Macadamia Free Classic Saltine Crackers
There is something deeply satisfying about making your own crackers from scratch, and this classic saltine recipe delivers that thin, crispy, lightly salted result that store-bought versions only dream about. The ingredient list is refreshingly simple — just flour, a little fat, water, and salt — so you know exactly what's going into every batch without scanning labels for hidden nuts or shared-facility warnings. Working the cold shortening or butter into the flour by hand creates that signature sandy, flaky texture, while rolling the dough as thin as possible is the real secret to getting that satisfying snap. Docking each square all the way through to the parchment isn't just for looks — it's what keeps the crackers flat and gives them those iconic little holes. A brush of melted butter and a pinch of flaky sea salt right before baking adds just enough richness and crunch on top to make these feel genuinely special. They come out of the oven pale golden at the edges and crisp up even further as they cool, so resist the urge to snack before they're fully set. Pile them with cheese, float them in soup, or eat them straight off the rack — honestly, all three are the right answer.
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Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp fine salt
- ½ tsp granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp vegetable shortening or unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- ½ cup cold water
For brushing
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For topping
- ½ tsp flaky sea salt or coarse salt
Instructions
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, fine salt, and sugar until evenly combined.
- 2
Add the cold shortening (or butter pieces) to the flour mixture and work it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse, slightly sandy crumbs with no large pieces remaining.
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