Ricotta Fig and Walnut Crackers
Crisp, golden-brown crackers studded with sweet dried figs and crunchy walnuts. Creamy ricotta gives these homemade crackers a tender, delicate crumb that shatters beautifully with every bite. Perfect for cheese boards, afternoon snacking, or a quick appetizer with a drizzle of honey.
For 24 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Preheat the oven and prep ingredients.
1.Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.2.Finely chop the dried figs and walnuts. Set aside. - mix · ~1 min
Combine the ricotta and butter.
1.Add ricotta cheese, cold butter cubes, and honey to a food processor.2.Pulse until smooth and well combined, scraping down the sides as needed.TIPMake sure the butter is cold — this creates flaky layers in the crackers. - mix · ~1 min
Blend in dry ingredients to form the dough.
1.Add flour, salt, pepper, and rosemary to the food processor.2.Pulse just until a crumbly dough starts to come together. Do not over-mix.3.Add the chopped figs and walnuts. Pulse 3-4 times to distribute evenly. - prep · ~16 min
Shape the dough into a log.
1.Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.2.Gently press and shape into a log about 8 inches long and 2 inches in diameter.3.Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for 15 minutes until firm.TIPChilling the log makes it much easier to slice thin, even rounds. - prep · ~5 min
Slice the dough into crackers.
1.Remove the chilled log from the freezer. Unwrap and place on a cutting board.2.Using a sharp knife, slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds.3.Arrange the rounds on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.TIPUse a gentle sawing motion rather than pressing straight down to keep the round shape. - bake · ~20 min
Bake until golden and crisp.
1.Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.2.Bake for 18-20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through.3.Crackers are done when the edges are deeply golden and the centers feel firm.TIPWatch closely during the last 2 minutes — the figs can darken quickly. - rest · ~10 min
Cool completely on a wire rack.
Transfer crackers to a wire rack and let cool for at least 10 minutes. They will crisp up further as they cool.
TIPDon't stack the crackers until fully cooled, or they'll trap steam and soften. - serve
Serve or store for later.
Arrange on a serving plate or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Drain the ricotta in a fine-mesh sieve for 30 minutes if it looks watery — excess moisture makes the dough sticky.
- 2Chill the dough log for the full 15 minutes; a warm log will squash when sliced and lose its round shape.
- 3Use a sharp, thin-bladed knife and a gentle sawing motion to slice the log without crushing the figs.
- 4Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking to ensure even browning, since the fig pieces can scorch.
- 5Let crackers cool completely on the rack before storing — they firm up and become crunchy as they cool.
- 6Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days; re-crisp in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes if needed.
Adapt it for your goals.
Savory Herb
Swap the honey brush for a brush of olive oil and top with flaky salt. Replace rosemary with 1 teaspoon each of fresh thyme and cracked black pepper for an herby, cheese-board cracker.
Spiced FigSpiced Fig
Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of cloves to the flour. This warms the fig-walnut flavor and pairs beautifully with blue cheese or aged cheddar.
VeganVegan
Use a plant-based butter stick and substitute the ricotta with 1/3 cup of cashew cream (blended soaked cashews and water). The texture will be slightly denser but still crisp.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Replace all-purpose flour with 1 cup of gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend. Expect a more crumbly dough; chill the log for 25 minutes instead of 15 for easier slicing.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Walnuts provide omega-3 fatty acids that support heart health, while the moderate butter content adds fat-soluble vitamin A.
Natural Sweetness from Fruit
Dried figs offer dietary fiber and natural sugars, allowing the crackers to be lightly sweet without relying on refined sugar.
Protein from Ricotta
Full-fat ricotta contributes high-quality dairy protein and calcium, giving these crackers more staying power than typical flour-based snacks.
Antioxidant Support
Figs and rosemary both contain antioxidant compounds that may help reduce oxidative stress in the body.
Frequently asked questions
If the dough feels tacky, dust your hands and work surface lightly with flour. You can also pop the bowl of dough in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up the butter before shaping.
