For those embracing a ketogenic lifestyle, finding satisfying and convenient snack options can sometimes feel like a challenge. Many store-bought crackers are loaded with carbs, making them unsuitable for a low-carb diet. But what if you could easily create your own crispy, flavorful, and keto-friendly crackers at home? Look no further than this keto seed cracker recipe! These crackers are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, gluten-free, and incredibly versatile.
Why Seed Crackers are a Keto Dream
One of the things that people miss on the ketogenic diet is something crisp and crunchy to munch on. These keto seed crackers will satisfy your craving for a crisp and crunchy snack without sacrificing your diet!
These crackers offer a satisfying crunch and are perfect for those following a keto, gluten-free, or even vegan lifestyle. They're a fantastic way to enjoy a guilt-free snack or elevate your cheese board and appetizers.
Benefits of Keto Seed Crackers:
- Low Carb: With only 1g net carbs per cracker, they fit perfectly into a ketogenic diet.
- Nut-Free: Unlike many keto cracker recipes that rely on almond flour, these are completely nut-free.
- Easy to Make: You only need a few simple ingredients and no special equipment.
- Versatile: Endless possibilities for flavor variations and pairings.
- Crunchy: Stored in an airtight container, these crackers stay crispy for weeks.
- Gluten-Free: Perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Full of Fiber: Aids in digestive health and keeps you feeling full.
- Great for Dipping: Holds up well with various dips and spreads.
- Filling: A satisfying snack that can help curb cravings.
The Power of Seeds: Nutritional Benefits
These keto seed crackers aren't just about being low-carb; they're also a nutritional powerhouse thanks to the incredible seeds they contain:
- Pumpkin Seeds: Also known as pepita seeds, pumpkin seeds are high in antioxidants and one of the best sources of magnesium. Pumpkin seeds are also a great source of healthy fats, antioxidants, and fiber, which may have other beneficial effects, such as regulating blood sugars and getting a good night’s sleep.
- Sunflower Seeds: Apart from anti-inflammatory benefits, sunflower seeds are rich in healthy fats and contain vitamins and minerals that support the immune system. One of the most classic types of seeds, sunflower seeds lend these homemade crackers a nuanced sweetness and delicate crunch-but that’s not all! Sunflower seeds also transform this basic recipe into “anti-inflammatory crackers,” as their high levels of vitamin E and other plant compounds help reduce inflammation and boost heart health. Raw & Unsalted Sunflower seeds are the best option.
- Sesame Seeds: High in fibre, which is vital for digestive health. Crunchy and buttery, sesame seeds taste fantastic in this recipe’s seed mixture. However, they also boast a range of other health benefits.
- Chia Seeds: AKA one of the healthiest foods on the planet! These tiny seeds are loaded with fibre, protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Packed with fiber, protein, and antioxidants, chia seeds are a must-have ingredient in this recipe for crackers with seeds. Chia seeds bind the dough naturally (no eggs or gums needed), while almond flour gives each bite a nutty crunch.
- Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are among the greatest superfoods to eat when you want to boost your digestive health. In particular, they contain high levels of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids that help relieve constipation and promote digestive regularity. During my recipe research, I found variations of this recipe where others used whole flaxseeds, but I chose to use ground flaxseeds (AKA flax meal) because they’re easier to digest and help work as a binder-similar to how flour works in bread recipes.
- Hemp seeds: The addition of hemp seeds gives these seed crackers earthy and nutty undertones.
- Psyllium Husk: Psyllium husks are the husks from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant. They are a prebiotic fiber, which is essential for a healthy gut. It's important that you have the right amount of psyllium husk powder.
Keto Seed Cracker Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
This easy keto seed crackers recipe is a life-saver for when the snack cravings come! The process itself is not complicated at all.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Ingredients:
- Sunflower seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sesame seeds
- Chia seeds
- Psyllium husk
- Sea salt
- Water
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 150C / 300F. You can Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. (162 degrees C.).
- Combine ingredients: Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Mix well and let rest for 20 minutes so the mixture can thicken. Mix all dry ingredients in a big bowl. Add boiling water and coconut oil. Mix thoroughly with a spatula. Let the mixture rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Prepare for rolling: Transfer your cracker "dough" onto parchment paper and place another sheet of parchment on top.Place the mixture on a parchment paper, cover it with another piece of a parchment paper, and roll it evenly. You can also use a spatula to flatten the mixture. To do so, place it on a baking sheet lined with a parchment paper and spread the dough out evenly pressing with a spatula.
- Roll out the dough: Roll out using a rolling pin or flatten with our hands into a thin layer. My mix covered a 30 x 40 cm baking tray and I had a few offcuts which I baked on a second tray. Roll the dough out thinly to an approximate 12 by 12 inch square.
- Pre-cut the crackers: Now, remove the top parchment and pre-cut into squares using a pizza cutter or a knife. Don't miss this step! Use a knife or a pizza cutter to score the mixture into desired pieces.
- Bake: Bake for about 1 hour or until all water has evaporated and the keto crackers are lightly browned and crisp. Oven time will depend on how thick or thin you have rolled out the dough. Thicker crackers may need 10-15 minute more. Bake for 25 minutes on the middle rack. Take the baking sheet out from the oven. Using a spatula, break the crackers apart and create a little bit of space between them. Return to the oven for another 20-25 minutes.
- Cool and store: Let cool completely before separating the crackers and storing. Store the crackers in an airtight container.
Tips for Perfect Keto Seed Crackers
- Thin is key: Make sure to pat out the mixture as thin as you can. The thinner you roll the seed mixture, the longer it will take to bake. I like to have my crackers 3 mm thick (thinner than this and the crackers will be very fragile), but you can make them a little bit thicker if that's what you prefer.
- Resting Time: Once the chia seeds and the psyllium have absorbed the liquid, the mixture takes on a gooey, gel-like consistency.
- Baking Time: If it's been rolled out thicker, you may need to add 10-15 minutes. If it's very thin, 1 hour may be too long. Just keep an eye on them! Your crackers will likely take between 45-60 minutes to crisp up.
- Cooling: It's crucial to let the crackers cool completely after baking and before storing them.
- Storage: These Keto Crackers will last for up to two weeks if you keep them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Crackers can become soggy after a while if not stored correctly, but there's a way to give them a second life and make them crispy again! Preheat the oven to 150C (300F) and bake the crackers for 5-8 minutes.
Serving Suggestions: Endless Possibilities
These keto seed crackers are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in countless ways:
- With Dips: Enjoy the crackers with a dip such as guacamole, taramasalata or baba ganoush. Serve these low carb crackers with CREAMY KETO BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP RECIPE, HEALTHY KETO ZUPPA TOSCANA SOUP, or a bowl of hot KETO CAULIFLOWER SOUP. Hummus is a zesty, creamy classic that pairs great with the earthy undertones of this easy cracker.
- Cheese Board Addition: They could be part of a large mezze sharing platter or cheese board when you're having a crowd over. No one can resist a five-star Meat and Cheese Board brimming with crisp crackers, flavorful cheeses, and savory meats.
- Mini Sandwiches: Treat them like a mini sandwich.
- As part of a meal: Seed crackers even work as part of a simple meal. We recently ate them with my keto egg salad and this keto chicken salad. Serve it as a flatbread: My favorite way to enjoy this recipe for seed crackers is as a flatbread topped with avocado, sliced eggs, and pickled red onions. You can also spread this cracker with cream cheese and smoked salmon for a quick morning fix.
- Topping for salads: This sesame seed cracker recipe is the ultimate choice when you want to add a light crunch to your salad.
- With soups: Healthier and more flavorful than oyster crackers, these pumpkin seed crackers are an excellent topping for soup when crushed into small, crunchy bits.
Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about these crackers is how versatile they are. You can easily tweak the ingredients to fit your dietary needs or flavor preferences without compromising on that satisfying crunch.
- Seed Variations: Change the quantities of the seeds around or use whole flaxseed or poppy seeds, for example. Though you can use whatever seeds you like, it's important that you use seeds that are on the small side (like sesame seeds, hemp seeds, etc). This is not a good place to put in almonds and cashews and the such.
- Toasted Seeds: Gently toast the seeds before you mix the "dough" to elevate the taste. This can be done in a dry pan or the oven.
- Flaxseed Meal: Use ground flax in place of the chia seeds or the psyllium husk powder.
- Add a Spicy Kick: Want to change up the taste? Mix in spices like cumin, coriander, or turmeric powder for a warm, earthy kick. Smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor, while onion powder, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs create a fragrant savory blend.
- Cheesy Crackers: For a deliciously cheesy variation, mix in some grated cheese like cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan.
- Seasonings and herbs: If you want to give your crunchy seed crackers bright, garden-fresh notes, I highly recommend adding some of your favorite herbs, like dried rosemary or thyme. Or, if you want a more robustly flavored chip, seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika will lend your seed cracker recipe irresistibly savory flavors.
- Nuts: Filling, protein-packed, and oh-so-delicious, nuts make a great addition to this seeded cracker recipe. Depending on your desired flavor profile, I recommend using finely chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or pistachios. You can also use a few tablespoons of almond flour (or even Homemade Almond Flour!) to reduce your prep time while still getting that classic “nut and seed crackers” taste.
- Nutritional yeast: No one can resist the savory, rich taste of a cheesy cracker. If you’ve never tried making crackers at home, you’re in luck!
Common Questions about Keto Seed Crackers
- What are seed crackers? Seed crackers are a crispy, thin “flatbread” type of cracker that uses seeds-sesame, pumpkin, sunflower, chia, and more-as its primary base. In addition to these seeds, this cracker often uses other natural ingredients, like salt, water, and herbs, to give it texture and taste. These low-carb crackers also tend to be gluten-free, paleo-, and keto-friendly, as they use flour-alternative binders, like psyllium husk or ground flaxseeds. Furthermore, they often have a greater nutritional content due to their seeds’ high levels of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- What’s the difference between seeded crackers and Norwegian flatbread crackers? Also known as Norwegian crispbread, Norwegian flatbread crackers are similar to seeded crackers due to their thin, crispy consistency and several core ingredients. However, the Norwegian variation-popular at specialty grocery stores like Trader Joe’s-is thinner and more delicate, and it also includes ingredients like oat flakes, rice bran, sugar, and rye flour. Meanwhile, seed crackers don’t traditionally include flour, and they boast a slightly thicker, seed-based body.
- Are flaxseed crackers healthy? Definitely-in moderation, of course! Unlike store-bought crackers, this healthy crackers recipe includes nutrient-rich superfoods, like chia and sesame seeds, which have higher levels of protein and fewer carbs than flour-based alternatives.
- How many calories in a seeded cracker? There are approximately 204 calories in each of these seed crackers.
- Can I omit the sesame seeds? No worries! Simply replace the sesame seeds with more pumpkin, flax seeds or sunflower seeds.
- Are chia seeds important? Chia seeds help bind the crackers, so they’re important.
- Can I leave out the onion or garlic powder? Absolutely-just leave it out or swap in your favorite seasoning blend.
- Why are my crackers not crispy? This usually happens if they’re too thick or haven’t cooled completely on a rack.
- Can I bake these on two trays at once? Yes, just bake them on two trays and rotate the trays halfway for even cooking.
Essential Tips for the Best Results
- Use Fresh Seeds: Seeds can go rancid quickly, so store them in an airtight container away from light and heat for the best taste. If any of the seeds have an odd, fishy smell, they are most likely rancid.
- Process the Seeds: For the right texture, grind about half of the seed mixture in a food processor.
- Rest the Dough: After mixing in the water, let the dough sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Cut Before Baking: Use a pizza cutter to pre-cut the dough into cracker shapes before baking.
- Spread Evenly: Spread the dough as evenly as possible on the baking sheet. Even spreading is vital to ensuring your super seed crackers come out with a thin, crisp, and uniform texture. You can use a spatula, a spoon, or the back of a ramekin to spread your mixture effectively. Sheet pan size: I suggest using an 18 x 13-inch pan to make these chia crackers, as this large pan size will allow for a very thin layer of batter.
- Rotate the Tray: About halfway through baking, rotate the tray.
- Cool on a Rack: After baking, let the crackers cool on a wire rack for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Parchment paper: Lining your sheet pan is critical to easy cracker removal post-baking.
- Cutting: I usually choose to “cut” this multi-seed crackers recipe by cracking it, giving each cracker a rustic, aesthetically pleasing shape. However, you can also use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut individual crackers if you prefer a less hands-on splitting method. If you want more uniformly shaped crackers, remove them halfway through baking and score the sheet with a sharp knife.
- Rest timing: Though resting is essential in making this recipe, don’t let the mixture rest for more than five minutes. Too much resting time will cause the chia seeds to swell, giving you a “doughier” mix that’s harder to spread.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
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