Discover the enduring simplicity of homemade hardtack with this straightforward, three-ingredient recipe! Crafted with all-purpose flour, water, and a touch of salt, this timeless survival food is baked to perfection for extended shelf life, making it ideal for outdoor adventures, emergency preparedness, or an authentic taste of history. With just 15 minutes of prep time and minimal effort, you'll create durable, long-lasting squares that are perfect for dipping into soups, pairing with jerky, or enjoying as-is. Optimized for preservation and practicality, this hardtack recipe encapsulates the traditions of frontier cooking while remaining versatile and easy to make.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
Gradually mix in the water, stirring until a stiff dough forms. If the dough is too crumbly, add water in small increments (1 tablespoon at a time) until it holds together.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it briefly until smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
Cut the dough into 3x3-inch squares using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter.
Use a fork to poke multiple rows of holes into each square to allow for even cooking and drying.
Place the squares on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
Bake the hardtack in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Flip each piece and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the hardtack is completely dry and hard.
Remove from the oven and allow the hardtack to cool completely before storing.
Store in an airtight container or wrap in parchment paper to keep it dry. Properly stored hardtack can last for months, even years.
Calories |
1310 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 3.5 g | 4% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g | 2% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4733 mg | 206% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 274.7 g | 100% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.8 g | 35% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.8 g | ||
| Protein | 37.2 g | 74% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 63 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 16.7 mg | 93% | |
| Potassium | 386 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.