Turmeric Free Classic Saltine Crackers
Store-bought crackers are a surprisingly common source of hidden spices and additives, and for anyone avoiding turmeric, even a plain-looking box can be a gamble. These homemade saltines are built from nothing but pantry staples — flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, cold fat, and water — so you know exactly what's going into every bite. The technique is straightforward but satisfying: working cold shortening or butter into the flour creates that signature flaky, snappy texture, while rolling the dough as thin as possible is the real secret to getting that irresistible crunch. Docking each square with a fork before baking keeps them flat and gives them those classic little holes that make a saltine look like a saltine. A brush of melted butter and a pinch of flaky sea salt on top adds just enough richness and savory finish to make these genuinely craveable. They come out of the oven pale golden at the edges and crisp up even further as they cool, which means the hardest part is waiting. Pile them with cheese, float them in soup, or eat them straight off the rack — no label-reading required.
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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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