is melted.
9. Remove from oven and let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Saltine Cracker Banana Pudding
This creamy pudding combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the crunch of Saltine crackers, creating a unique and delicious dessert. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a sweet treat.
Ingredients:
– 4 large ripe bananas
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup crushed Saltine crackers
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
2. Peel the bananas and add them to the saucepan. Remove from heat and let steep for 10-15 minutes, or until the bananas are very tender.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing on the solids to extract as much milk as possible. Discard the solids.
4. Stir in crushed Saltine crackers and vanilla extract.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.
Cooking Time: None
Saltine Cracker French Onion Dip
Elevate your snack game with this addictive dip that combines the savory flavors of caramelized onions and tangy cream cheese, served with crunchy Saltine crackers.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup soft cream cheese
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup caramelized onions (see note)
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 sleeve of Saltine crackers
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add the mayonnaise, caramelized onions, parsley, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve chilled with Saltine crackers for dipping.
Cooking Time: 5-10 minutes (prep time only)
Summary
Discover the versatility of saltine crackers with these 18 delicious and easy-to-make recipes. From sweet treats like Saltine Cracker Toffee and Candy, to savory dishes such as Saltine Cracker Chicken Casserole and Crab Cakes, there’s something for every occasion. Use saltine crackers to make a crunchy pie crust or stuff them with your favorite ingredients. Even create snacks like Saltine Cracker Nachos or S’mores bars. With these recipes, you’ll never look at saltine crackers the same way again.
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