Homemade Saltine Crackers

by

Saltine crackers are a pantry classic—crispy, salty, and lightly airy, perfect with soups, cheese, dips, or just on their own. Making them at home gives you control over ingredients, flavor, and texture, plus they’re surprisingly easy to prepare!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter (cold, cut into small cubes)
  • ⅔ cup warm water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Add the cubed butter. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture looks sandy with small crumbs.
  3. Slowly add the warm water and oil, mixing until the dough comes together. It should be soft but not sticky.

Step 2: Rest the Dough

  • Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for 20–30 minutes.
    This relaxes the gluten, making it easier to roll thin.

Step 3: Roll Out Thin

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface until it’s paper thin (about 1/16-inch thick).
  3. Cut into squares or rectangles (like classic saltines) using a knife or pizza cutter.
  4. Place the pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Dock and Season

  • Prick each cracker with a fork (to prevent puffing).
  • Lightly brush with water or oil.
  • Sprinkle with salt (or experiment with garlic powder, herbs, or sesame seeds).

Step 5: Bake

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes, until golden and crisp.
  • Remove and let cool completely on a wire rack—this helps them stay crunchy.

Methods & Tips

  • Rolling: The thinner the dough, the crispier the crackers.
  • Docking: Always poke holes; this ensures an even bake.
  • Flavor variations: Add herbs (rosemary, thyme), spices (paprika, black pepper), or cheese powder for different versions.
  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Re-crisp in a 350°F oven for 3–4 minutes if they soften.

Benefits of Homemade Saltine Crackers

  1. No preservatives – Store-bought crackers often contain additives; homemade means clean ingredients.
  2. Customizable – Adjust salt, flavors, or even make whole wheat versions.
  3. Budget-friendly – Made from simple pantry staples.
  4. Family activity – Great for kids to help roll and cut shapes.
  5. Versatile – Pairs with cheese, peanut butter, hummus, soup, or just a cup of tea.

Nutrition (per 1 cracker, approx. 5g)

  • Calories: 20–25 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Protein: 0.5 g
  • Fat: 0.8 g
  • Fiber: 0.2 g
  • Sodium: 40–60 mg (depends on salt topping)

Note: Nutrition varies by thickness, size, and toppings.

Conclusion: Homemade Saltine Crackers are light, crunchy, and endlessly adaptable. They’re healthier than store-bought, fun to make, and give you that nostalgic flavor without unnecessary ingredients.

Leave a Comment