For those following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle, finding satisfying snack options can sometimes be a challenge. Many commercially available crackers are loaded with carbohydrates and unhealthy ingredients. Fortunately, making your own keto-friendly crackers at home is easier than you might think. This article explores several recipes and techniques for creating delicious and nutritious crackers that fit perfectly into your dietary needs.
Two-Ingredient Keto Crackers: A Quick and Easy Recipe
One of the simplest keto cracker recipes involves only two main ingredients: almond flour and cheese. This recipe is adapted from keto tortilla chips, with adjustments to create a thinner, crispier cracker reminiscent of wheat thins.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups Blanched almond flour
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons Water (if needed)
Instructions:
- Make the dough: In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the almond flour and shredded cheese. Blend until a dough forms. If the mixture is too crumbly, add water, one tablespoon at a time, until it comes together.
- Roll out the dough: Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll it out thinly using a rolling pin. The thinner the dough, the crispier the crackers will be.
- Cut into squares: Use a pizza cutter to cut the dough into small squares.
- Bake: Transfer the crackers to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Flip the crackers and bake for another 5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and store: Allow the crackers to cool completely on the baking sheet. They will crisp up further as they cool. Store the cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them in a ziplock bag for up to 2 months.
Tips and Variations:
- Cheese selection: Cheddar cheese provides a great flavor and crispiness, but you can experiment with other cheeses like parmesan or mozzarella.
- Seasoning: Add spices and seasonings to customize the flavor. Garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or even everything bagel seasoning can add a delicious twist. Be mindful of the salt content if using seasoned blends.
- Air fryer option: For a faster cooking time, you can bake these crackers in an air fryer. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Cheese-free option: If you prefer a plain cracker or need a dairy-free option, replace the cheese with one large egg and one tablespoon of melted coconut oil.
Troubleshooting:
- Soft crackers: If the crackers become soft after cooling, you can re-crisp them by placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes.
Flaxseed Keto Crackers: A High-Fiber Option
For a cracker that’s not only low in carbs but also high in fiber and protein, flaxseed crackers are an excellent choice. Flaxseeds add a nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch, making these crackers a healthy and filling snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Ground flax seeds
- ½ cup Almond flour
- ¼ cup Grated parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast)
- 1 Large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the ground flax seeds, almond flour, grated parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast), garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- Add wet ingredient: Add the beaten egg to the dry ingredients and mix well until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough: Place the dough on the prepared baking sheet. You can spray another piece of parchment paper or wax paper and press down on the dough, then use a rolling pin to roll it out into a thin, uniform rectangle. The thinner the layer, the quicker the crackers will bake.
- Score the dough: Use a butter knife or pizza cutter to score the dough into cracker-sized squares. Try not to cut all the way through, as this will make it easier to flip the whole sheet of crackers halfway through baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Take it out and carefully flip the crackers using a large spatula. Place back in the oven for another 10 minutes. If the edges are browning too quickly, break off the crackers and place them back in the oven for 5-minute increments until they are cooked to your liking.
- Cool and store: Break apart the individual crackers and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. They will become crunchier as they cool. Store the cooled crackers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prolong their freshness.
Tips and Variations:
- Flaxseed type: You can use either golden or brown flax seeds for this recipe.
- Cheese substitutes: If you don’t have parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast is a great substitute. It adds a nutty, cheesy flavor and is suitable for vegan diets.
- Seasoning options: Experiment with different seasonings to create your favorite flavor combinations. Rosemary, thyme, sun-dried tomatoes (finely chopped), or ground basil are all delicious options. Everything bagel seasoning can also be used, but be mindful of the salt content.
General Tips for Making Keto Crackers
Ingredient Quality:
- Almond Flour: Always use blanched almond flour for the best texture. Almond meal is coarser and will not produce the same result.
- Cheese: Use finely shredded cheese to ensure it mixes well with the other ingredients and helps bind the dough.
Baking Techniques:
- Dough Thickness: The key to crispy crackers is rolling the dough out thinly. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make rolling easier.
- Scoring: Scoring the dough before baking helps create uniform crackers that are easy to break apart after baking.
- Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the crackers while they are baking to prevent burning. Baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Storage:
- Cooling: Always allow the crackers to cool completely before storing them. This will help them maintain their crispness.
- Airtight Containers: Store the crackers in airtight containers to prevent them from becoming soft. If they do soften, you can re-crisp them in the oven.
- Freezing: Keto crackers can be frozen for longer storage. Place them in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
Keto crackers are a versatile snack that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- With cheese: Pair them with your favorite cheeses for a classic cracker and cheese snack.
- With dips: Serve them with keto-friendly dips like guacamole, hummus, spinach and artichoke dip, or sour cream-based dips.
- With spreads: Top them with spreads like almond butter, cream cheese, or avocado.
- As a side: Serve them as a side with soups or salads for added crunch and flavor.
- On their own: Enjoy them as a simple and satisfying snack on their own.
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