Oyster crackers: your soup’s best friend and an unsung hero in the snack world. Here’s a peek into their crunchy, salty journey.
- From humble beginnings with hardtack to versatile water crackers, here’s how it all began.
- The origins of the oyster cracker are a mix of legend and tasty trivia.
- The name ‘oyster cracker’ isn’t as straightforward as you might think.
- These crackers are more than just soup toppers—they’ve got a secret life as creative snack mix stars.
To get to the oyster cracker’s origin, you first need to sail through the history of hardtack. Imagine dense, unleavened biscuits that sailors chewed on long voyages since the 17th century. Hardtack was a survival snack, requiring a good dunk in soup to make it palatable.
Next in line comes the water cracker, created by Josiah Bent in 1801. These were lighter and crisper than hardtack, making them a favorite. Baking soda soon joined the party, leading to the birth of saltines in 1832. By 1876, mass production of soda crackers meant more crunch in every bite.
The true origin of the oyster cracker is a delicious debate. Adam Exton from Trenton, New Jersey, claims to have baked the first batch in 1847. Meanwhile, Westminster Bakers Co. in Massachusetts says they were crunching out these mini wonders as early as 1828.
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Despite their name, oyster crackers contain no seafood. They were created to pair with oyster stew, popular in the 1800s. Their shape and use in soups made the name stick. In Philadelphia, they’re often called ‘Philadelphia Cracker’ or ‘Trenton Cracker,’ tipping their hat to the water cracker roots.
Steve Gennodie of Chatham Pier Fish Market loves how oyster crackers boost New England clam chowder. In the 17th century, thin chowders got a hearty upgrade with these crackers. He says they ‘put it over the edge’ and bring the soup to life.
Oyster crackers aren’t as common as they once were, but they’re not going anywhere. Larry Rabin of Dairy State Foods says that while big brands are taking over, the crackers are still essential for chili in Cincinnati and Detroit and chowder in the Northeast. TikTok loves them, too, with viral snack mixes like Tajin or ranch-flavored crackers.
The tradition of enjoying oyster crackers shows no sign of fading. They’ve seen generations through every season, evolving in delightful ways. They’re not just a snack; they’re a culinary staple.
From hardtack roots to a beloved modern snack, oyster crackers are here to stay.
Source: Seriouseats