For those following a ketogenic diet, finding suitable snack options that satisfy cravings without derailing their low-carb lifestyle can be challenging. Crackers, a common snack, are often loaded with carbohydrates. Fortunately, it's entirely possible to create delicious, crispy, and keto-friendly crackers at home. This article explores various keto cracker recipes, highlighting their ingredients, preparation methods, and customization options.
The Allure of Keto Crackers
Keto crackers offer a satisfying crunch and a blank canvas for various toppings and dips, making them a versatile snack. They provide a healthier alternative to store-bought crackers, which often contain hidden sugars, unhealthy fats, and unnecessary additives. By making your own keto crackers, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring they align with your dietary goals.
Basic 3-Ingredient Keto Crackers
These homemade crackers are super easy to make with just 3 ingredients, no oil, no gluten and no fuss. This recipe yields approximately 144 crackers.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup water
- Almond flour
- Chia seeds
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. You do not need to separate the dough into individual crackers at this time.
- Sprinkle salt or whatever seasonings of choice on top of the dough.
- 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.
- Let cool completely before separating into individual crackers.
- Store in an airtight container.
These crackers are crispy and thin. The crackers are a little plain on their own so I do recommend salt or other seasonings. Chia seeds bind the dough naturally (no eggs or gums needed), while almond flour gives each bite a nutty crunch. Roll them thin for extra crispness and season however you like: everything bagel, sesame, Parmesan, or just a pinch of salt.
Keto Cheddar Crackers
If you’ve been wanting to make homemade keto crackers but have been intimidated to try them, this keto-friendly cheddar cracker recipe is perfect for you! Making a workable cracker dough from almond flour and Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese is surprisingly easy! It comes together quickly in the food processor and is then simply rolled out between sheets of parchment, cut into squares and baked. Once done, you’ll be able to enjoy a perfectly crispy keto snack!
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Ingredients:
- Almond flour
- Paprika
- Mustard
- Salt
- Shredded Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- Egg yolk
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- COMBINE almond flour, paprika, mustard and salt in a food processor fitted with a steel blade attachment. Pulse several times to combine.
- Add in the shredded Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese and pulse several times.
- DRIZZLE the yolk over the flour cheese mixture. Pulse several times, then run the motor continuously for 30 seconds or until a dough comes together.
- ROLL dough between two sheets of parchment, to 1/8-inch thick. Cut into one-inch squares and transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Re-roll any scraps and repeat cutting process.
- PRESS tines of fork into the crackers to make docking holes, if desired. Sprinkle with additional salt if desired.
- Bake until the crackers are crispy and browned, rotating the baking sheet from top to bottom and front to back once, about 14 to 16 minutes.
- COOL crackers completely and store in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Keto Sunflower Seed Crackers
These keto crackers are high on flavor but still diet-friendly at only 2 net carbs per serving. You can prepare and enjoy these keto crackers in under 20 minutes!
Ingredients:
- Ground Sunflower seeds or almond flour (make sure to use blanched flour - not meal)
- Psyllium Husk Powder or Xanthan gum
- Dairy-free milk
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
- Add all ingredients (except the dairy-free milk) to a medium-sized bowl and stir with a spoon. You can also process the ingredients in a food processor.
- Now add the dairy-free milk and mix again. Let the dough rest for 1-2 minutes, then use your hands to knead the dough for some seconds until it's smooth.
- Shape it into a dough ball and place it between two sheets of parchment paper. Flatten it with your hand, then roll it out with a rolling pin into a rectangle, about 1/16 inch (0.2 cm) thick.
- Peel off the top parchment paper.
- You can now sprinkle more seeds of choice (chia, flax, pumpkin, sunflower, etc.) on top, if you like, and press them down sightly.
- Cut the dough (by using a knife or pizza cutter) into squares.
- Transfer the parchment paper to a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes or until slightly golden brown around the edges. The baking time depends on how thin you rolled out the dough, so check after 10 minutes if the edges already start browning. Leave the crackers in the oven longer if you want them crispier.
- Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Keto Crackers
- Roll the dough thin: The key to crispy crackers is to roll the dough as thinly as possible. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and achieve an even thickness.
- Monitor baking time: Ovens vary, so keep a close eye on the crackers while they bake. The edges will brown faster than the center, so adjust baking time accordingly.
- Cool completely: Allow the crackers to cool completely before separating them. They will crisp up as they cool.
- Add seasonings: Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings. Everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, Parmesan cheese, herbs, and spices can add flavor and complexity.
- Storage: Store the cooled crackers in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.
Serving Suggestions
Keto crackers can be enjoyed in numerous ways:
- With cheese and charcuterie for a keto-friendly snack board.
- Dipped in guacamole, salsa, or keto-friendly dips.
- Crumbled over salads for added crunch.
- As a side for soups and stews.
- Smothered in vegan cheese.
Addressing Common Concerns
- Soft Crackers: If your cooked homemade crackers have become slightly soft, no problem.
- Parchment Paper Sticking: If you find that your cooked homemade crackers have become slightly soft, no problem. I’ve never had this issue, but different brands of parchment paper may stick to the crackers.
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tags: #keto #crackers #ingredients