Old Bay Oyster Crackers (Easy Snack Or Soup Topper!)

Name: Old Bay Oyster Crackers
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 9- ounce package oyster crackers (about 2 cups); 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning; 3-4 tablespoons vegetable oil

Jump straight to the recipe here (but you'll miss a lot of good info)!

These Old Bay Oyster Crackers are super crunchy and packed with tons of flavor! Made with just three simple ingredients and ready in 15 minutes, this easy recipe transforms plain oyster crackers into a totally irresistible snack. Serve them with clam chowder, sprinkle them over seafood bisque, or enjoy them straight from the bowl.

If you've made ranch oyster crackers before, this is their seafood-loving cousin. The warm spices in Old Bay pair perfectly with the buttery crunch of the crackers, making them ideal for everything from soup toppers to game day snacks. Simple to make, endlessly snackable, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Old Bay seasoned oyster crackers scattered across a rustic baking sheet, with visible spice coating and bold text overlay reading

What Are Old Bay Oyster Crackers?

Old Bay Oyster Crackers are bite-sized, crunchy crackers coated in a savory blend of Old Bay seasoning and oil, then lightly baked or air fried to bring out their incredible flavor. The first time I made these was specifically as a topping to my homemade lobster bisque recipe, but we loved them so much as a snack that I've been making them ever since!

This seasoned version uses classic Old Bay seasoning, a staple spice blend known for its mix of celery salt, paprika, and black and red peppers. It's a salty-spiced cracker that's great in a party snack mix, as a soup topper, or just for snacking in general. They're a fun twist on the traditional ranch version and one of the easiest snacks you can make.

Ingredients You'll Need

This easy recipe comes together with just three simple ingredients and they're all pantry staples:

Oyster Crackers (1 9-ounce package): These small, round crackers are perfect for soaking up the Old Bay seasoning. Any brand will do, but look for salted, plain oyster crackers like Westminster Bakers, Nabisco, or Old Cape Cod.
Old Bay Seasoning (1 tablespoon): The star of the recipe! Old Bay is a classic blend of celery salt, paprika, black pepper, red pepper, and other spices. It adds that signature flavor that pairs beautifully with seafood dishes or works as a stand-alone snack seasoning.
Vegetable Oil (3-4 tablespoons): Oil helps the seasoning coat each cracker evenly and gives the crackers a really nice crunch after its baked. Use a neutral oil like vegetable, canola, avocado, or sunflower oil for best results.

Step-by-Step Instructions

These seasoned oyster crackers are as easy as it gets! You can make them in either the oven or the air fryer.

Oven-Baked Method

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. A slightly higher temperature helps the crackers toast quickly without drying out.
Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, whisk together the oil and Old Bay seasoning.
Toss with the crackers: Place the oyster crackers in a medium bowl. Pour the seasoned oil over the crackers and toss them gently until they're all evenly coated.
Bake: Spread the crackers in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove them from the oven and let them cool completely before serving or storing.

Air Fryer Method

Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 320°F.
Prepare the crackers: Follow the same steps to mix the oil and Old Bay seasoning, then toss with the crackers until they're well coated.
Air fry: Add the crackers to the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking halfway through. Note: Air fryer times may vary, so keep an eye on them to prevent them from getting too browned.

Let the crackers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

Serving Ideas

Old Bay Oyster Crackers are more than just a quick snack, they're incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of delicious ways.

Close-up shot of crispy baked oyster crackers coated in Old Bay seasoning, showing golden edges and coarse spice texture on a dark baking tray.

Soup Toppers

The most classic use: sprinkle them over hot soups and stews. The bold Old Bay seasoning brings extra flavor and texture to any number of soups. They're the perfect upgrade to plain saltines!

Creamy Seafood Chowder
Homemade Oyster Stew
Lobster bisque
Crab and corn chowder
Tomato soup
Creamy Loaded Potato Soup

Snack Mix or Bar Snack

Enjoy them on their own or as part of a DIY snack mix:

Combine with mini pretzels, roasted nuts, Goldfish, or Chex cereal.
Serve them in small bowls at happy hour or on a game day snack board.
Pair them with beer, a Bloody Mary, or a chilled cocktail.

On-the-Go Snack

Pack them into small resealable bags or airtight containers. They're shelf-stable, non-messy, and stay crisp for days.

Lunchboxes
Road trips
Beach snacks
Hiking or camping

Crouton Alternative

Swap out traditional croutons and use Old Bay Oyster Crackers to add crunch and extra flavor to salads:

Great on a crab salad, shrimp Caesar, or seafood Cobb salad
Crush slightly for a light sprinkle over a green salad with lemon vinaigrette

Party Appetizer or Holiday Snack

Put out a bowl of these seasoned crackers alongside:

Shrimp cocktail
Crab dip
Smoked salmon
Oysters Rockefeller
Charcuterie boards with seafood pairings

They're also a fun snack before a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, especially for guests waiting around the kitchen.

Flavor Variations

Old Bay Oyster Crackers are delicious on their own, but the beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to customize. There are endless ways to make these crackers your own: spicy, cheesy, smoky, you name it!

Spicy Old Bay Crackers: Use Old Bay Hot seasoning instead of the classic blend. Or just add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the oil before tossing. You can also mix in a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce (Frank's, Tabasco, or chili oil) for extra zing.
Garlic & Herb Version: Use Old Bay Garlic & Herb seasoning. Or add ½ teaspoon dried parsley or Italian seasoning to complement the Old Bay. You can also sprinkle in a little garlic powder and/or fresh cracked black pepper.
Lemon & Herb: Swap in Old Bay Lemon & Herb seasoning, or just add a small amount of lemon zest to the oil. Serve with lobster bisque, shrimp stew, or a light summer salad.
Cheesy Old Bay Crackers: After baking the oyster crackers for about 5-7 minutes, remove them from the oven and sprinkle them with a few tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. Return them to the oven for the remaining bake time to melt and toast the cheese. Make sure to let them cool completely so the cheese crisps up.
Turn them into a party mix: Toss them with mini pretzels, Goldfish crackers, Chex cereal, and roasted peanuts before or after baking. Mix and match seasoning blends for layered flavors (try half Old Bay, half lemon pepper).
Taco-Flavored: Swap the Old Bay for taco seasoning
Ranch: Swap the Old Bay for ranch seasoning
Lemon Pepper: Skip the Old Bay and use an easy lemon pepper seasoning recipe
Smoky: Swap the Old Bay for smoked paprika + garlic salt

How to Store

Cool your Old Bay oyster crackers completely after baking or air frying. This helps prevent steam from softening them in storage.
Store in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature.
Keep them away from heat or humidity (ie. don't store them near the stove or in the fridge).
They'll stay crisp and flavorful for up to 7 days (though they rarely last that long)!

Can You Freeze Old Bay Oyster Crackers?

Freezing is not recommended. The crackers can absorb moisture and lose their crispness when thawed. For the best texture and flavor, stick to storing them at room temp and make fresh batches as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cracker instead of oyster crackers?

This recipe works well with other small, plain crackers like mini saltines, Goldfish crackers, or even pretzel nuggets. Just make sure they're unflavored so the Old Bay seasoning stands out.

Can I make these Old Bay Oyster Crackers gluten-free?

As long as you use gluten-free oyster crackers or any small gluten-free snack cracker. Check your Old Bay seasoning, too (while it's typically gluten-free, it's best to verify your specific blend).

Is there a substitute for Old Bay seasoning?

While Old Bay is unique, you can use a mix of celery salt, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne to mimic its flavor. Or try another seasoned salt like Lawry's.

What kind of oil works best for this recipe?

Any neutral-flavored oil like vegetable, canola, avocado, or sunflower oil will work. Avoid stronger flavored oils like olive oil as they can overpower the seasoning.

Can I make a large batch for parties or gifting?

This recipe scales up really well. Just multiply the ingredients and use multiple baking sheets or air fryer batches. They make a great homemade food gift when packaged in jars or snack bags.

Can I make these in advance for a party?

Old Bay Oyster Crackers stay crisp and flavorful for up to a week when stored properly, so they're a great make-ahead appetizer or snack.

How do I keep the crackers from getting soggy?

Make sure the crackers are fully cooled before storing and always use an airtight container. Moisture is the enemy of crunch!