Crunchy Onion Crackers

These crunchy onion crackers are the perfect savory snack, featuring a delightful combination of aromatic onion, garlic, and paprika flavors. They’re easy to make and offer a healthier alternative to store-bought crackers. Perfect for serving with dips, soups, or cheese, these homemade crackers are a tasty and versatile treat. With a crisp texture and rich flavor, they make an excellent addition to any snack platter, whether for parties or simply for a quick, healthy snack.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 100 ml water
  • 70 ml vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • ~250g all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp dried garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp paprika

Step-by-Step Preparation:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the Onion: Finely chop one medium onion. If you prefer a milder flavor, sauté the onion in a pan with a bit of oil until it becomes soft and translucent. Let it cool slightly before adding it to the dough mixture.
  3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 100 ml of water and 70 ml of vegetable oil. Stir them together until well combined. This will form the liquid base of the cracker dough.
  4. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 250g of flour, 0.5 tsp of baking powder, 0.5 tsp of salt, 0.5 tsp of dried garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp of paprika. You can adjust the garlic and paprika according to your flavor preference.
  5. Make the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the bowl with the wet ingredients, stirring constantly to form a dough. Once the mixture starts coming together, fold in the finely chopped (or sautéed) onion, and mix until the dough is smooth and all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  6. Knead the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough for 2-3 minutes. The dough should be soft but not too sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour; if it’s too dry, add a small amount of water.
  7. Roll Out the Dough: Roll out the dough on the floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch (2-3 mm) thick. For evenly sized crackers, use a ruler or a pastry cutter to cut the dough into small squares or rectangles (about 3 cm x 3 cm). You should get around 47 pieces from this recipe.
  8. Arrange the Crackers on the Baking Sheet: Place the cut crackers onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced slightly apart to allow for even baking. For extra crispness, you can lightly prick each cracker with a fork before baking.
  9. Bake: Bake the crackers in the preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
  10. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the crackers from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. They will become even crunchier as they cool down. Serve them with your favorite dips, cheeses, or enjoy them on their own.

Cooking Tips:

  • Customize the flavor: Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs. You could add dried thyme, rosemary, or chili powder for a spicy kick. For a cheesy flavor, you can also sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dough before baking.
  • Even thickness: Ensure the dough is rolled out evenly to avoid uneven cooking. Thicker crackers will be softer, while thinner ones will be crispier.
  • Storage: To maintain their crisp texture, store the crackers in an airtight container. If they lose their crunch, simply reheat them in the oven for a few minutes.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – Approx. 7 Crackers):

  • Calories: 90 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fat: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: 80mg

FAQs:

  1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier version of these crackers. However, the texture may be slightly denser, and you may need to add a little more water to achieve the right consistency.
  2. How do I make the crackers even crispier? If you prefer extra-crispy crackers, roll the dough as thin as possible, and bake the crackers for an additional 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
  3. Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator before rolling it out and baking.
  4. What can I serve with these crackers? These onion-flavored crackers pair wonderfully with a variety of dips, including hummus, guacamole, or cheese spreads. They also work well with soups or as a side to salads.
  5. Can I make these crackers gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make these crackers gluten-free. Make sure to check that your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Conclusion: These crunchy onion crackers are a delicious and versatile snack that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of accompaniments. They are easy to make and can be customized with different flavors to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a quick snack, these homemade crackers will definitely impress your guests. Plus, they’re healthier than store-bought versions and made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Give them a try, and enjoy their crisp texture and savory flavor!