Homemade Saltine Crackers
Why Make This Recipe
Homemade Saltine Crackers are a culinary delight that brings a rich, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch to your snacking experience. Unlike store-bought varieties, which may contain preservatives and artificial flavors, making your own saltines allows you to control the ingredients, adjust seasonings to your taste, and enjoy the freshness that comes with homemade snacks. These versatile crackers can be paired with soups, used as a base for canapés, or simply enjoyed on their own. Plus, the process of making them is surprisingly simple and can be a fun activity to share with family!
How to Make Homemade Saltine Crackers
Making your own Saltine Crackers at home is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. Follow these easy steps to create your own batch.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/3 cup milk (you can substitute non-dairy milk if you need to)
- Coarse salt (for sprinkling)
- 1 egg white (or egg yolk; the whites make them crisper)
- 1 tablespoon water
Directions
- Blend the egg white with the water to make an egg wash. Set aside.
- Mix together the flour and baking powder.
- If you are adding seasonings, mix those in with the dry ingredients.
- Cut the butter into the flour mixture until it forms coarse crumbs.
- Add the milk and knead gently to form a ball.
- Divide the dough into 4 parts and roll out paper-thin on a floured surface. The thinner they are, the crisper they will be.
- Cut the dough into squares or desired shapes (a pizza wheel works great for that!).
- Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and prick all over with a fork.
- Brush with the egg wash and sprinkle with salt (or cracked pepper, or any other preferred seasoning).
- Bake at 325°F until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes (check after 10 minutes).
- Let cool before serving. They will crisp as they cool.
How to Serve Homemade Saltine Crackers
These delectable Saltine Crackers can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Serve them alongside your favorite soups or stews for a delightful crunch, or use them as a base for cheese spreads and dips. They can also be enjoyed with slices of cured meats, spreads, or dips like hummus and guacamole. Get creative with toppings and let your guests customize their own bites!
How to Store Homemade Saltine Crackers
To maintain the freshness and crispness of your homemade Saltine Crackers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should keep for up to two weeks. If you notice them softening over time, you can refresh them by placing them back in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes.
Tips to Make Homemade Saltine Crackers
- Ensure your butter is cold when cutting it into the flour for a flakier texture.
- Experiment with different seasonings such as garlic powder, herbs, or even cheese for a unique flavor.
- Don’t skip the pricking step; it helps prevent the crackers from puffing up and ensures a proper texture.
- If you like thicker crackers, simply roll them out a bit less thin.
Variation
For a twist on the classic Saltine Crackers, try adding cheese to your dough for a cheesy version, or incorporate herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic and flavorful bite. You can also swap out half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition.
FAQs
1. Can I use a gluten-free flour alternative?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but be sure to check if it contains xanthan gum as that may be necessary for the texture.
2. How can I make these crackers dairy-free?
You can substitute the unsalted butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use non-dairy milk in place of regular milk.
3. Can I freeze these crackers?
Yes! You can freeze the baked and cooled crackers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just make sure to allow them to cool completely before freezing, and let them thaw at room temperature for the best texture when ready to eat.
Saltine Crackers
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter Should be cold for flakiness
- 1 1/3 cups milk Can substitute non-dairy milk
- 1 egg white egg white (or egg yolk) Whites make crackers crisper
- 1 tablespoon water
Toppings
- Coarse salt For sprinkling, can use cracked pepper or other seasonings
Instructions
Preparation
- Blend the egg white with the water to make an egg wash. Set aside.
- Mix together the flour and baking powder.
- If adding seasonings, mix those into the dry ingredients.
- Cut the butter into the flour mixture until it forms coarse crumbs.
- Add the milk and knead gently to form a ball.
- Divide the dough into 4 parts and roll out paper-thin on a floured surface.
- Cut the dough into squares or desired shapes using a pizza wheel.
- Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and prick all over with a fork.
Baking
- Brush with the egg wash and sprinkle with salt.
- Bake at 325°F (about 163°C) until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes, checking after 10 minutes.
Cooling
- Let cool before serving. Crackers will crisp as they cool.
