Homemade Crackers Recipe: A Delicious Snack for Any Occasion
If you’ve ever craved the crunch of fresh, homemade crackers, this easy recipe is perfect for you. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create light and crispy crackers that are perfect for snacking, serving with cheese, or accompanying dips at your next gathering.
These homemade crackers are simple to prepare, and with a bit of patience during the rising and baking process, you’ll have a batch of golden, crunchy crackers that are far superior to anything you’ll find at the store. Perfect for a variety of occasions, these crackers are sure to impress guests and family alike. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (00 type) | 500g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 120g |
| Dry active yeast | 4g |
| Fine salt | 10g |
| Water | 180ml |
| Extra virgin olive oil (for brushing) | 3 tbsp |
| Water (for brushing) | 2 tbsp |
| Additional salt | to taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 13g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
Instructions
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Prepare the dough: Start by sifting the all-purpose flour into a large mixing bowl. This ensures that the dough will be smooth and free of lumps. Set the bowl aside for now.
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Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, take a portion of the water (around 2 tablespoons) from the total measurement. Sprinkle the dry yeast over the water and stir gently to dissolve. Allow the yeast to activate for a few minutes until it begins to froth. This step is crucial for ensuring the crackers rise nicely during baking.
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Combine the ingredients: Pour the activated yeast mixture into the sifted flour. In the remaining water, dissolve the fine salt, and add it to the flour mixture. Pour in the olive oil (120g) and mix everything together until combined.
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Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface or a clean countertop. Begin kneading the dough by hand, working it until it becomes smooth and elastic. This will take about 10 minutes. Once you achieve a uniform, elastic texture, shape the dough into a round ball.
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Let the dough rise: Place the dough ball into a clean bowl and cover it with a piece of plastic wrap. Leave the bowl in a warm, draft-free place for approximately two hours, or until the dough has doubled in size. This rising step is essential for giving the crackers their light, airy texture.
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Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air pockets. Transfer the dough to a pasta machine or rolling pin. Roll it out into a thin sheet, no more than 2mm thick. This thinness ensures the crackers will bake crispy and light.
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Cut the crackers: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, trim the edges of the dough into a clean rectangle or square shape. Then, slice the dough into 6cm wide strips. Next, cut each strip into 12cm long pieces, forming the individual cracker shapes.
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Decorate with a fork: To give your crackers their signature look, use the tines of a fork to gently press down the center of each piece of dough, creating a line. This not only adds a decorative touch but also helps the crackers bake evenly.
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Prepare for baking: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then arrange the crackers on the sheet in a single layer. Brush each cracker with a light mixture of water and extra virgin olive oil, giving them a glossy, crisp finish when baked.
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Bake the crackers: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) in static mode. Place the baking sheet in the middle of the oven and bake for about 12 minutes, or until the crackers are lightly golden and slightly browned at the edges. Keep an eye on them, as they can brown quickly.
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Cool the crackers: Once baked, remove the crackers from the oven and immediately transfer them off the baking sheet. This prevents them from continuing to cook in the residual heat of the pan, which could cause them to become overly dark. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
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Enjoy: Once cooled, your homemade crackers are ready to serve! These crackers make an excellent snack on their own or paired with cheese, olives, or any of your favorite dips.
Tips for Perfect Crackers
- Thickness of dough: Be sure to roll the dough thin, as thicker dough can result in chewy crackers rather than crisp ones.
- Flavor variations: Feel free to experiment with adding dried herbs, grated cheese, or spices (like rosemary, garlic, or chili flakes) to the dough for additional flavor.
- Storage: Store your homemade crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well if you want to save some for later.
These homemade crackers are simple, satisfying, and versatile, making them a great addition to any table. Whether you’re preparing for a party or just looking for a delicious homemade snack, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the perfect crunch with every bite!
