For those following a ketogenic (keto) diet, finding satisfying and compliant snack options can sometimes be a challenge. Many commercially available crackers are high in carbohydrates and often contain processed ingredients that don't align with a keto lifestyle. Fortunately, making your own keto-friendly crackers at home is not only possible but also surprisingly easy and rewarding. This article explores a variety of keto cracker recipes, offering options for different preferences and dietary needs, including vegan and gluten-free variations.
The Allure of Keto Crackers
Keto crackers serve as an excellent alternative to traditional crackers, providing a satisfying crunch without the carb overload. They can be enjoyed as a standalone snack, paired with cheeses, dips, or used as a base for appetizers. The versatility of keto crackers makes them a valuable addition to any keto dieter's pantry.
Why Make Your Own Keto Crackers?
Opting to make your own keto crackers offers several advantages:
- Control over Ingredients: You have complete control over what goes into your crackers, avoiding unwanted additives, preservatives, and hidden sugars often found in store-bought versions. Instead of running to the store for a box of highly processed, expensive gluten-free crackers, with who knows what ingredients?!
- Customization: Homemade crackers can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Experiment with different flours, cheeses, herbs, and spices to create unique flavor combinations.
- Cost-Effective: Making your own crackers can be more economical than purchasing pre-made keto crackers, which can be quite expensive.
- Freshness: Homemade crackers are typically fresher and more flavorful than store-bought options.
- Dietary Needs: Whether you're vegan, gluten-free, or have other dietary restrictions, making your own crackers allows you to tailor the recipe to your specific needs.
Core Ingredients for Keto Crackers
Most keto cracker recipes rely on a combination of low-carb flours, cheeses, and seasonings. Here's a closer look at some of the key ingredients:
- Almond Flour: This is a staple ingredient in many keto recipes, including crackers. It's made from blanched almonds that have been finely ground. Almond flour is low in carbs, high in healthy fats, and adds a slightly nutty flavor to crackers. You want to use blanched almond flour, and not almond meal.
- Cheese: Cheese adds flavor, richness, and helps bind the ingredients together. Cheddar cheese gives the crackers extra crispiness and holds together the best. Mozzarella, gouda, Monterey Jack, or any other similar cheese can also be used. If using mozzarella, it works better with shredded mozzarella.
- Chia Seeds: Chia seeds bind the dough naturally (no eggs or gums needed), while almond flour gives each bite a nutty crunch.
- Seasonings: The possibilities are endless when it comes to seasoning your keto crackers. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, herbs de Provence, rosemary, and everything bagel seasoning are just a few options to consider.
Basic Keto Cracker Recipes
Two-Ingredient Keto Crackers
These keto crackers are made with just 2 ingredients: almond flour and cheese. This simple recipe is perfect for those who are new to keto baking or want a quick and easy snack.
Read also: Are Rice Crackers Keto?
Ingredients:
- Almond flour
- Shredded cheese (cheddar recommended)
Instructions:
- Add almond flour and shredded cheese to a food processor or high-speed blender and blend well until a dough appears. If the dough is too crumbly, add a little water.
- Place the dough onto a piece of parchment paper, and place another piece of parchment paper on top. Roll it out until flat and thin.
- Using a pizza cutter, cut the dough into squares. It will be infinitely easier to slice more evenly.
- Place the crackers onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes before flipping and cooking for a further 5 minutes.
- Do not overbake the crackers, as they continue to crisp up as they are cooling down. Feel free to add some spices to the dough to give it extra flavor.
Keto Garlic and Herb Crackers
Enjoy the crispy goodness of our Keto Garlic and Herb Crackers-a delightful blend of garlic and rosemary flavors in a low-carb, gluten-free treat. Perfect for pairing with your favorite dips, soups, and charcuterie boards. These Keto Garlic and Herb Crackers just might be my favorite low carb cracker! The beauty of this recipe is that you can make it your own by using whatever herbs or seasoning blends you enjoy.
Ingredients:
- Almond flour
- Shredded cheese
- Rosemary
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Water (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a high-speed blender or food processor, add your almond flour, shredded cheese, rosemary, garlic powder, and salt, and blend well, until it forms a smooth dough. If the dough is too crumbly, add a tablespoon or two of water.
- Place a large sheet of parchment paper on a large cutting board or your kitchen counter. Transfer the dough onto it and place another sheet of parchment paper on top. Press the dough down before rolling it out using a rolling pin, until it is 1/4 inch in thickness.
- Using a pizza cutter, cut the dough into squares to form crackers.
- Transfer the crackers onto the lined baking sheet.
Microwave Keto Crackers
With these microwave keto crackers, calling them ‘easy’ doesn’t cut it… they’re suuuper easy! Ultra Easy (i.e. These are simply terrific you guys, and particularly handy if in a pickle (or just feeling a little bit lazy!). Easy-peasy!
Ingredients:
- 35 g salted grass-fed butter
- 96 g almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- pinch kosher salt if using unsalted butter up the salt to 1/4 tsp
- 1/2 egg i.e.
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a small (microwave safe!) bowl until just melted, but not piping hot. Set aside to cool while you mix the flours.
- Add the almond flour, xanthan gum, baking powder and salt to a medium bowl and whisk thoroughly.
- Pour in the butter and mix until evenly distributed (I just use my hands!).
- Add in your lightly whisked egg (1/2 egg is roughly 1 1/2 tablespoons or 25g) and continue to knead until it forms into a ball.
- Cover in cling film and place in the freezer for 5 minutes to solidify the butter.
- Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper, sprinkle seasoning and lightly roll again to press it in.
- Trim to desired cracker size and separate gently. The dough is fragile, so I separate the pieces by running a knife underneath.
- For medium crackers, cook on high in the parchment paper for 20 seconds, open the microwave and cook for another 15-20 seconds. The crackers will continue to crisp up as they cool, but I suggest you do a trial with a couple to nail down your time!
3-Ingredient Keto Crackers (No Eggs)
These crispy crackers are low carb, low sugar, and keto-friendly. They need just 3 ingredients and don’t need any eggs. These crackers are so easy to make and are healthier than many crackers out there. You only need 3 ingredients for the cracker dough and then you can top with seasonings of your choice. Chia seeds bind the dough naturally (no eggs or gums needed), while almond flour gives each bite a nutty crunch.
Ingredients:
- Chia seeds
- Water
- Almond flour
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, mix chia seeds with ½ cup water until evenly combined. Let sit for 10-15 minutes, until thick and gel-like.
- Stir in almond flour until a dough forms. The dough will be a little sticky but should hold together.
- Place dough between two pieces of parchment paper and roll into a thin approximate 12x12-inch square-the thinner you go, the crispier the crackers get.
- Remove the top layer of parchment paper. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into 1-inch squares. Sprinkle salt or whatever seasonings of choice on top of the dough. You do not need to separate the dough into individual crackers at this time.
- Transfer the parchment paper with the cut dough onto a large baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until browned. The edges will bake faster than the center, so start checking on the crackers at around 20-25 minutes and remove the outer crackers first and then let the center ones continue to cook. The crackers will initially feel a little soft, but will crisp up when fully cooled.
- Let cool completely before separating into individual crackers. Store in an airtight container.
Fathead Dough Keto Crackers
Delicious and crispy keto crackers without eggs with low carb fathead keto dough. Few days ago, I baked Camembert cheese in the oven and we were dipping these fathead crackers into the melted cheese. Keto crackers recipe is super easy. Just melt some cheese like Mozzarella or gouda in the microwave with butter and low carb flour.
Ingredients:
- Grated cheese (Mozzarella or gouda)
- Butter
- Almond flour
- Coconut flour
- Sesame seeds
- Salt
- Garlic
- Herbs
Instructions:
- In a microwave safe bowl, mix grated cheese with 1 TBS of butter, almond flour, coconut flour, sesame seeds, pinch of salt, pinch of garlic, herbs and sesame seeds.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute. Remove from microwave, stir well all the ingredients and knead the dough with your hands. If it's still not possible to knead, microwave for 30 seconds more and then knead the dough.
- Role the dough on a parchment paper and sprinkle with 1 TBS of sesame seeds if you like.
- Cut the crackers in a shape you prefer. This is for your information only.
Tips for Perfect Keto Crackers
- Roll the Dough Thinly: The thinner you roll the dough, the crispier your crackers will be.
- Use Parchment Paper: Rolling the dough between two sheets of parchment paper prevents it from sticking and makes it easier to transfer to the baking sheet.
- Don't Overbake: Overbaking can result in hard, brittle crackers. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven when they are lightly golden brown.
- Cool Completely: Allow the crackers to cool completely before separating them. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses, herbs, and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations.
- Store Properly: Store crackers at room temperature, in a sealed container. They will remain fresh for at least 3 days.
- Crisp Soft Crackers: If your cooled crackers have become slightly soft, you can quickly remedy it. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and bake for 5 minutes until crisp again.
Serving Suggestions
Keto crackers are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
- With Cheese and Charcuterie: Create a keto-friendly charcuterie board with a selection of cheeses, cured meats, and keto crackers.
- With Dips: Serve with your favorite keto-friendly dips, such as guacamole, spinach artichoke dip, or tzatziki.
- With Soups and Salads: Use keto crackers as a crunchy topping for soups or salads.
- As a Snack: Enjoy them as a simple and satisfying snack on their own.
Addressing Common Issues
- Dough Too Soft: If your keto garlic and herb cracker dough is very soft and hard to roll out, you can form it back into a ball, wrap it up in plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes and then roll it out and cut it.
- Crackers Sticking to Parchment Paper: If the dough sticks to the parchment paper causing it to be difficult to move to the baking sheet, just transfer the parchment paper it is onto the baking sheet and bake it like that. Just make sure the dough is cleanly cut into crackers.
Read also: Low-Carb Crackers at ALDI