Why This Recipe is a Winner
Cutting the dough into squares, rectangles, or diamonds eliminates the need for specialized cutters or intricate shaping techniques. Keeping the crackers in the oven with a slightly ajar door after baking ensures they achieve that perfect crispiness.
Reflecting on my childhood, I fondly remember the retired couple next door who became like surrogate grandparents to me. Their kitchen was where I first learned to make pie crusts, their garden introduced me to Swiss chard in its natural habitat, and their cozy family room was my binge-watching haven for every episode of Matlock and Murder She Wrote. Among all those delightful memories filled with freshly baked elderberry pies and sugar cookies, one stands out: evenings spent munching on buttered oyster crackers. Those buttery bites left a lasting impression on my seven-year-old self, evoking nostalgia every time I see a bag today.
However, when I taste those store-bought oyster crackers now, I’m often disappointed. They seem almost insubstantial—dissolving on my tongue like tissue paper rather than offering any real texture. That’s why this homemade version is designed to be heartier and richer while still complementing your favorite soups without overwhelming them.
After experimenting with DIY sesame sticks recently, I considered cutting corners for this cracker recipe too—even if it meant sacrificing perfect shapes. But those sesame sticks taught me an important lesson: while some cooks can create perfectly shaped snacks reminiscent of goldfish crackers from childhood memories, I’ve realized that I’m not one of them! So instead of striving for hexagon-shaped perfection typical of oyster crackers, I opted for charming rectangles instead—embracing “approximate uniformity” as my guiding principle. Once they puffed up in the oven, I found myself completely satisfied without missing those traditional shapes at all.
The Verdict
This simple project can easily fit into your soup-making routine! While it does involve some floury mess and cutting dough into small pieces—which might detract from the simplicity that makes soup so appealing—it’s worth it! Given that you can buy a 12-ounce bag at the store for just a dollar; it’s hard to argue about cost-effectiveness here.
In terms of ingredients used in this homemade version: we swap out palm oil or soybean oil typically found in store brands for rich unsalted butter. Plus, instead of coating these crackers with pre-packaged salad dressing mix as many do commercially; you have an excellent opportunity here to infuse your own unique flavors by adding dried herbs or black pepper directly into the dough mixture! For instance—if you’re feeling adventurous—you could substitute Old Bay seasoning for salt; it would be especially fitting if you’re located near Baltimore!
Homemade Oyster Crackers Recipe
Ingredients:
- 5 ounces (1 cup) all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
- 1/3 cup cold water (plus more as needed)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and adjust rack to middle position.
- In a medium bowl combine flour,salt,sugar,and baking powder whisking until well mixed.
- Add cubed butter then use either pastry cutter or fingertips working until mixture resembles coarse meal.
- Gradually add water kneading lightly until dough forms ball shape. 5.Set aside covered under overturned mixing bowl allowing rest time about 15 minutes. 6.On floured surface roll out dough till thickness reaches 1/8 inch, then cut shapes measuring ½ inch across – squares/rectangles/diamonds work great! 7.Transfer cut pieces onto parchment-lined baking sheet ensuring ample space between each piece before placing them inside preheated oven.Bake approximately 15 minutes,until edges show slight color change. 8.Turn off heat but leave door cracked open around eight inches allowing remaining warmth cool down & crisp up further over next half hour.Remove from heat sprinkle lightly with salt & let cool completely.Store sealed container up-to-a week!
Special Equipment Needed:
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Notes:
Feel free double recipe size by spreading pieces across two sheets but remember add additional five-to-ten minutes total bake-time rotating halfway through!
For more delicious recipes check out our guides on making Homemade Cheez-Its®, Wheat Thins®, Carr’s-style Whole Wheat Crackers® ,and Sourdough Rye Crackers infused Coriander/Fennel flavors!