MSG Free Classic Saltine Crackers
There is something deeply satisfying about a cracker that snaps cleanly and tastes exactly like it should — nothing more, nothing less. Store-bought versions often hide a surprising number of additives and flavor enhancers in their ingredient lists, which makes baking your own a genuinely smart move. This recipe keeps things beautifully simple: flour, a little fat, water, salt, and a touch of baking powder are all you need to get there. The technique of rolling the dough paper-thin and docking each square with a fork is what gives these crackers their signature crisp texture and those satisfying little holes. A light brush of melted butter and a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking adds just enough richness and crunch without overcomplicating things. They come out of the oven pale golden at the edges and firm all the way through, and they crisp up even further as they cool on the rack. Once you taste one fresh from your own kitchen, the boxed version is going to have a hard time competing.
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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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