For those following a ketogenic diet, finding suitable snacks can sometimes feel like a challenge. However, enjoying crunchy, spicy, and chip-like treats is still possible while keeping carb intake low. This article explores various keto cracker recipes, from simple microwave versions to baked multiseed options, ensuring there's a cracker for every craving and dietary need.
The Allure of Keto Crackers
Many commercially available low-carb snacks are expensive. Creating homemade keto crackers offers a cost-effective and customizable alternative, allowing you to control ingredients and flavors. These crackers can be a pantry staple, ready to satisfy cravings anytime.
Spicy Easy Keto Crackers
These crackers use everyday pantry ingredients and are surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients
- Chia seeds
- Pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- Sunflower seeds
- Flaxseeds
- Almond flour
- Spices
- Boiling water
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture: In a bowl, combine chia seeds, pepitas, sunflower seeds, and flaxseeds.
- Add Liquid: Mix boiling water with your choice of spices and add to the seed mixture. Stir well with a silicone spatula.
- Allow to Swell: Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until the seeds swell and the mixture thickens.
- Incorporate Almond Flour: Add almond flour and mix thoroughly.
- Spread and Indent: Spread the mixture evenly and thinly on a greased baking sheet. Use a knife to create indentations for easy breaking after baking.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 60-70 minutes, until the edges are brown and the crackers are crunchy. The baking time may vary based on thickness. Alternatively, an air fryer or dehydrator can be used.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the crackers to cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container.
These crackers are excellent with homemade guacamole or as salad toppers.
Ultra-Easy Microwave Keto Crackers
For those seeking an even quicker option, microwave keto crackers are an excellent choice. These are especially handy when time is short.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Ingredients
- 35g salted grass-fed butter
- 96g almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of kosher salt (increase to 1/4 tsp if using unsalted butter)
- 1/2 egg (approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons or 25g)
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl until just melted, then set aside to cool.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, xanthan gum, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Pour the melted butter into the dry ingredients and mix until evenly distributed.
- Add Egg: Add the lightly whisked egg and knead until the mixture forms a ball.
- Freeze Briefly: Cover the dough in cling film and place in the freezer for 5 minutes.
- Roll and Season: Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Sprinkle with seasoning and lightly roll again to press it in.
- Cut and Separate: Trim to the desired cracker size and gently separate.
- Microwave: For medium crackers, cook on high in the parchment paper for 20 seconds, then open the microwave and cook for another 15-20 seconds. Cooking times may vary depending on microwave wattage and cracker size.
- Cool and Crisp: The crackers will continue to crisp up as they cool.
For best results, cook the dough immediately. Leaving it in the fridge overnight can affect the crispness.
Baking Option
These crackers can also be baked in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-14 minutes, until golden.
Low Carb Fathead Keto Crackers
These crackers use a fathead dough, known for its cheesy base, and are both gluten-free and egg-free.
Ingredients
- Mozzarella or gouda cheese
- Almond flour
- Coconut flour
- Butter
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Herbs
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, mix grated cheese with butter, almond flour, coconut flour, sesame seeds, salt, garlic powder, and herbs.
- Microwave: Microwave on high for 1 minute.
- Knead: Remove from microwave, stir well, and knead the dough with your hands. If needed, microwave for 30 seconds more and then knead again.
- Roll and Cut: Roll the dough on parchment paper and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Cut the crackers into your preferred shape.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 5-6 minutes. Remove from the oven, turn crackers over, and continue baking for another 2 minutes, until lightly browned and crisp.
This dough is also suitable for making low-carb pizza.
One Bowl Keto Crackers
These crackers are packed with seeds and offer a simple, nutritious snack option.
Read also: Low-Carb Crackers at ALDI
Ingredients
- Sunflower seeds
- Sesame seeds
- Flaxseeds
- Chia seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Poppy seeds
- Onion or garlic powder
- Salt
- Boiling water
- Oil
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Add all the dry ingredients to a bowl and mix.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour boiling water and oil over the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Form Dough: Work the dough until it forms a ball and is gel-like.
- Roll Out: Add the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and spread with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Place another piece of parchment paper on top and use a rolling pin to flatten the dough evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Bake: Remove the top parchment paper and bake on the lower rack in your oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 40-45 minutes.
- Dry: Once cooked, turn the oven off and leave the crackers inside to dry for another 40-45 minutes.
- Cool and Break: Remove from the oven, cool, and carefully break into pieces.
Multiseed Keto Crackers
These crackers are versatile, fitting various dietary needs and packed with nutrients.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/3 cup sesame seeds
- 1/3 cup whole flaxseeds
- 1/4 cup whole chia seeds
- 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
- 2 tbsp poppy seeds
- 1 tsp onion powder or garlic powder
- 1 tsp coarse black pepper
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C/355°F (fan assisted) or 200°C/400°F (conventional).
- Combine Ingredients: Place all ingredients, except water, in a bowl and combine well.
- Add Water: Add water to the mixture and combine.
- Transfer to Baking Sheet: Place a silicone mat or parchment paper on a baking sheet. Transfer the dough and spread evenly to about 1/8 inch (1/4 cm) thick.
- Cut into Crackers: Use a pizza cutter to cut the dough into 24 crackers.
- Bake: Bake until golden and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven, cut through the pre-cut crackers, and let them cool and crisp up on a cooling rack for 20-30 minutes before serving.
These crackers are low-carb, paleo, vegan, nut-free, egg-free, and dairy-free.
Tips for Perfect Keto Crackers
- Seed Quality: Use fresh seeds and store them properly to avoid rancidity.
- Texture: Grind a portion of the seed mixture for better texture.
- Resting Time: Allow the dough to rest for 5-10 minutes after mixing in water to help the chia seeds bind.
- Even Baking: Spread the dough evenly and rotate the tray halfway through baking.
- Cooling: Cool the crackers on a wire rack to maintain crispness.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy: Add cumin, coriander, turmeric powder, or smoked paprika.
- Savory: Use onion powder, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs.
- Cheesy: Mix in grated cheese like cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan.
Storage
Store keto crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks to maintain their crispness.
Serving Suggestions
Keto crackers pair well with high-fat dips, cheeses, and can be used as a crunchy addition to salads.
Read also: Are Animal Crackers Healthy?