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My husband called these my bird seed crackers. I’m not sure if that means he loves them or not – but I certainly do. You know how we want to eat healthy but sometimes miss that crispy crunch from a chip or cracker? These Crunchy Crackers will cure that craving and then some. I’ve been taking a few to work each day and just love the toasted nutty flavor and crispy crunch – it completes my meal. A little fruit, a little protein, something green and a great big crunchy cracker. They are tasty and highly adaptable to whatever nuts and seeds you have on hand. I really love the golden flax seeds and sesame combination seen here.  Made with a small amount of yeast they are baked until browned then left in the oven while it cools.  This extra baking time give them a serious crunch and crispness sometimes hard to achieve with a homemade cracker.  Served with some robust sliced cheese or my favorite hummus, these will be a staple in our house!
Roll the dough as thin as possible and spritz with water. Â Sprinkle with seeds then lay another piece of parchment on top. Â Press the seeds into the dough using a rolling pin, then turn the dough over and peel off the parchment. Â Spritz the other side with water and sprinkle with seeds. Â Continue by laying the parchment on top and pressing the seeds into the dough using the rolling pin.
Cut the crackers into the desired shape then allow them to rise for about 45 minutes or until lightly puffy. Â Bake for 20 minutes until they are medium brown. Â Turn off the heat, wait 15 minutes, then open the oven door and let the crackers cool completely in the turned-off oven.
Break the Crunch Crackers apart and store in an airtight container.
Don’t forget to PIN it for later!
Crunchy Crackers
Ingredients
For the cracker:
- 1 cup (scant) lukewarm water
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons whole golden flax seeds
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
For the topping:
- 1 teaspoon good flaky sea salt, such as Maldon
- ½ cup small unsalted sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup sesame seeds
- ¼ cup whole golden flax seeds, found in the bulk bins at your better grocery stores
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine the water, whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Stir until combined in a smooth, stiff dough. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water if the dough is dry.
- Knead in the flax and sesame seeds.
- Cover the mixing bowl with a clean tea towel and place in a warm location free from drafts. Allow the dough to rise for 1 ½ hours.
- Prepare two large sheets of parchment paper. Divide the dough in half and roll each piece into a rectangle on the parchment approximately 14x9" and â…›" thick. If the dough fights back and won't roll out, allow it to rest another 10 minutes and try again.
- Spritz the dough with water and sprinkle with ¼ cup of the topping seeds. Lay another piece of parchment on top and press the seeds into the dough with the rolling pin.
- Carefully flip the dough over and remove the parchment. Spritz with water and sprinkle with another ¼ cup of the seed mixture. Lay the parchment back on the dough and press the seeds into the dough using a rolling pin. Repeat with the remaining piece of dough.
- Prick the dough all over with a fork. Cut into rectangles or whatever size you desire and lightly separate the pieces. Sprinkle with crushed sea salt if desired and allow the crackers to rise for about 45 minutes. They will get a little puffy.
- In the meantime, preheat oven to 350°F. Position the oven racks in the middle.
- Bake the crackers for 20 minutes (rotate the pans after 10 minutes) or until the crackers are medium brown in color. Turn off the oven and wait 15 minutes. Prop open the oven door a couple of inches. Leave the crackers in the oven and allow them to cool completely.
- When cooled, break the crackers apart and store in an airtight container.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
I love being able to control the amount of salt as many store bought crackers are over the top in the sodium content. Â There is nothing like a fresh baked cracker and these will not disappoint. Â It sounds like a lot of steps, but they are easy steps. Â Did you have a nice weekend? Â I sure hope so! Â Thanks so much for stopping by.
Tricia
Karen @ Karen's Kitchen Stories says
I have made these before and absolutely love them! I was part of the recipe testing group!
Tricia Buice says
How cool Karen! We love this recipe and find so many uses for these crackers. Thanks for stopping by!
sue/the view from great island says
I love do it yourself crackers, Tricia — yours look waaaay to good for the birds!
Tricia Buice says
Absolutely too good for the birds – these are great for family or even special guests! Love the crunch 🙂
Kitchen Belleicious says
oh my! oh my! I mean I love crackers. I am always needing something crunchy y mid afternoon! These look amazing!
Tricia Buice says
This will cure the crunch cravings for sure! Hope you enjoy 🙂
erin says
Haha bird seed crackers! Sounds like something my husband would say! They look like a great snack!
Tricia Buice says
Bird seed never tasted so good! Thanks Erin!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
I love seedy crackers! They look crunchy and great, Tricia.
Tricia Buice says
Simply yummy Angie! Thanks
cheri says
Hi Tricia, these crackers look delicious, love all the seeds you have in them
Tricia Buice says
They are crunchy and the seeds add tremendous flavor – love them Cheri!
Becky Green says
These do sound YUMMY! 😀 ANOTHER recipe to try! 😉 THANKS TRICIA!
Tricia Buice says
Thank you Becky!
Kari@Loaves n Dishes says
Ooh, I do love these crackers Tricia! I pay way too much for those fancy crackers from the supermarket, and these look so much better!
Tricia Buice says
I love that you can make them into any size or shape – can’t wait to play with them some more. Have a good day Kari!
Monica says
I just love this, Tricia. I love a crunchy, salty snack almost as much as a slice of chocolate cake . : ) I love the sunflower seeds and flaky salt here. I would really enjoy having some as a snack in the late afternoon.
Tricia Buice says
Thanks Monica – they are tasty!
Pam says
Bird seed or not, they look and sound great! I love the crunchy and healthy too. Thanks for the recipe!
Tricia Buice says
You are so right Pam – I love crunchy too – thanks!