Paraben Free Classic Saltine Crackers
Store-bought crackers are surprisingly tricky territory when you're avoiding parabens, since preservatives and additives can hide in packaged snack foods under names that don't always ring alarm bells. Making these from scratch puts you fully in control of every single ingredient that goes into the batch. The dough comes together from pantry staples — flour, baking powder, salt, a touch of sugar, and cold fat — with nothing extra needed. Rolling the dough as thin as possible is the real secret here: that near-translucent sheet is what gives you that satisfying, light snap in every bite. A quick brush of melted butter and a scatter of flaky sea salt before baking keeps the flavor classic and clean. They come out of the oven pale golden at the edges, and they crisp up even further as they cool on the rack, so resist the urge to snack too early. Once you taste how good a truly simple cracker can be, the boxed version is going to have a hard time competing.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!