Hardtack Recipe (Survival Bread)

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Step 2

Mix the flour, water and salt in a bowl.

Step 3

After mixing completely, the dough should be a little dry (and not stick to your fingers).

Step 4

If your mix is still too sticky, you can add more flour in small increments until the dough is dry enough.

Step 5

Use a roller to spread out the dough on a counter, large cutting board, etc. until it reaches a thickness of roughly 1/3 to 1/2 inches.

Step 6

To prevent sticking to the counter or cutting board, you should spread a little flour on the surface before rolling the dough. Also spread a little flour on top of the dough to prevent the roller from sticking to the dough.

Step 7

Cut the dough into squares (i.e. 3 inch squares). You can create square hardtack “biscuits” by cutting the dough horizontally & vertically on a large cutting board.

Step 8

Poke narrow holes in the hardtack biscuits with a chopstick or fork. The holes should go all the way through to the other side of the hardtack. This prevents the hardtack from puffing up.

Step 9

Place the hardtack biscuits on a baking sheet/tray.

Step 10

Put the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Wear oven mitts.

Step 11

Flip the hardtack over with a spatula and bake for another 30 minutes. Wear oven mitts.

Step 12

Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Wear oven mitts. Then use a spatula to remove the hardtack from the baking sheet. Place the hardtack biscuits on a cooling rack in order to cool down.

Step 13

When completely cooled, place the hardtack in an airtight container.