She Strengthens

Elevate Your Cheese Platter with Crunchy Homemade Crackers

Transform your ordinary cheese platter into an extraordinary one with these rustic, free-form yeast crackers. The secret to their crispy goodness lies in using “00” flour, which yields a delicate, powder-fine texture.

The Perfect Flour for the Job

“00” flour, also known as Italian-Style Flour, is a must-have for this recipe. You can find it at well-stocked markets, and we recommend King Arthur’s version.

A Little Work Goes a Long Way

To achieve the perfect thinness, you’ll need to put in some effort with the rolling pin. But trust us, the results are well worth it. If you’re new to this process, check out our animated GIF tutorial for a step-by-step guide.

Yeast Crackers Recipe

Yield: 2 (10-by-8-inch) sheets
Difficulty: Medium
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Active Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

• 1 (1/4-ounce) packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 7 tablespoons warm water (110°F to 115°F)
• 1 1/2 cups “00” flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/4 stick)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for oiling the bowl
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, sage leaves, sprigs of tarragon, etc.)
• Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Mix yeast and sugar with warm water, and let it sit for 15 minutes to allow the yeast to come alive and froth.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and fine sea salt in a separate bowl.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently heat butter and vegetable oil until the butter is just melted. Add to the yeast mixture, then combine with the dry ingredients using a stand mixer’s paddle attachment.

Step 4: Let it Rise
Form the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise for 2 hours at room temperature.

Step 5: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Roll out the dough, fold it, and cut it into two 10-by-8-inch pieces. Scatter herbs and coarse sea salt on top, then bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Let it sit in the oven for 1 hour to crisp up.

Step 6: Break and Serve
Break the crackers into irregular pieces and serve with your favorite cheese. Enjoy!