Crackers
Enjoy crispy, golden crackers straight from your oven! This simple recipe uses herbs for a savory flavor kick, making it a perfect low-sodium choice for snacking, dipping, or pairing with your favorite cheese.
For 8 servings
5 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the cracker dough
- b.In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, dried rosemary, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- c.Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture.
- d.Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- e.Add 4 tablespoons of cold water and mix until a shaggy dough forms. If it's too dry, add one more tablespoon of water.
- f.Gently knead the dough a few times in the bowl until it comes together, then form it into a flat disk.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Chill the dough
- b.Wrap the dough disk in plastic wrap.
- c.Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll out.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Roll and shape the crackers
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- c.Place the chilled dough between two sheets of parchment paper.
- d.Roll the dough out as thinly as possible, about 1/16-inch thick. The thinner the dough, the crispier the cracker.
- e.Remove the top sheet of parchment. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into 1.5-inch squares.
- f.Use a fork to prick holes in each cracker. This helps prevent them from puffing up too much while baking.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Bake the crackers
- b.Slide the parchment paper with the cut crackers onto the baking sheet.
- c.Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are firm.
- d.Watch them closely during the last few minutes as they can go from golden to burnt very quickly.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Cool and store
- b.Let the crackers cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- c.They will become crispier as they cool.
- d.Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest crackers, roll the dough as thin as you possibly can.
- 2Don't skip chilling the dough. It relaxes the gluten and makes it much easier to roll without shrinking.
- 3Feel free to experiment with other dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or a pinch of paprika for different flavors.
- 4If the edges of the crackers are browning faster than the center, you can remove them from the sheet and continue baking the rest.
- 5Ensure your butter is very cold. This creates little pockets of steam during baking, resulting in a flakier cracker.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten free
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. You may need a little extra water to form the dough.
veganVegan
Replace the unsalted butter with a solid vegan butter alternative or cold, firm coconut oil.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Use cookie cutters to make fun shapes. You can also skip the black pepper for a milder flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Supports Heart Health
A low-sodium diet is crucial for managing blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease. These crackers allow you to enjoy a savory snack without excess salt.
No Preservatives
Homemade crackers are free from the artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors often found in commercial snack foods.
Source of Fiber
Made with flour, these crackers provide a source of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, they are a healthier alternative to many store-bought crackers. By making them at home, you control the ingredients, significantly reduce the sodium content, and avoid preservatives and unhealthy fats.