Crackers are an excellent way to spice up snack time, especially when they're full of flavor. The easiest way to turn a good cracker recipe into a great one is by adding a pinch of herbs to the dough. Herbs are a quick way to add worldly flavors to your snacks and taste delicious when combined with other common cracker ingredients. While several different herbs can be used in homemade crackers, there are a few that win over our hearts (and taste buds) each time we try them. Continue reading for an overview of herbs perfect for homemade crackers.
What Are Herbs?
The word herb is often used to refer to any green or leafy plant used to season foods. Though it's not commonly used as the main ingredient, it is often credited for the dish's great taste. An herb's aromatic properties make it ideal for adding flavor to a plate. Basil, rosemary, thyme and dill are all herbs commonly used in baking and offer up a flavor profile unlike any other food.
Herbs vs. Spices
Now, if what we just described sounds like a spice to you, then we are here to help clear up some of the confusion. The main difference between herbs and spices is where they originate. Herbs are almost always the green, leafy part of the plant and can be added directly to a recipe. Spices are the other components of a plant, such as the seeds, bark and roots that you commonly use to add flavor to a meal. For example, cardamom, cinnamon and cloves are all spices regularly used in baked goods.
The Most Common Herbs Used in Homemade Cracker Recipes
Now that you know what an herb is and how it differs from a spice, it's time to choose the herb that will taste best in your homemade cracker recipe. Several herbs taste great when added to cracker dough. Here's a list of our top three.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a highly aromatic herb that is used in countless culinary dishes. Often found growing in bushes, the rosemary plant has short pine needles that bloom several different colored flowers. When fresh, this herb resembles pine in both look and scent. However, it's more closely related to sage and mint. Because of rosemary's ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, it's often grown for ornamental purposes instead of culinary necessity. This being so, it remains a favorite ingredient of chefs worldwide and is used in salads, soups, omelets and bread. It can also be used to season meat-based dishes like chicken, steak and fish. Or, for a more vegan-friendly option, pair it with grains, peas, potatoes and mushrooms.
Fresh vs. Dried Rosemary
If your homemade cracker recipe calls for rosemary, then you may be wondering which will work better, fresh or dried? The truth is that both will flavor your recipe just the same. When fresh, rosemary has a relatively low moisture content, allowing it to retain most of its flavor after drying. However, it is worth noting that dried rosemary has more rigid leaves, and because of this, you'll want to crush or chop it before adding it to recipes.
Cooking with Rosemary
Before you begin cooking with rosemary, it's important that you taste it first. A flavor that's often described as lemony, piney and astringent, it is compared to sage and evergreen the most. Before cooking with it, you'll want to thoroughly wash the rosemary and prepare it according to the recipe's instructions.
Recipes often call for whole leaves of rosemary, which requires you to pinch the tip of the woody stem and pull it back towards the base allowing the leaves to pull away easily. Next, the leaves are commonly chopped to prevent your recipe from containing tough pieces of the herb. One of the most popular combos, rosemary and olive oil, makes for a delicious cracker recipe, even more so when it's paired with soft cheeses and spreads.
Rosemary Cracker Recipes
If you're convinced that rosemary is for you, then it's time to try out your first rosemary-flavored cracker recipe. We've listed a couple of our favorites below.
Sea Salt and Rosemary Sourdough Crackers
Eager to bake up a large batch of crackers that guests will love? These Sea Salt and Rosemary Sourdough Crackers are sure to do the trick. Salty, crunchy and oh-so-savory, they're effortless to make, especially if you have a discarded sourdough starter that you're working with. In these crackers, the tangy flavor of the sourdough is combined with the savory notes of rosemary to create a result that's worth coming back for seconds. After adding rosemary to the dough, take these crackers to the next level and add fresh rosemary, garlic and flaky salt for garnish.
Pea, Parmesan and Rosemary Crackers
Take your tastebuds on a savory trip with these Pea, Parmesan and Rosemary Crackers. Crispy and delicious, these crackers are made with a combo of green pea flour and Unbleached White All Purpose Flour to create the ideal cracker base. Next, they're loaded with savory flavors like parmesan cheese, rosemary and spinach to truly amp up the taste. Enjoy them as a midday snack, pack them in your children's lunch box, or serve them up as a flavor-filled appetizer. Everyone who tries them is sure to be impressed.
Oregano
Oregano is a delicious herb that most people know from dishes like pizza and pasta. Made from the fresh and dried leaves of the oregano plant, this herb has a strong aroma and unforgettable flavor. Used to boost the taste of savory foods, as an herb, it's gluten free, vegan and low carb, meaning that those with dietary restrictions can easily enjoy it. It makes an excellent cracker dough addition and is one of the most popular herbs used worldwide. It's most often found in Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine. While dried oregano is used more often, fresh oregano can also be enjoyed in dishes, and both forms can easily be found year-round.
Types of Oregano
Ever wonder where oregano got its name? Greek for "joy of the mountains," oregano is most commonly found growing on the mountainsides of Greece and several other Mediterranean countries. Even so, the oregano you buy at the grocery store isn't guaranteed to be from those mountainsides. Now, widely used around the world, there are two types of oregano commonly found on shelves. First, Mexican Oregano, also known as Mexican Marjoram or Mexican Wild Sage, is the one that holds the most potent flavor. This being, if a recipe requires Mexican oregano. It's best to use that variety and not substitute it with another flavor. The second most popular kind of oregano is Spanish and Greek oregano. Though they're still used widely in recipes, they do have a much lighter flavor.
What Does Oregano Taste Like?
Oregano is often described as having an earthy and intense flavor that can be slightly bitter at times. Unlike many other herbs, dried oregano can be added to sauces and stews at the beginning of the cooking process. It's important to note that you'll want to use only the leaves when making dried oregano at home and dispose of the stems. While the stems are not harmful, they will add an unpleasant texture to your dish that you'll have to remove after it's done cooking if you choose to leave them in. For stronger-tasting oregano, be sure to crush the dried leaves before adding them to your recipes, or use fresh oregano instead.
Herbes de Provence
Looking to use an entire blend of herbs to flavor your favorite cracker recipe? We recommend making Herbes de Provence at home. A fundamental ingredient in Mediterranean and French cooking, a mixture of dried herbs adds a unique flavor to meat and plant-based dishes. While Herbes de Provence is available at most grocery stores, it's just as simple to make at home. Plus, making at home allows you the option to adjust the amounts of the herbs chosen according to personal taste. While a handful (or two) of herbs and spices can be used to make Herbes de Provence, the most popular are marjoram, fennel, parsley, rosemary, thyme and tarragon.
Gluten Free Chickpea Flour Crackers
For a basic herb cracker recipe to add oregano, herbes de Provence, and other spices to start with these Gluten Free Chickpea Flour Crackers. Beautiful to look at and filled with flavor, this gluten free cracker is the ideal mix between crispy and crunchy. Flavored with herbs, fresh pepper and garlic salt, they're the perfect appetizer for your next gathering. Pair them with jam, cheese or a healthy dip for a true treat!
Now that you're up to date on the most popular herbs to use in homemade cracker recipes, making this flavor-filled treat will be much easier. Knowing how much and when to use each herb is essential in creating a taste that everyone will love. Draw inspiration from the recipes above and start baking. We can't wait to see what you come up with. From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, we hope you have a flavor-filled day!
