Hardtack

Discover the rustic simplicity of hardtack, a timeless recipe cherished for its durability and historical significance. Made with just three pantry staples—flour, salt, and water—this traditional survival bread is baked to a firm, dry perfection, ensuring a long shelf life of months or even longer when stored properly. Hardtack is the ultimate utilitarian food, used by sailors and pioneers alike, and its versatile flavor pairs wonderfully with hearty soups, stews, or even a smear of butter and honey for a modern twist. This easy-to-make, budget-friendly recipe is perfect for camping trips, emergency prep, or a fun history-inspired kitchen project. Dive into the art of making hardtack and experience a taste of culinary heritage that stands the test of time.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.75 cups water

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.

Step 3

Gradually add the water, stirring the mixture with a wooden spoon or your hands, until a stiff dough forms.

Step 4

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 3-5 minutes until smooth and pliable.

Step 5

Roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness using a rolling pin.

Step 6

Cut the dough into 3-inch squares or rectangles using a knife or pastry cutter.

Step 7

Use a fork to pierce multiple rows of evenly spaced holes across the surface of each square to allow for even cooking.

Step 8

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it, then place the dough squares onto the sheet without overlapping.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, then flip each piece over using tongs or a spatula.

Step 10

Bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the hardtack is dry and hard. It should not have any remaining moisture.

Step 11

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the hardtack to cool completely before storing.

Step 12

Store the finished hardtack in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Properly stored, it can last for months or longer.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	423 grams (423.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	874

Total Fat 2.30g	3%
Saturated Fat 0.40g	2%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1189mg	52%
Total Carbohydrate 183.10g	67%
Dietary Fiber 6.50g	23%
Total Sugars 0.50g
Protein 24.80g	50%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 43mg	3%
Iron 11mg	62%
Potassium 257mg	5%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 2.4%

Protein: 11.6%

Carbs: 85.9%