Are you craving a crunchy, flavorful snack that’s both satisfying and healthy? Look no further! These homemade seeded crackers are the perfect answer. They're incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, yet deliver a big punch of flavor and texture. Perfect for a quick appetizer, a satisfying snack, or even a crunchy addition to your soup or salad, these crackers are a versatile addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. This easy recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike, offering a delightful way to enjoy healthy meals without sacrificing deliciousness.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour (or all-purpose for a softer cracker)
- ½ cup mixed seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, sesame – get creative!)
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¾ cup water (add more as needed)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, mixed seeds, and sea salt. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Add the olive oil to the dry ingredients. Slowly pour in the water, mixing with a fork or your hands until a dough forms. If the dough seems too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it comes together. Don't overmix – a slightly shaggy dough is perfectly fine.
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Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about ⅛ inch thickness. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour to prevent it from sticking to the rolling pin.
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Cut & Shape: Use a knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into desired shapes – squares, rectangles, or even fun shapes using cookie cutters.
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Prick with a Fork: Prick the crackers all over with a fork to prevent them from puffing up too much during baking. This also helps create a nice, even texture.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the crackers onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time, as ovens can vary.
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Cool & Enjoy: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the crackers cool completely on the baking sheet before serving. This allows them to crisp up further. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Seeded Crackers:
- Seed Variety: Feel free to experiment with different types of seeds! Flax seeds, chia seeds, or even poppy seeds would add wonderful flavor and texture.
- Flavor Boost: Add some finely chopped herbs (rosemary, thyme) or spices (garlic powder, onion powder) to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
- Storage: Store your cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They'll stay delightfully crunchy!
Variations:
- Cheesy Crackers: Add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the dough for a savory twist.
- Spicy Crackers: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Herb Crackers: Incorporate fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, oregano, or thyme for aromatic crackers.
Nutritional Information (per cracker – approximate, will vary based on size and ingredients):
This recipe offers a quick dinner idea or healthy snack, providing fiber from the whole wheat flour and healthy fats from the seeds. The exact nutritional information will depend on the specific seeds used and the cracker size, but generally, you can expect a good source of fiber and healthy fats per serving. Consult a nutritional calculator for precise values.
This simple recipe for seeded crackers is a great way to incorporate healthy ingredients into your daily diet while enjoying delicious and satisfying homemade cooking. These crackers are sure to become a quick dinner favorite or a go-to snack in your household. Enjoy experimenting with different seeds and flavors to create your perfect cracker!