Here’s a simple recipe for making homemade Oyster Crackers:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, baking powder, and any optional seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs).
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter, forks, or your hands to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Slowly add the cold water a tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough starts to come together. You may need a bit more or less water, so add carefully.
- Roll out the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it just a few times until it forms a smooth ball. Roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut out the crackers: Use a small cookie cutter or a sharp knife to cut the dough into small squares or rounds, resembling oyster crackers. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake the crackers: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crackers are golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid burning.
- Cool: Let the crackers cool completely on the baking sheet. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
Optional (Flavor Enhancements):
- Coating: For extra flavor, toss the crackers in melted butter with some garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs after baking.
- Cheese: You can add grated parmesan cheese into the dough mixture for cheesy crackers.
Enjoy your homemade oyster crackers! They’re great for soups, stews, or just snacking.
