Description
Imagine biting into a light, crispy cracker bursting with the savory flavors of green onion and toasted sesame seeds, made with simple, wholesome ingredients and no sugar or butter in sight. Sounds like the perfect guilt-free snack, right? That’s exactly what this No-Sugar, No-Butter Crackers Recipe delivers! This easy recipe yields a batch of savory crackers, ideal for snacking, pairing with dips, or serving at gatherings
Ingredients
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients for a healthy, flavorful result. Here’s what you need and why each matters:
- Low-Gluten Flour (1¾ cups, 225 g): The base for tender crackers.
- Why it matters: Low-gluten flour (e.g., cake flour or pastry flour) ensures a light, crisp texture.
- Substitution: Use all-purpose flour (reduce to 1½ cups + 2 tbsp for similar tenderness) or a gluten-free blend for gluten-free crackers.
- Corn Oil (3 tbsp, 45 g): Adds moisture without butter.
- Why it matters: Keeps crackers tender and crisp while being lighter than butter.
- Substitution: Use olive oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil for similar results.
- Milk (1/3 cup + 1 tbsp, 90 g): Binds the dough and adds richness.
- Why it matters: Provides moisture and a subtle creamy flavor.
- Substitution: Use plant-based milk (e.g., almond, oat, or soy) for dairy-free or water for a plainer flavor.
- Yeast (1 tsp, 3 g): Adds a slight rise and flavor.
- Why it matters: Gives crackers a light, airy texture without heavy leavening.
- Substitution: Use instant yeast or skip for denser crackers (increase baking soda to ½ tsp).
- Baking Soda (1/4 tsp, 1.5 g): Helps with browning and crispness.
- Why it matters: Ensures a golden, crispy finish without puffing too much.
- Substitution: Use 1/8 tsp baking powder, but texture may vary slightly.
- Salt (1/3 tsp, 2 g): Enhances savory flavor.
- Why it matters: Balances the green onion and sesame for a bold taste.
- Substitution: Use sea salt or reduce to 1/4 tsp for lower sodium.
- Chopped Green Onion (1/4 cup, 32 g): Adds savory, fresh flavor.
- Why it matters: Infuses crackers with a mild oniony kick and vibrant color.
- Substitution: Use chives, dried onion flakes, or skip for a plainer cracker.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds (1 tbsp, 12 g): Add nutty crunch.
- Why it matters: Provide texture and a toasty, savory depth.
- Substitution: Use poppy seeds, chia seeds, or crushed nuts for a different crunch.
Pro Tip: Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden for maximum flavor. Use fresh green onions for the best taste and color.
Instructions
Making No-Sugar, No-Butter Crackers is simple with straightforward mixing, kneading, and baking steps. Follow these for perfect, crispy crackers:
- Mix the Dough Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 tbsp corn oil, 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp milk, and 1/3 tsp salt, stirring until well blended.
- Gradually add 1¾ cups low-gluten flour, 1 tsp yeast, and 1/4 tsp baking soda, stirring with a spoon or spatula until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
- Tip: Add flour slowly to avoid clumps; stir until just combined to keep the dough tender.
- Add Flavorings and Knead:
- Add 1/4 cup chopped green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds to the crumbly mixture.
- Knead the mixture by hand for 2-3 minutes until it forms a smooth, cohesive dough.
- Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let rest for 20 minutes at room temperature.
- Tip: Knead gently to avoid overworking the dough, which can make crackers tough; the dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Shape the Crackers:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the rested dough into a thin sheet (about 1/8 inch thick) using a rolling pin.
- Use a fork to poke small holes across the surface to prevent puffing during baking.
- Cut the dough into desired shapes (e.g., squares, rectangles, or rounds) using a knife, pizza cutter, or cookie cutter.
- Tip: Roll evenly for consistent baking; transfer cut crackers to a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Bake the Crackers:
- Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F) with a rack in the center.
- Place the cut crackers on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a small gap between each.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until golden and crispy, rotating the tray halfway through for even baking.
- Let cool completely on a wire rack to maximize crispness.
- Tip: Check at 12 minutes to avoid over-browning; thinner crackers may bake faster.
- Serve:
- Serve the crackers as a snack, with dips like hummus or guacamole, or alongside cheese or soup.
- Health Benefit: Low-gluten flour and corn oil make these lighter; green onions and sesame seeds add vitamins and healthy fats, but enjoy in moderation due to sodium!