Saltine crackers are a timeless snack that can be enjoyed on their own, with cheese, dips, or alongside soups. While store-bought versions are convenient, making them at home brings freshness, a better texture, and a healthier option free from unnecessary additives. These homemade saltine crackers are light, crisp, and perfectly salty with a delightful crunch. Creating them is simpler than you might think, and the results are truly rewarding.
Description
This recipe for homemade saltine crackers delivers classic, golden, and flaky crackers with a satisfying crunch. Made with basic pantry ingredients, these crackers are baked until crisp and sprinkled with just the right amount of salt. They are perfect for snacks, party platters, or pairing with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup water (cold)
- Coarse sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it into the flour until crumbly. Gradually add cold water, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 2–3 minutes until smooth. Divide the dough into two portions. Roll out one portion as thin as possible, aiming for a thickness of about 1/8 inch or less. Place the rolled dough on the prepared baking sheet. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut it into small squares or rectangles without separating them. Poke holes into each piece with a fork to prevent puffing.
- Lightly brush the surface with water and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the crackers are golden brown and crisp. Repeat the process with the remaining dough. Allow the crackers to cool completely before breaking them apart and serving.
Servings
Makes about 6–8 servings (approximately 50 crackers depending on size).
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 110
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
Notes
The key to perfect saltine crackers is rolling the dough as thin as possible for maximum crispiness. Thicker dough will result in softer crackers. Store the cooled crackers in an airtight container to maintain their crunch for up to one week.
Tips
For extra flavor, you can sprinkle the crackers with garlic powder, onion powder, sesame seeds, or dried herbs before baking. To achieve an even crisper result, flip the crackers halfway through baking. If you want them lighter, reduce butter slightly and roll even thinner.
Health Benefits
Homemade saltine crackers are healthier than packaged versions because they lack preservatives, hydrogenated oils, and artificial flavorings. They provide a quick source of energy from carbohydrates, a small amount of protein, and minimal fat. Since they are baked and not fried, they are lower in calories compared to many commercial snacks. You can also control the salt content, making them suitable for low-sodium diets.
Q & A
Q: Can I make these crackers gluten-free?
A: Yes, simply use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Q: How do I keep them crispy?
A: Store them in an airtight container once cooled completely, and avoid humidity.
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes, the dough can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
Q: Are these crackers vegan?
A: They can be made vegan by substituting the butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil.
Q: What can I serve these with?
A: They pair wonderfully with cheese, hummus, soups, or spreads like peanut butter and jam.