Best 2 Modern Hardtack Recipes

Journey back to the rugged days of pioneers and explorers with our collection of modern hardtack recipes. These simple yet resilient biscuits were once a staple for those navigating the untamed wilderness, providing sustenance and resilience against the elements. In this article, we'll introduce you to three distinct hardtack variations: the Classic Hardtack, the Savory Herb Hardtack, and the Sweet & Spicy Hardtack. Each recipe offers unique flavors and textures, catering to diverse taste preferences. Discover how to craft these durable biscuits, perfect for camping trips, emergency preparedness, or simply adding a touch of rustic charm to your meals.

Let's cook with our recipes!

HARDTACK

Hardtack image

This is a VERY hard and long-keeping bread perfect as an side to hearty soups, chowders, and stews. Historically, it was part of soldiers' rations. Currently, it is an ideal way to include carbohydrates on hikes or camping.

Provided by Molly53

Categories Breads

Time 45m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups milk
4 cups flour
4 tablespoons butter, softened
3 teaspoons brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Steps:

Preheat oven to 400F and lightly grease a baking sheet.
Mix the ingredients into a dough and roll out to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
Cut into squares.
Prick the squares all over in an even pattern with a fork or knife.
Place them on a lightly greased baking pan and bake 20 to 30 minutes, until golden brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 209.5, Fat 5.4, SaturatedFat 3.2, Cholesterol 14.4, Sodium 334.2, Carbohydrate 34.3, Fiber 1.1, Sugar 1.2, Protein 5.3

SIMPLE HARDTACK

Simple Hardtack image

The other recipes on here have more ingredients this is a simple basic way to make it. Perfect survival food. I recall when I was younger them having some on a plate at Plymouth Plantation and they said that even though it was hundreds of years old it was still ok to eat. This recipe was found on Survival News Online. http://www.survivalnewsonline.com/index.php/2012/02/hardtack-a-great-survival-food-stock/

Provided by Sica6488

Categories Breads

Time 1h30m

Yield 12-15 biscuits, 12-15 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 3

Ingredients

4 -5 cups flour
2 cups water
3 teaspoons salt

Steps:

Mix the flour, water and salt together, and make sure the mixture is fairly dry.
Then roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness, and shape it into a rectangle. Cut it into 3×3 inch squares, and poke holes in both sides.
Place on an un-greased cookie or baking sheet, and cook for 30 minutes per side at 375? (or 350? if you have a convection oven).
When it's done, you'll want to let it dry and harden for a few days, just out in the open. When it has the consistency of a brick, it's fully cured. Then simply store it in an airtight container or bucket. To prepare for eating, soak it in water or milk for about 15 minutes, and then fry in a buttered skillet. You can eat it with cheese, soup or just plain with a little salt added. Any way you do it, it's delicious!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 151.7, Fat 0.4, SaturatedFat 0.1, Sodium 583.4, Carbohydrate 31.8, Fiber 1.1, Sugar 0.1, Protein 4.3

Tips:

Use the right flour. Hardtack is traditionally made with unbleached all-purpose flour, but you can also use whole wheat flour or bread flour. If you use whole wheat flour, your hardtack will be denser and have a more nutty flavor. If you use bread flour, your hardtack will be chewier.
Don't overwork the dough. Overworking the dough will make your hardtack tough. Mix the ingredients just until they come together, then knead the dough for a few minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
Roll the dough out thin. The thinner you roll the dough, the crispier your hardtack will be. Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
Prick the dough with a fork. This will help the hardtack to cook evenly and prevent it from blistering.
Bake the hardtack at a low temperature. Hardtack is traditionally baked at a temperature of 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help the hardtack to dry out slowly and evenly.
Let the hardtack cool completely. Once the hardtack is baked, let it cool completely before storing it. This will help the hardtack to harden and become crispy.

Conclusion:

Hardtack is a simple but versatile food that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It can be eaten plain, crumbled into soups and stews, or used as a breadcrumb substitute. Hardtack is also a great way to use up leftover bread. If you have some stale bread, simply grate it and use it in place of the flour in the hardtack recipe. With a little planning, you can easily make your own hardtack at home. So next time you're looking for a crunchy and satisfying snack, give hardtack a try!