| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 30 mins – 35 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 130 | 0.5g | 0g | 27g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 0.2g | 1g | 3g | 0.65g |
About Hardtack
Allow me to introduce you to a remarkable bread called Hardtack. This simple yet versatile flour-based delight has a unique place in world cuisine and history. 
Mostly made of common household ingredients such as all-purpose flour, water, and salt, there’s a sense of resourcefulness and resilience to Hardtack that you won’t find in your average bread.
An Unassuming Staple with History
Bread, in all its various forms, has served as a vital food supply for humans for thousands of years, but few varieties of bread can boast having the resilience and storied past of Hardtack. Originally leveraged as a long-lasting food supply by sea voyagers and military forces, Hardtack was renowned for its ability to withstand extreme conditions and maintain its consumable status for prolonged periods. More about this can be found in an informative article by Serious Eats.
A Savory Companion
While Hardtack stands firm as a bread variety in its own right, it also serves as a dynamic and robust base for a myriad of dishes. As an immensely durable source of carbohydrates, it pairs well with protein-rich dishes like salted fish, corned beef, or baked beans, replicating the food pairings of sailors and soldiers in times gone by. For a more contemporary and gourmet perspective, Hardtack can make an ideal accompaniment to a hearty soup, akin to a traditional French boule or Italian bread. A creative spin on the Hardtack pairing can be found in a Bon Appétit article where modern renditions of classic dishes are paired up with this stalwart staple.
While its texture and flavor may be unassuming, Hardtack is a testament to the idea that simplicity is often best when it comes to food. Its humble ingredients and uncomplicated preparation process make it a beacon of self-sufficiency, resourcefulness, and culinary longevity.
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of water
- 2 teaspoons of salt
Method
Step One
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt.
Step Three
Gradually add water to the flour mixture while stirring, until the dough comes together. Note that you may not need all the water, so add it slowly and stop when the dough is firm and not sticky.
Step Four
Flour your hands and knead the dough until it is smooth. Then place the dough on a flat, floured surface and roll it out to about a 1/2 inch thickness.
Step Five
Cut the dough into squares of roughly 3×3 inches. Use a fork to poke holes into each square (about four rows of four holes). This helps the hardtack to cook evenly.
Step Six
Place the squares onto a baking sheet and put in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes.
Step Seven
After 30 minutes, turn over each piece of hardtack. Then bake for another 30 minutes.
Step Eight
Once baked, remove the hardtack from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. The hardtack will continue to dry and harden as it cools.
Step Nine
Store the hardtack in an airtight container. It will last for several months and is a great option for long trips or emergency food supplies.
