3 Tbsp Red Pepper Flakes (or more if you want it spicer)
1-1/2 c. Canola Oil
1 pkg Hidden Valley Ranch Mix (dry)
1 box Crackers

Put all 4 sleeves of crackers in large bowl.
Mix other 3 ingredients together in separate bowl.
Pour over crackers.
Stir or toss until crackers are coated.
Let sit for 1 hour but stir or toss every 15 minutes.

Depends on how much you plan to eat, and what your definition of "bad" is.

I'm not sure what type of "crackers" they mean for you to use, but by saying "4 sleeves" I'm guessing Ritz. According to the Nabisco web site, "1 serving" of Ritz crackers (16 g, or about 1/2 oz) is 80 calories, 4g fat, 10g carbohydrate, 1g protein. There are 14 servings in a box. So, if you add the oil, each of those servings jumps to 296 calories, 28g fat. Not to mention that the ranch mix will add a TON of sodium.

You are supposed to make this recipe with oyster crackers. Bigger crackers will break as you're stirring. I would use 2 large bags.

I wouldn't have them everyday, but it would be good as a treat.

And if you want it to be healthier, double the amount of crackers, keep the amount of sauce the same.

I checked the hidden valley ranch website and they offer this recipe, but it includes 1/4 cup oil and not a cup and a half. I was really confused about the recipe because I couldn't understand why you would soak crackers in oil, lol, it seemed kind of yucky!

I didn't have nutrition info for hidden valley ranch brand, so I used a different brand of mix for the nutrition info.

If you follow recipe, using just 1/4 cup oil, and if you count a half cup as one serving, then it makes 16 servings and the nutrition is as follows:

153 calories
7 grams fat
20 carbs
1 gram fiber
3 grams protein

I always (before I went on a diet) used Saltines for the crackers.

SUZANNE: You don't actually taste the oil. LoL. I only taste the ranch mix & the red pepper flakes.

I agree with Suzanne how would you use this recipe? As an appetizer? Wouldn't your hands get all greasy? Doesn't sound good to me at all!

It's not as bad as you think.

The oil mixes with the dip mix & then it kinda coats the crackers.

My godmother has been serving ranch oyster crackers for at least 15 years. But with the hot pepper flakes it would be gooooood

Are there trans fats in this recipe? My guess is there are partially hydrogenated oils in there somewhere (most crackers still have 'em, and dry mixes), and they seem like a good thing to avoid... frustrating, I know.
cheers, Sue