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Easy and Delicious Homemade Walnut Crackers
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If you’re dreaming of what to put on your next cheeseboard, these homemade crackers will are the perfect vehicle for creamy slices of cheese. Infused with California Grown Walnuts and olive oil, these crackers boast a nutty richness and crumbly texture that pairs beautifully with soft cheeses, dips, and even as a standalone snack. Inspired by a trip to Napa Valley, this recipe showcases the best of California’s agricultural bounty, making it perfect for any cheeseboard, wine tasting party, or casual snack spread.
Why California Walnuts in These Homemade Crackers?
California Walnuts are a natural pairing with cheese, offering a delightful balance of creamy, tangy flavors and rich, earthy nuttiness. Their buttery texture complements a wide range of cheeses, from sharp cheddars to velvety triple creams, elevating any cheese board or snack. Walnut crackers, crafted with finely ground California Walnuts, bring the best of both worlds by combining the nut’s robust flavor with the crispness of a perfectly baked cracker. Whether enjoyed with a smear of soft cheese, a slice of aged gouda, or simply on their own, walnut crackers make for an irresistible combination of texture and taste.
Ingredients for Your New Favorite Homemade Crackers
The best part about this homemade cracker recipe is that they are quick and easy to make, and only have a few ingredients. Here’s what you’re going to need to make them.
All-purpose flour (or gluten free flour blend)
California Grown Walnuts
Baking powder
Chopped fresh rosemary
Kosher salt
California extra-virgin olive oil
Lukewarm water
Instructions
- Prep the Dough
In a food processor, pulse the flour and walnuts until the walnuts are finely ground. Transfer to a mixing bowl and whisk in the baking powder, rosemary, and salt. Add the olive oil and water, mixing with a fork until the dough starts to come together. Finish kneading with your hands until you have a smooth, firm ball. (If the dough feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it holds together.) - Roll Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to a thickness of 1/8 inch (3 mm). Sprinkle additional flour as needed to prevent sticking. Use a 2-inch (4 cm) round cookie cutter to cut out crackers and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheet. An offset spatula works best for this step. Since the crackers won’t spread during baking, they can be placed close together.
Gather the scraps, gently knead to bring the dough back together, then roll out and cut more crackers. Repeat until all the dough is used. - Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle with additional chopped walnuts, rosemary and flaky salt. Bake the crackers for 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the crackers feel firm and dry. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
How to Enjoy Homemade Walnut Crackers
These savory walnut crackers are endlessly versatile. Here are a few ways to serve them:
- Cheeseboards: Pair with a selection of California cheeses like creamy brie, tangy goat cheese, or a robust blue cheese. Add a drizzle of honey or a dollop of fig jam for a perfect bite. Don’t forget to add dried fruits and nuts!
- Wine Pairings: Their nutty richness complements white wines like California Chardonnay or even a bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Dips: Serve with hummus, Romesco sauce, or even a whipped ricotta spread.
- Snack on the Go: Enjoy them plain as a satisfying snack—no toppings required!
Why Make Your Own Crackers?
Crafting your own homemade crackers is surprisingly simple and deeply rewarding. With just a few staple ingredients, you can create something that tastes fresher and more flavorful than anything store-bought. Plus, by using California Grown ingredients, you’re supporting local agriculture and savoring the flavors of one of the most fertile regions in the world.
Storage
Store these crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. But trust me—they won’t last that long!
Bring the rustic charm of of the Golden State into your kitchen with these homemade savory walnut crackers. Whether you’re hosting a wine and cheese night or simply craving a wholesome snack, these crackers will become a new favorite. Enjoy the taste of California in every bite!
Wishing you had even more walnut recipes? We’ve got you!
Gluten Free Walnut Cookies
Indulge in these gluten-free walnut cookies from A Girl Defloured, a delightful blend of California Grown Walnuts, rich prune purée, and a splash of Nocino liqueur. These tender, nutty treats offer a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making them an ideal addition to your holiday baking repertoire.
Rustic Walnut Raisin Bread
This Walnut and Raisin Gluten-Free Bread combines California-grown walnuts and sweet raisins for a perfect balance of flavors. The rich, earthy walnuts pair beautifully with the natural sweetness of raisins, making this loaf ideal for toasting with butter and honey or using as a base for French toast or grilled cheese sandwiches. Made with Caputo Fioreglut flour for a light, springy crumb, and baked in a Dutch oven for an extra-crispy crust, it’s a versatile and delicious addition to any table.
Honey Roasted Nuts
These Honey Roasted Nuts from A Girl Defloured are a delightful blend of California’s finest nuts with this honey-roasted mix, featuring California Walnuts, almonds, pecans, pistachios, and pepitas. Coated in a spiced vanilla-cinnamon honey glaze and accented with fresh rosemary, these nuts offer a harmonious balance of sweetness and warmth. Perfect for gifting or as a snack, they showcase the rich flavors of California’s agricultural bounty.
Be sure to share your holiday salad creations with us by snapping a pic and tagging us on social using #CAGROWN.
Craving more CA Grown goodness? Follow us on Pinterest for fresh and fabulous recipe inspiration!
Savory Walnut Crackers with Olive Oil
Equipment
- food processor
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour or gluten free flour blend
- 3/4 cup California-grown walnuts, coarsely chopped
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp chopped rosemary or any dried herb mix
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt or fine sea salt
- 1/4 cup California extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp lukewarm water
- 2 tbsp finely chopped walnuts, rosemary and flaky salt for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a food processor, combine the flour and walnuts. Process until the walnuts are finely ground.
- Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl and whisk in the baking powder, rosemary, and salt.
- Add the olive oil and water, mixing with a fork until the dough begins to come together. Use your hands to knead it into a smooth, firm ball. (If the dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it holds together. It should not be sticky or overly crumbly.)
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll the Dough
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to a thickness of 1/8 inch (3 mm). Sprinkle additional flour as needed to prevent sticking. Use a 2-inch (4 cm) round cookie cutter to cut out cookies and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheet. An offset spatula works best for this step. Since the cookies won’t spread during baking, they can be placed close together.
- Gather the scraps, gently knead to bring the dough back together, then roll out and cut more cookies. Repeat until all the dough is used. Sprinkle the crackers with the additional chopped walnuts, rosemary and flaky salt and gently use your fingers to press the mixture into the tops of the crackers.
Bake the Crackers
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the crackers are firm and dry.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
Notes
Pair these crackers with creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese and add a touch of honey or fig jam.
Serve with dips such as hummus, Romesco sauce, or whipped feta.
Enjoy as a snack alongside a glass of your favorite California wine, such as a Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon. Storage
Store the crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Enjoy these savory walnut crackers and bring the taste of Napa Valley to your table!
Nutrition
Article and images by Alison Needham (@agirl_defloured) for California Grown.