Oyster Cracker Candy
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Got a hankering for something sweet, salty, and crunchy? Oyster Cracker Candy will satisfy all of your cravings. It's an easy cracker snack recipe for tailgates, holiday events and cocktail parties!
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What is Oyster Cracker Candy?
Oyster Cracker Candy is made with tiny oyster crackers, pecans, brown sugar, butter and savory spices. It's baked in the oven for just 10 minutes which makes it an easy recipe for your next party!
Our family absolutely loves this crunchy cracker recipe. We can't get enough of the sweet and buttery taste that goes with all types of appetizers.
Some folks use oyster crackers to make Chex Mix and add spices such as dill weed, onion powder and dry ranch seasoning. But, this version of oyster cracker snacks is both sweet and spicy. It's hard not to eat the entire batch in one sitting!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
The combination of herbs and seasonings in this recipe make it a flavorful treat. Dried thyme, ground ginger, parsley and cayenne pepper create the perfect combo that's totally addictive!
When you pair the seasonings with brown sugar and real butter, you won't believe how amazing it tastes!
This is a great recipe to keep on hand for tailgate parties or whenever friends gather to watch the Big Game. We like to serve seasoned oyster crackers during the holidays because it makes a tasty party snack.
It's a sweet and salty appetizer that also pairs well with different types of cocktails and sides like tailgate meatballs.
Ingredients
This recipe uses simple ingredients you may already have in your pantry. It's perfect when added to a charcuterie board (ad), or served in a large bowl on your coffee tables!
See recipe card for quantities.
- bag of oyster crackers - tiny crackers usually eaten with soup (like clam chowder or creamy chicken noodle)
- pecans - nuts that taste amazing when toasted
- melted butter - real butter makes a difference in this recipe
- brown sugar - caramelizes with the butter to make the candy harden
- thyme - dried is better than fresh
- ground ginger - gives the recipe a little lift
- parsley - provides color and flavor
- ground cayenne pepper - adds a punch
- coarse salt - sea salt works well
How to Make Oyster Cracker Snacks
Cracker Mixture
Spread oyster crackers and chopped pecans onto a sheet pan (or baking sheet) in a single layer. Line the pan with parchment paper to make clean up easier.
In a separate skillet, melt butter. Mix in brown sugar, thyme, ginger, parsley and cayenne pepper. Boil for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Pour contents of skillet over seasoned oyster crackers and pecans on baking sheet and stir well until all crackers are moistened.
Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Remove snack crackers from oven and sprinkle with the crunchy topping.
Topping
Mix brown sugar, thyme, ginger, parsley, cayenne pepper and salt together. Sprinkle over oyster crackers after baking. Stir well and cool at least 30 minutes before serving.
Recipe FAQS
Once baked, oyster cracker snack mix keeps up to 1 week if stored in an airtight container. Keep in a dry location. A mason jar is a great storage container for this delicious snack, and keeps it even longer.
Mini Ritz crackers work well with this recipe. Any small, buttery cracker would be a good substitution. If you're a cinnamon or pumpkin spice lover, you could definitely try these seasonings instead of the ones listed. You could even add vanilla extract or a splash of rum to the wet ingredients if you're feeling sassy!
Variations
There are tons of flavor combinations you can make with homemade seasonings for this oyster cracker snack recipe. The important thing to remember is to have fun while experimenting with different spices!
- chili powder
- ranch seasoning mix
- lemon pepper
- taco seasoning
- parmesan cheese
- garlic salt
- red pepper flakes
What to Serve with Oyster Crackers
- raspberry goat cheese bites
- classic cheese ball
- pigs in a blanket
- pumpkin cream cheese dip
- cheese board or charcuterie
Recipe Tips
- Feel free to make substitutions with crackers or spices, but make sure you use real butter in this recipe. Other products won't produce the same results.
- The cracker mixture will be sticky and may not get on every cracker. No worries. If necessary, use your hands to mix it together, but it's a good idea to wear gloves since the mixture is hot!
More Snacks to Love
If you're hosting a party or family gathering, these snacks make great appetizers, especially when paired together!
- The Best Sausage Balls
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
- Candied Bacon Pecans
- Southern Pimento Cheese
- Spinach Artichoke Dip
Recipe Card
Oyster Cracker Candy
*See notes in blog post for detailed tips, photos and instructions.
Ingredients
CRACKER MIXTURE
- 10 oz. oyster crackers
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 sticks butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp. dried thyme
- 1 tsp. ground ginger
- 1 tsp. dried parsley
- ¼ tsp. ground cayenne pepper
TOPPING
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp. dried thyme
- 1 tsp. ground ginger
- 1 tsp. dried parsley
- ¼ tsp. ground cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp. sea salt
Instructions
CRACKER MIXTURE
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Spread oyster crackers and pecans onto a half sheet pan.
- In a separate skillet, melt butter.
- Mix in brown sugar, thyme, ginger, parsley and cayenne pepper and bring to a boil for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour contents of skillet over oyster crackers on sheet pan and stir until all crackers are moistened.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.
- Remove crackers from oven and sprinkle with topping.
TOPPING
- Mix brown sugar, thyme, ginger, parsley, cayenne pepper and salt together.
- Sprinkle over oyster crackers after baking.
- Stir well and cool at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use real butter for best results.
- Cracker mixture will be sticky and hard to stir. Keep working with it until all crackers are barely moistened.
- Store candy in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
Nutrition info is an auto generated estimate.
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Can’t wait to try this! Sweet and savory!!!
Let me know what you think about the flavor combo, Lorna! 🙂