Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Perfect Crackers. These crackers are crispy, flavorful, and great as a snack, or paired with cheese, dips, or spreads.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup water (more if needed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp herbs (optional: rosemary, thyme, or a blend of your choice)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional for flavor)
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. If you’re adding any herbs, garlic powder, or Parmesan, include them in this step.
- Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can also use a food processor for this step.
- Gradually add the water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough starts to come together. If it’s too dry, add a little more water, but be careful not to add too much—just enough to form a dough.
- If using olive oil, add it at this stage and mix it in.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough out as thinly as possible—about 1/8 inch thick. The thinner you roll the dough, the crispier your crackers will be.
4. Cut the Crackers:
- Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into squares, rectangles, or any shape you like. You can also use cookie cutters for fun shapes.
- Transfer the cut crackers to the prepared baking sheet, placing them close together but not touching. If you want extra texture, use a fork to prick holes in the center of each cracker.
5. Bake:
- Sprinkle the top of the crackers lightly with a pinch of salt or additional herbs if you like.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them, as they can burn quickly.
6. Cool and Serve:
- Allow the crackers to cool on a wire rack. They will crisp up as they cool.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips:
- Flavor Variations: You can customize the flavor by adding different herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or dill), spices (like cumin or paprika), or cheese (like cheddar or Parmesan).
- Thinness: The key to crispy crackers is rolling the dough as thinly as possible. If it’s too thick, they’ll be more biscuit-like than crispy crackers.
- Storage: These crackers are great for snacking, and they store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Enjoy your Perfect Crackers with cheese, hummus, or simply as a delicious standalone snack
