🔥 Sweetpea’s Firecracker Seasoning Blend

Sweetpea’s Firecracker Seasoning Blend is the secret to bold, zesty flavor in snacks, meats, veggies, and more! A mix of ranch seasoning, smoky BBQ rub, garlic, onion, and chives (plus optional red pepper flakes), it’s party-tested and perfect for game day, tailgates, or quick weeknight dinners.

Make a jar in minutes and use it in all 8 Firecracker Everything! recipes — from Snack Table MVP Crackers to Game Day Gold Chicken Wings.

If you’ve ever been to one of my parties, there’s a good chance you’ve had something sprinkled, tossed, or coated in my Firecracker Seasoning Blend.

This zesty, savory, can’t-stop-eating-it mix is the flavor behind some of my most requested recipes — from my Snack Table MVP Firecracker Crackers to Game Day Gold Chicken Wings.

The best part? You can mix up a big jar in just a couple of minutes and have it ready to go for everything from after-school snacks to tailgate suppers.

Once you have this seasoning in your pantry, you’ll start thinking, What else can I Firecracker?

🥄 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Versatile — Works on snacks, meats, veggies, and more.
• Party-Tested — I’ve served it at countless gatherings and people always ask for the recipe.
• Make-Ahead Friendly — Mix once, store for months, use whenever flavor is needed.
• Customizable Heat — I made this blend mild for family-friendly meals, or turn up the spice and add even more red pepper flakes for heat lovers.

🍽 What Is Firecracker Seasoning?

It’s my personal twist on the popular “firecracker” flavor idea — but instead of just spicy, it’s layered with savory, herby, and smoky notes.

The blend starts with ranch seasoning for that tangy, herbed base, then gets depth from smoky dry rub, sweetness from onion powder, and warmth from garlic.

The dried chives give it a little garden-fresh pop, and the optional red pepper flakes bring the heat.

Common Uses:

• Seasoning crackers, popcorn, pretzels, or nuts
• Coating chicken, pork, or shrimp before cooking
• Mixing into sour cream or cream cheese for dips
• Sprinkling over roasted veggies or potatoes
• Stirring into melted butter for biscuits or rolls

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into my Sweetpea Firecracker Seasoning Blend:

• 4 ounces Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning (look for the big shaker, not the dip packet)
• 4 ounces Carolina Brewery Dry Rub (or McCormick Smokehouse Maple Seasoning)
• 2 ounces Garlic Powder
• 2 ounces Onion Powder
• 1 ounce Dried Chives
• Optional: 2 teaspoons Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to taste)

Ingredient Notes:

• If you can’t find Carolina Brewery Dry Rub, McCormick’s Smokehouse Maple gives a similar sweet-smoky balance.
• Use a quality garlic and onion powder — they’re the backbone of the savory flavor here.
• Red pepper flakes are optional, but I highly recommend them if you like a little kick.

🥣 How to Make Sweetpea’s Firecracker Seasoning Blend

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Makes: One 16-ounce jar

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Measure your ingredients. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy — especially for the bulk ranch and dry rub.
2. Combine in a large mixing bowl. Add ranch seasoning, dry rub, garlic powder, onion powder, dried chives, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Whisk to blend. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
4. Transfer to an airtight jar. A 16-ounce mason jar with a tight lid works perfectly.
5. Label & store. Keep in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

💡 Sweetpea Tips & Tricks

• Double the Batch: If you host often, make two jars — one for home, one for gifting.
• Mix & Match: Swap the Smokehouse Maple for a spicier BBQ rub for a whole new flavor profile.
• Grind It Fine: If you want a smoother blend for dusting popcorn, pulse it in a spice grinder for 5–10 seconds.
• Make It a Gift: Package in small jars with a recipe card for Firecracker Crackers or Firecracker Dip.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this seasoning without the red pepper flakes?
Absolutely — it will still be flavorful without the heat.

How long will this seasoning last?
Stored in an airtight container, it’s best within 6 months, but it can last up to a year.

Can I use this on fish or seafood?
Yes! It’s especially good on shrimp or salmon before grilling.

Can I make a low-sodium version?
Yes — choose a low-sodium ranch mix and dry rub, and skip additional salt.

📌 Final Sweetpea Note

This is more than just a seasoning blend — it’s the base for an entire flavor-packed series I’ve been serving at my own table. Every time I make a recipe with it, someone asks, “Can I get the recipe?” Now you can — and you can make it your own.

So grab your spices, shake up a jar, and join me for all the Firecracker Everything! From Snack to Supper recipes coming your way. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd on game day or just making Tuesday night dinner feel special, this blend has you covered.

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