Smoked Firecrackers

Firecrackers are a Southern snack packed full of big flavors. You can add even more flavor by hitting them with a touch of smoke. You’ll be left with some of the best firecrackers you’ve had.

This recipe combines Cajun spice, smoky flavor, and crispy crackers that will disappear from your table quicker than you can say “Firecracker Crackers”!

Smoked firecrackers

This recipe combines BBQ flavors and smoke with Cajun seasoning for a flavor-packed snack that’s perfect for game day parties. They’re easy to whip up and only take about an hour on the smoker, plus they will stay good in an airtight container for up to two weeks! 

Firecracker crackers are a popular snack in the South. There are many variations of the recipe, including many no-bake options. I find that the no-bake firecrackers are easier, but adding a bit of time on the smoker makes them extra crispy and delicious. 

Ingredients you’ll need

• Saltine crackers – saltine crackers are my crackers of choice for this recipe, but you could also use club crackers or Cheez-Its. 
• Neutral oil – I like to use avocado oil for this recipe, but you could also use canola or vegetable oil instead. I don’t recommend using olive oil, as I’ve found that it leaves an odd texture on the crackers. 
• Seasoning – you can use just about any seasoning combination you like when whipping up this snack. My favorite combination is a blend of BBQ seasoning (like our ultimate rib rub, Cajun seasoning, and a touch of garlic powder.

Equipment you’ll need

• Smoker or pellet grill – you can cook this recipe on any smoker, pellet grill, or charcoal grill as long as it can maintain a steady temperature of 200°F for one hour. You can alternatively whip these up in the oven – they just won’t be smoky. 
• Wire rack – I find that a wire rack helps the crackers get crispy on all sides. 

How spicy are firecrackers?

This recipe uses Cajun seasoning, which still adds a nice kick, but it’s not overpowering in the spice department. 

Many people add red pepper flakes (hence the name “firecracker”), but I’ve found that they can be a bit too spicy for some people—especially children!

How to make smoked firecrackers 

1. Prep 

Start by pouring two sleeves of saltine crackers into a large mixing bowl (or prep tub).

In another bowl, combine the avocado oil and seasonings. Whisk the oil mixture together until it’s well-blended, then pour the mixture over the top of your crackers. 

Some people like to use a Ziploc bag to prep these, but I prefer to put on gloves and give them a good mix by hand. This ensures you get an even layer of seasoning on every cracker. 

Once your crackers are well-coated in the seasoned oil, lay them out on a wire rack.

If you don’t have a wire rack, you can alternatively just place the crackers directly on the grates of your smoker. 

2. Smoke your crackers 

Preheat your smoker (or pellet grill) to 200°F.

You want to keep it at a low temperature so you don’t burn the crackers, but you also want it warm enough to give them a good smoke flavor. 

For this recipe, I used my Traeger Ironwood XL pellet grill along with the Bear Mountain Gourmet BBQ pellets. 

Once your smoker is preheated to 200°F, you can place the racks of crackers onto the grates.

Let them smoke for about one hour or until they’re nice and golden brown and crispy. 

Once they are crispy, remove them from the smoker and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving with an ice-cold beer.

How to store firecrackers

One great thing about this recipe is that the crackers will stay good for up to two weeks! If you don’t finish the whole batch, then store them in an airtight container on the counter. 

Check out more snacks to have with that cold beer

• Smoked Candied Nuts
• Popcorn on the Griddle
• Smoked Hot Dog Burnt Ends
• Smoked SPAM Fries
• Jalapeño Cheese Squares