Rye Crackers
Crispy, wholesome, and perfectly savory. These homemade rye crackers are surprisingly easy to make and are a fantastic canvas for your favorite cheeses, dips, or spreads. A healthy, crunchy snack!
For 6 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare and Chill the Dough
- b.In a medium bowl, whisk together the rye flour, all-purpose flour, caraway seeds, and 3/4 tsp of salt.
- c.Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
- d.Gradually stir in 4 tablespoons of cold water with a fork until a shaggy dough forms. If it seems too dry, add more water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it just comes together. Do not overmix.
- e.Gather the dough into a ball, flatten it into a 1-inch thick disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Roll and Cut the Crackers
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position a rack in the middle.
- c.Place the chilled dough on a large sheet of parchment paper. Place another sheet of parchment on top. Roll the dough out as thinly and evenly as possible, aiming for about 1/16-inch thickness.
- d.Remove the top sheet of parchment paper. Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut the dough into your desired shape, such as 1.5-inch squares or diamonds.
- e.Using a fork, prick each cracker 2-3 times. This process, called 'docking', prevents them from puffing up excessively while baking.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Bake to Perfection
- b.Lightly brush the surface of the crackers with a tiny amount of water (or milk for better browning) and sprinkle evenly with the flaky sea salt.
- c.Slide the parchment paper with the cut crackers directly onto a large baking sheet.
- d.Bake for 12-15 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through, until the crackers are firm, crisp, and golden brown around the edges.
- e.Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes, as their thinness makes them prone to burning quickly.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cool and Store
- b.Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the crackers cool on the sheet for 5 minutes.
- c.Transfer the crackers to a wire rack to cool completely. They will become crispier as they cool.
- d.Once completely cooled, store the crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest results, roll the dough as thinly and evenly as you possibly can.
- 2Do not overwork the dough after adding water, as this can develop gluten and make the crackers tough.
- 3If the dough becomes sticky while rolling, place it back in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up.
- 4Use a ruler alongside your pizza cutter for perfectly straight, uniform crackers.
- 5Ensure the crackers are completely cool before storing them in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb & Spice
Add 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder to the dry ingredients for an herby flavor.
SeededSeeded
Replace caraway seeds with an equal amount of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or fennel seeds. You can also sprinkle a mix of seeds on top before baking.
CheesyCheesy
Mix in 1/4 cup of finely grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese with the dry ingredients for a savory, cheesy cracker.
SpicySpicy
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Rye flour is an excellent source of fiber, which promotes digestive health, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight management.
Source of Whole Grains
These crackers are made with whole-grain rye flour, providing important nutrients like B vitamins, iron, and magnesium that are essential for energy production and overall health.
Supports Heart Health
The soluble fiber in rye can help lower cholesterol levels. Additionally, caraway seeds have been associated with anti-inflammatory properties, both of which contribute to cardiovascular wellness.
Frequently asked questions
Each serving, which is approximately 8 crackers, contains about 180 calories. This can vary slightly based on the exact thickness and size of your crackers.