Seed Crackers

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Hi Bold Bakers!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE: Toasty Seed Crackers are addictively crisp! Plus, these deliciously flavorful crackers are super simple to make, with just 15 minutes of hands-on time.

• Grain-free: Everyone will adore these treats, and they’re perfect for gluten-free folks.
• Minimal effort: Mix these up in one bowl, spread in a pan, and bake.
• Simple ingredients: This wholesome recipe combines seeds, salt, water, and olive oil.
• Customizable: Change up the flavor by adding the spice of your choice!
• Good for you! These seed crackers are loaded with fiber, protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Seeds do double duty in this recipe, binding the ingredients together and adding a lovely crunchy texture. And with every bite, you benefit from their nutritional value. Check out more of my seed-rich recipes, like Healthy Granola Bars, Seeded Bread Recipe, and Homemade Clif Bars.

You might look at this recipe and ask, ‘I don’t have any dietary restrictions, and I can eat any crackers. Why do I need these?” Trust me—you’ll be eating your words (as well as more of these yummy crackers) once you taste them! These crunchy treats have lots of flavor from the variety of seeds, salt, and olive oil. The texture is crisp and absolutely perfect for snacking or for a charcuterie board or a mezze plate. I learned when testing this recipe that it is crucial to watch the clock! If the cracker dough sits longer than the suggested five minutes, it becomes too thick and impossible to spread evenly in the pan. So set your timer and spread while the mix is still soft and pliable. Lastly, I recommend eating these within five days because they’ll soften if held for too long.

Table of Contents

• What are Seed Crackers?
• Tools You Need
• Key Ingredients and Why
• How to Make Seed Crackers
• Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips
• Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
• Flavor Variations
• FAQs
• More Cracker Recipes

What are Seed Crackers?

• Seed Crackers are crisp treats made without flour.
  • Chia seeds and ground flax seeds have a gelling ability that allows the seed mixture to bind together and bake into a crispy, crunchy whole.
  • Pumpkin and sunflower seeds add heft, hearty flavor and additional crunch.
  • Sesame seeds give pops of crispiness and a warm note of flavor.
  • Olive oil adds richness, keeping the crackers from being too dry.
• You’ll crave these Seed Crackers because they’re delightfully flavorful, golden brown, and perfectly crunchy, and their nutrition is an added bonus! Every seed in this recipe is packed with powerful nutrients, and they’re low in carbohydrates.
• You might think Seed Crackers started as a trend Instagram, but the concept of baking a seed-rich mixture is thousands of years old. Ancient Egyptians made seed-rich flatbreads. They’ve surged in popularity recently because many people are looking for new recipes for a snack everyone can enjoy, whether vegan, gluten-free, or just looking for a yummy, crunchy cracker with added health benefits!

Tools You Need

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Glass measuring jug
• Kitchen scale (optional)
• Half sheet pan
• Parchment paper
• Spoon
• Offset spatula

Key Ingredients and Why

Chia seeds

• Because chia seeds are mucilaginous (they form a gel-like coating after absorbing water), they help bind the ingredients in these crackers and hold them together.
• Chia seeds also add crunch.
• Nutritionally, chia seeds deliver fiber, protein, and omega-3s.
• Chia seeds are a must in this recipe because of their remarkable binding ability. 

Raw sunflower seeds

• Sunflower seeds give a buttery flavor to this healthy cracker recipe.
• Additionally, they add a slightly chewy texture, which balances out the crunchier seeds.
• Sunflower seeds are packed with healthy fats, Vitamin E, and selenium (an antioxidant that supports thyroid function).
• Substitute: Alternatively, use an equal amount of chopped nuts or simply use more pumpkin seeds in place of the sunflower seeds.

Raw pumpkin seeds

• Pumpkin seeds contribute an earthy, mildly sweet taste.
• Crunchy pumpkin seeds contribute to the satisfying bite of these crackers.
• The green hue of pumpkin seeds adds visual appeal.
• Nutritionally, pumpkin seeds add magnesium and zinc.
• Substitute: Alternatively, use the same amount of chopped nuts, or just use more sunflower seeds in place of the pumpkin seeds.

Raw sesame seeds

• Sesame seeds add toasty, popcorn-like, savory flavor
• Additionally, sesame seeds give the crackers lots of delicate crispy crunch.
• Their petite size is a good contrast with the pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
• Nutritional information: sesame seeds are a good source of iron and calcium.
• Substitute: You can use the same amount of hemp seeds, quinoa, or millet, as they will all give some crunch.

Ground flax seeds (flax meal)

• Ground flax seeds (flax meal) help bind the crackers. They absorb water and form a gel, and like an egg, they hold the other ingredients together and create structure.
• Additionally, ground flax seeds give the crackers a mild earthy taste, fiber, and protein.
• Ground flax seeds (flax meal) are essential in this recipe because of their unique binding ability.

Salt

• Salt is necessary to bring out the flavors of the ingredients. Without salt, your crackers will taste flat and bland.

Water

• Water activates the binding qualities of the chia and flax seeds. The seeds absorb the water and swell, making this seed mixture dough-like.
• Water hydrates the mixture and keeps the crackers from being dry.

Olive oil

• Olive oil gives the crackers richness.
• Importantly, olive oil gives these crispy treats a nutty, savory flavor.
• Additionally, olive oil helps with the crisping and browning of the crackers.

How to Make Seed Crackers

1. Prepare to bake: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a half sheet (13×18 inches/33×46 cm) baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Mix the seeds: In a medium bowl, combine the chia, sunflower, pumpkin and sesame seeds, ground flax and salt.
3. Mix in liquid: Add in the water and olive oil and stir to combine.
4. Allow to thicken: Let the mixture rest for just 3-5 minutes until it begins to thicken. (See notes about resting too long)
5. Spread in pan: Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and use an offset spatula to spread in a thin, even layer all the way to the edges of the pan.

6. Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, until crisp and dry, and the edges are beginning to brown.
7. Cool and serve: Let cool completely to room temperature on the baking tray before breaking into pieces.

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips

• Pick your seeds: You can switch out the sunflower, pumpkin, and sesame seeds for other seeds in this healthy crackers recipe, but keep the proportions the same.
• Must-haves: You must include the chia seeds and flax meal, as both of these ingredients bond the seeds together.
• Timing is crucial: Once you mix all of the ingredients, don’t let the mixture sit for longer than five minutes before you begin to spread it, or it will thicken too much and become difficult to spread thin.
• Select the proper pan: For the proper consistency, be sure to use a half sheet pan and no smaller, or the crackers may be too thick and not crisp properly.
• Enjoy right away! Unlike Homemade Ritz Crackers or Cheez Its Crackers, this crunchy snack will go soft after five days so it’s best eat the batch within a few days.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

• Make ahead tips: 
  • Once you mix up the seed batter and let it sit for five minutes, you have to bake it immediately.
  • If you want to save same time on baking day, you can combine the seeds ahead of time and then mix them with the water and olive oil when you’re ready to bake.
• How to store leftovers:
  • These crackers are best immediately, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to five days.
  • I do not recommend freezing these crackers as they will go soft.

Flavor Variations

• Herb Garden: Add 1 teaspoon each of dried rosemary and thyme to the seed mixture. These herbs lend a fragrant, earthy note that pairs beautifully with soft cheeses or soup.

• Smoky Paprika: Stir in 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a warm, gently spicy kick and a gorgeous reddish hue.

• Everything Bagel Style: Mix in 1 tablespoon of everything bagel seasoning. You’ll get pops of garlic, onion, and sesame for a savory, deli-inspired cracker.

• Garlic & Black Pepper: Add ½ teaspoon garlic powder and a generous ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper for bold, punchy flavor that’s irresistible with hummus.

• Zesty Za’atar: Blend in 1 tablespoon za’atar for a Middle Eastern twist. The sesame, thyme, and sumac in the spice blend create a tangy, nutty profile.

• Chili-Lime: Add ½ teaspoon chili powder and the zest of one lime for a bright, spicy-sour combination perfect for dipping into guacamole.

• Onion & Caraway: Stir in 1 teaspoon onion powder and ½ teaspoon caraway seeds for a hint of old-world deli rye flavor.

FAQs

How do I make sure my Seed Crackers come out perfectly crisp and light?

• It’s important to use a half sheet pan when following this seed crackers recipe. A smaller pans will yield too-thick, chewy crackers, and a smaller pan will give you fragile crackers that will fall apart.
• Be sure to use parchment paper. It your pan is dark or has darker areas, it will heat unevenly and might burn the crackers. A layer of parchment ensures even baking.
• Pay attention to the timing here. The mixture must rest for three to five minutes so that it thickens, but if you let it sit too long, it will be too thick to spread easily.
• Spread out the cracker mixture evenly in a thin layer in the pan so that the crackers have a uniform thickness.

I have a sesame seed allergy—what can I use instead?

• Sesame is one of the top 10 allergens in the United States.
• If you have a sesame seed allergy, use an equal amount of rolled oats, quinoa (which will give the crackers a little more crunch), hemp hearts, or millet in this seed cracker recipe instead.

What are some ways to serve these crackers with seeds?

• These seeds crackers are delicious on their own, spread with almond butter,  or lovely with cheese, hummus, or other spreads or dips! I adore them with Roasted Garlic and Herb Compound Butter or Blue Cheese Compound Butter or  Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Cheese, or  Garlic and Chive Cream Cheese.
• These are delectable with cheese and a fruit spread. Top them with a thin slice of cheddar and a dollop of Sweet and Boozy Peach Whiskey Jam or with goat cheese and Pineapple Chutney. Or serve them with avocado and salmon.
• You’ll also love these healthy crackers paired with hot soup.

More Cracker Recipes

• Homemade Saltine Crackers
• Sourdough Discard Crackers with Rosemary
• 4-Ingredient Water Crackers
• Carta di Musica
• Homemade Ritz Crackers

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