Crisp yet tender, and scented with caraway and sesame, these homemade saltine crackers are an irresistible salty snack. They’re simple to make and perfect served with dips or spreads at gatherings.
Make your own crackers
When I was a child, making crackers at home felt like something magical. My mother used to make these saltine-style crackers for my sister and me, and they tasted so special that I assumed they came from a store. She would just smile when I guessed that, never insisting they were homemade.
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Years later I realized those childhood crackers were indeed homemade—my sister had the same recipe from our mom. When she made them for us as adults, I was surprised by how identical they tasted to the ones I remembered. The recipe is straightforward and reliable, and now I make batches whenever I want a batch of crisp, flavorful crackers.
Although the process includes a chilling step, these crackers are easy to prepare. Most of the time is passive: the dough needs about one hour in the refrigerator. Active preparation takes a few minutes and baking requires roughly 20–25 minutes. The result is much better than many store-bought options.
For the crackers pictured I sprinkled caraway seeds on one batch and sesame seeds on another, but you can use poppy, sunflower, pumpkin, flax, chia, or any seed blend you prefer. If you want stronger seed flavor, incorporate some seeds into the dough as well as on top.
A few serving suggestions
These flavored crackers make a great solo snack or can be served with spreads and dips. They pair well with cream cheese, savory spreads, or a comforting soup. They’re also a nice addition to appetizer platters at parties. Suitable pairings include eggplant dip, hot cheese bacon dip, tuna spread, garlicky bean spreads, roasted tomato & basil soup, and tomato pesto.
Useful notes about saltine crackers:
Are saltines good for weight loss?
Saltine crackers are relatively low in calories, so they are sometimes included in short-term diets or used to replace higher-calorie breads. However, they are low in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, so they shouldn’t be relied on as a long-term staple for balanced nutrition.
Why are saltines good for your stomach?
Saltines are high in starch, which can help absorb excess stomach acid and ease mild nausea. For that reason, plain crackers are often recommended for upset stomachs or morning sickness.
Do saltine crackers help with acid reflux?
Commercial crackers often contain baking soda and sometimes cream of tartar, which can help neutralize gastric acid. Eating crackers may temporarily relieve mild reflux, though they are not a substitute for medical advice when reflux is frequent or severe.
What ingredients are in saltine crackers?
Homemade and store-bought saltines share many basic ingredients, though packaged crackers often include preservatives and added nutrients to extend shelf life. This homemade version uses flour, butter, yogurt or sour cream, yeast (optional in other recipes), and a small amount of oil, with seeds or cheese added for flavor.
Homemade Saltine Crackers
My recipe is made from simple, fresh ingredients at room temperature (except for the yeast). I use sifted all-purpose flour, salt, unsalted butter, Greek yogurt, and fresh yeast. I brush the tops with an egg wash for a golden finish and sprinkle seeds on top.
Equipment needed: a mixing bowl, a large baking sheet lined with baking paper, a rolling pin, a pastry brush, and either a pizza wheel or cookie cutters for shaping. I like fun shapes, but you can cut the dough into rectangles or strips if you prefer.
Overview of the method: preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet. In a large bowl, blend flour, salt, and butter until smooth. Add yogurt and yeast and mix until the dough no longer sticks to the bowl. Cover and chill the dough for one hour. Divide the dough in half, roll one piece to about 1/8″ thickness, then cut into shapes or strips. Place on the lined sheet, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle seeds. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden, then repeat with the remaining dough.
Homemade Saltine Crackers
Ingredients
- 14 oz all purpose flour sifted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz unsalted butter
- 5 oz Greek yogurt
- 0.6 oz fresh yeast
- egg wash
- caraway and sesame seeds or seeds of choice
You will also need:
- mixing bowl
- large baking sheet
- baking paper
- rolling pin
- pastry brush
- pizza or pastry wheel or cookie cutters
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Line a large baking sheet with baking paper.
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In a large bowl, combine sifted flour, salt, and butter. Mix until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
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Add Greek yogurt and fresh yeast, then mix until the dough no longer sticks to the bowl.
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Cover the bowl with a clean towel and refrigerate for 1 hour.
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Lightly dust a counter or large cutting board with flour.
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Divide the dough in half and roll one half to about 1/8″ thickness.
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Cut into strips with a pizza wheel or use cookie cutters to make shapes.
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Arrange the crackers on the prepared baking sheet.
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Brush each piece with egg wash and sprinkle with seeds.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the tops are golden. Repeat with the second half of the dough.
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