Hardtack: How to make, and eat, Hard Tack the original 25 year shelf life MRE For Pennies

What is Hardtack? 

Hardtack is a dry, hard biscuit made from just flour, water, and sometimes salt. It’s been used for centuries by sailors, soldiers, and pioneers because it’s cheap to make, lasts for an extremely long time, and is nearly indestructible. Sometimes called ship’s biscuits or survival crackers, hardtack is one of the longest-lasting foods you can store, known to last for decades (There are even examples still left over from over a century ago, though we wouldn't suggest eating those).

It earned the nickname “tooth breaker” for good reason—eating hardtack without prepping it can be a dental risk!

In this article, we will discuss how to make Hardtack as well as an easy go to hardtack recipe and some great adjustments to be used for both short-term storage or extremely long storage times. Hardtack is a food that lasts 25 years or more if stored properly,  making it the perfect emergency survival food.

Why Hardtack Still Matters

Even with freeze-dried meals and modern rations, hardtack remains a smart addition to any emergency kit:

• Shelf life of 25 years or more

• No refrigeration needed

• Incredibly cheap to make

• Can be eaten plain or softened into soups, stews, or coffee

• Stores flat and compact—ideal for a bug out bag or food cache

It’s simple survival food that just works.

How to Make Hardtack  

 Today we'll cover two recipes, one designed for extremely long food storage capabilities and one with a considerably shorter shelf life with higher nutritional content, and tastes much better but still makes excellent backpacking and camping snacks.

Here's a traditional recipe for hardtack, you can also grab our waterproof hardtack tip card that explains the process and you can easily keep it on hand! 

Ingredients and Tools for Making Hardtack

You’ll need:

• 2 cups flour (any kind, but white flour works best)

• 1/2 to 3/4 cup water

• 1 tsp salt (optional)

• Oven or fire-safe baking setup

• Knife or fork (for scoring and venting)

⚙️ How to Make Traditional Hardtack (Step-by-Step Recipe)

This hardtack recipe makes long-lasting, durable survival biscuits perfect for emergencies, camping, or historical reenactments. Here's how to make them the traditional way:

🥣 Ingredients:

• 1 lb (about 3 ⅓ cups) all-purpose flour

• ½ tablespoon salt

• ½ pint (1 cup) water

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🔥 Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Combine dry ingriedents

   • In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.

1. Mix the dough 

   • Slowly add the water, mixing as you go.

   • Stir until a stiff, workable dough forms — similar to biscuit or pie dough.

1. Roll out the dough

   • Flour a clean surface and roll the dough to about ½ inch thick.

   • Uniform thickness helps it dry evenly and store longer.

1. Cut into squares

   • Traditionally, hardtack is cut into 3" x 3" squares.

   • You can use other shapes, but even sizing ensures even baking.

2. Poke ventilation holes

   • Use a fork or skewer to poke holes in a grid pattern, just like saltine crackers.

   • This helps prevent puffing and ensures complete drying.

1. Bake – first round

   • Place pieces on an ungreased baking sheet.

   • Bake for 25–45 minutes, or until lightly golden on the bottom.

2. Flip and bake again

   • Turn each piece over and bake another 25–45 minutes until golden brown.

3. Final drying step

   • Turn off the oven but leave the hardtack inside to cool slowly and dry out fully.

   • This step helps it become shelf-stable.

🧂 Optional Variations:

• Add a pinch of sugar or for a savory option add additional salt, and herbs if you’re not planning on long-term storage.

• Use rye, whole wheat, or other grains for a more rustic flavor.

How to Store Hardtack

Store your finished hardtack in an airtight container like a sealed Mylar bag, vacuum-sealed pouch, or mason jar with oxygen absorbers. Keep it in a cool, dry place.

Properly prepared and stored hardtack can last 25 years or more without going bad.

🍪 Short-Term Hardtack Recipe – A Tasty Trail Ration (2–3 Month Shelf Life)

Looking for a more flavorful version of traditional hardtack? This short-term variation adds sweeteners, nuts, fruit, and spices for a tastier take on the classic survival food. Perfect for hiking, camping, or rotating pantry stock.

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🥣 Ingredients:

• 1 lb (about 3 ⅓ cups) all-purpose flour

• ½ tablespoon salt

• ½ tablespoon sugar (or sweetener like honey or brown sugar)

• ½ pint (1 cup) water

• Dried nuts (to taste)

• Dehydrated or freeze-dried fruits (to taste)

• Optional seasonings: cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, etc.

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🔥 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Mix dry ingredients
   In a large bowl, combine:

   • Flour

   • Salt

   • Sugar or sweetener

1. Add water slowly
   Pour in the water a little at a time, mixing until a thick dough forms.

2. Add flavor and texture
   Mix in:

   • Dried nuts

   • Dehydrated or freeze-dried fruits

   • Seasonings to taste (e.g., cinnamon or nutmeg)

3. Roll out dough
   On a floured surface, roll the dough to about ½ inch thickness.

4. Cut and poke

   • Cut into 3" × 3" squares (or desired size)

   • Use a fork to poke holes across the surface, like a saltine cracker.

5. Bake – first round

   • Place on an ungreased baking sheet

   • Bake for 25–45 minutes, until the bottom is golden.

6. Flip and finish

   • Turn over and bake another 25–45 minutes until both sides are golden brown.

7. Dry completely

   • Turn off the oven

   • Let the hardtack cool and dry inside the oven for maximum crispness.

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📦 Shelf Life Note:

This version is NOT long-term storage friendly.
The added sugar, fruits, and nuts make it more nutritious and flavorful, but also reduce shelf life to 2–3 months. It’s perfect for:

• Short-term food prep

• Trail snacks

• Rotational pantry meals

• Camping or hiking provisions

Replace regularly to maintain freshness.

🍽️ How to Eat Hardtack Without Breaking a Tooth

Hardtack is famously hard, nicknamed “jawbreaker” for good reason.
You can eat it dry, but we don’t recommend it unless you’re trying to impress someone with your dental insurance.

Here are some of the most common (and creative) ways to soften, cook, and enjoy your hardtack:

🥄 The Dunk Method (a Classic)

The most common way to eat hardtack is to soak it in liquid for several minutes like an Oreo on survival mode. Drop your piece into water, coffee, milk, or even liquor and let it sit for 5–10 minutes.

Then carefully take a bite. The inside can still be rock-hard, so go slow, this isn’t a race, it’s a rescue mission for your molars.

🍳 Fried Hardtack

After soaking, toss your softened hardtack into a skillet with:

• Leftover cooking grease

• Butter or oil

Fry until golden brown for a crispy patty or biscuit-like treat. It adds texture and flavor, and feels less like chewing a ceramic tile.

🧼 Slow Suck (aka “The Gnaw”)

No time to cook? Pick a corner and gnaw or suck on it slowly.
Over time, it will soften in your mouth and become easier to chew.

This method:

• Requires no prep

• Takes a while (but keeps your hands busy)

• Was a common method among soldiers and sailors

Great for on-the-go snacking when boiling water isn’t an option.

🍓 Smothered Hardtack

In many countries, hardtack is still eaten with jam, jelly, or soft cheese.

• Soak it first

• Smother it with something tasty

• Treat it like a cracker or biscuit base

This is a great way to add flavor and calories without much prep.

🍯 Sweet Crumble

Looking for a dessert-style treat? Try this:

• Loosely crumble your softened hardtack

• Add butter and sugar (or honey)

• Add a splash of water, milk, or liquor

• Mix until it resembles chunky pudding or a sweet mush

It’s not exactly five-star dining—but in the wild, it’s surprisingly satisfying.

🍗 Hardtack Breadcrumbs

You can crush hardtack into fine crumbs and use it like Panko.

• Use as a coating for frying

• Sprinkle over soups or stews for texture

• Mix with seasonings to make survival stuffing

🍲 Hardtack as a Soup Thickener

Grind your hardtack finely and add it to thin broths, soups, or gravies. It acts like a thickening agent and bulks up a meager meal.

Just a spoonful of crumbs can stretch your food supply and add extra calories.

Now Make your Hardtack and Let us Know How it Goes!

Now that you know how to make Hardtack the ultimate DIY survival rations, give Hardtack a go, and let us know how it went for you! For hundreds of years, into the modern age, Hardtack has hung around for one simple reason. It works! It's one of the cheapest and easiest survival foods you can make in bulk and is perfect for experienced preppers to beginners!

If you want a waterproof, weatherproof hardtack recipe card reminding you about exactly how to cook Hardtack, grab the Grim Workshop Hardtack recipe Tip Card or check out all our other awesome Weatherproof Survival Tip Cards 

Hardtack FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

Q. What is hardtack?
A. Hardtack is a simple, long-lasting biscuit made from flour, water, and sometimes salt. It has been used for centuries as a durable survival food, especially by sailors, soldiers, and pioneers. Hardtack is extremely dry and hard, making it resistant to spoilage for years when stored properly.

Q. What does hardtack taste like?
A. Hardtack has a very plain, slightly floury taste. Because it is made with just a few basic ingredients, it doesn’t have much flavor on its own. Many people soak it in water, broth, or coffee to soften it and enhance the taste.

Q. How long does hardtack last?
A. Properly stored hardtack can last for decades, if not longer! It was historically used as a military ration because it could remain edible for years. Keeping it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place ensures maximum shelf life.

Q. How do you eat hardtack?
A. Since hardtack is extremely hard, it’s best to soften it before eating. Some common methods include:

• Soaking it in water, soup, or coffee for a few minutes
• Frying it in oil or butter to make it crispier
• Breaking it into smaller pieces and mixing it with other foods

Q. Is hardtack a good survival food?
A. Absolutely! Hardtack is lightweight, compact, and incredibly shelf-stable, making it an excellent survival food. It provides basic carbohydrates for energy and pairs well with other long-term storage foods like jerky, dried fruit, and canned goods.

Q. Can I make hardtack at home?
A. Yes! Making hardtack is simple and requires just three ingredients: flour, water, and salt. Mix them into a dough, roll it out, cut into squares, poke holes to prevent puffing, and bake at a low temperature until completely dry. Store in an airtight container for long-term storage.

Q. Does hardtack get moldy?
A. Hardtack rarely molds if stored correctly because it has almost no moisture. However, if exposed to humidity, it can absorb moisture and become soft, leading to potential mold growth. Always keep it sealed in a dry place to prevent spoilage.

Q. Where can I buy hardtack?
A. Hardtack is available online and at specialty survival, military surplus, and historical reenactment stores. You can also make your own at home with minimal effort.

Q. How do you eat hardtack without breaking your teeth?
A. The key is to soften it first. Try:

• Soaking in coffee, broth, milk, or water

• Frying it in oil or butter after soaking

• Crumbling it into soups or stews

• Breaking into small chunks and sucking on it slowly

Never bite into it dry unless you enjoy dentist visits.

Q. Is hardtack a good survival food?
A. Yes. Hardtack is an ideal survival food—it’s:

• Lightweight and compact

• Extremely shelf-stable

• Easy to make at home

• A solid source of long-lasting carbohydrates

Pair it with jerky, nut butter, or dried fruits for a more balanced meal.

Q. Can I make hardtack at home?
A. Absolutely. Just mix 1 lb flour, ½ pint water, and ½ tbsp salt into a dough. Roll it out, cut into squares, poke holes, and bake it low and slow until dry and golden brown.
Check out our full DIY Hardtack Recipe for step-by-step instructions.

Q. What are the ingredients in hardtack?
A. The classic version includes just:

• All-purpose flour

• Water

• Salt (optional for flavor)

Some modern recipes add sugar, honey, dried fruits, or spices for short-term storage and better taste.

Q. What’s the best way to store hardtack?
A. Store hardtack in:

• Vacuum-sealed bags

• Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers

• Airtight containers in a dry, dark location

Avoid humidity at all costs—moisture is hardtack’s worst enemy.

Q. Is hardtack gluten-free?
A. Traditional hardtack is not gluten-free since it’s made with wheat flour. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flours, but shelf life and texture may vary, so though it might last just as long, use caution and check it regularly.

Q. Where can I buy hardtack?
A. You can sometimes find hardtack at:

• Historical reenactment shops

• Military surplus stores

• Online survival retailers
  But you can easily make your own with just a few basic ingredients and an oven.

Q. Can kids eat hardtack?
A. Yes, but only if it’s softened first. Never give dry hardtack to children—it’s too hard and could be a choking or dental hazard.

About Grim Workshop

Grim Workshop designs compact, high-quality survival and EDC tools built for everyday life and worst-case scenarios alike.

Founded in Texas and run by a tight-knit family team, Grim Workshop has spent nearly a decade creating tools that pack maximum utility into a minimum footprint. Our gear is flat, stackable, reusable, and built to stay ready when you are.

We believe survival tools shouldn't be left at home. That's why everything we make fits seamlessly into your everyday carry, your bug out bag, your Altoids tin, or your pocket no bulk, no gimmicks, just real tools for real people.