Hardtack: How to make, and eat, Hardtack the original 25+ year shelf life MRE For Pennies
What is Hardtack?
Hardtack is one of the oldest and easiest to make long-term storage foods that last 25 years or more in storage. Hardtack dates back as far as ancient Rome, and still, it is better known for its role in the American Civil War as food rations. Hardtack has been known to last for decades (There are even examples still left over from over a century ago, though we wouldn't suggest eating those).
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.
Historically Soldiers were known to survive for months on end, almost entirely on Hardtack. However, cases of scurvy were reported due to a lack of vitamin C.
Though it has extremely old origins, today's Hardtack is still extremely simple and hardy, making them perfect emergency survival food. Hardtack shelf life is incredibly long, However, they can even be modified for a great snack (that still has a long shelf life). 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.
Hardtack is still used in some modern-day militaries and can even be found premade online (but it's much cheaper to make yourself)
How to Make Hardtack - Hardtack Recipe
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
- One LB flour
- 1/2 Pint Water
- 1/2 Tablespoon Salt
Directions
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Mix the 1LB flour with the 1/2 Tablespoon of salt with the 1/2 Pint of water in a large bowl by slowly adding in a little bit of flour at the time.
- Roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into 3″x3″ squares (traditional to dry out evenly), or into whatever size and shape you desire.
- Poke holes in the surface, similar to how a saltine cracker looks.
- Put the Hardtack on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake for about 25-45 minutes, flip them over and bake another 25-45 minutes.
- When golden brown on both sides, turn off the oven and let cool inside the oven
How Long Does Hardtack Last and Long Term Storage
How long does Hardtack Last? Up to 25 years if made, and stored properly! For long-term storage place your Hardtack in a food-safe air-tight bag with an oxygen absorber inside Ziploc bags work for this (for optimum prolonged storage capabilities, use heat sealed Mylar) place into a food-safe 5-gallon bucket with lid, and store in a cool, dry place to create a food that lasts 25 years or more if kept properly!
To Make your Short Term Storage Hardtack Recipe 2-3 Months
Ingredients
- One LB flour
- 1/2 Pint Water
- 1/2 Tablespoon Salt
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar (or another sweetener, brown sugar, honey etc.)
- dried nuts to taste
- dehydrated or freeze-dried fruits to taste
- additional seasonings to taste cinnamon, etc.
Directions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Mix the 1LB flour with the 1/2 Tablespoon of salt and 1/2 Tablespoon sugar with the 1/2 Pint of water in a large bowl by slowly adding in a little bit of flour at the time.
- mix in your dried nuts, dehydrated or freeze-dried fruits, and additional seasonings
- Roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into 3″x3″ squares (traditional to dry out evenly), or into whatever size and shape you desire.
- Poke holes in the surface, similar to how a saltine cracker looks.
- Put the Hardtack on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake for about 25-45 minutes, flip them over and bake another 25-45 minutes.
- When golden brown on both sides, turn off the oven and let cool inside the oven
Note: Adding additional ingredients to your Hardtack greatly reduces its shelf life. It's perfect for hiking, camping, or as a short-term storage item but should be replaced every 2-3 months.
How to Eat Hardtack
Hardtack is a notoriously hard biscuit. There are many methods for how to eat Hardtack, each working in its way. I suggest trying several for some variety, but all require you to soften your hardtack somehow as it has (literally) been known to break a tooth if eaten unsoftened and has the nickname "Jawbreaker."
Hardtack has several different methods to cook; since it was a traditionally bland item, there have been several creative ways to eat it discovered through the centuries.
The Hardtack Dunk - Soaking your Hardtack in a liquid (Oreo style) is the most common way to eat it. Drop it into some water, coffee, milk (even some liquor works) for around 10 minutes to let it soften and soak up moisture. Gently take your first bite, as it could still be hard in the middle, and you don't want to break a tooth.
Fried Hardtack - While cooking a meal, you can soak your Hardtack in liquid using the above method. With the leftover oils or grease in your skillet (or, if there is none, some butter or oil), you can toss your softened Hardtack into the skillet and fry it into a nice patty.
Gnawed - breaking off a small piece or picking a corner and sucking on it until it softens will extend the time it takes to eat, which can be a great distraction depending on your needs and requires no preparation for a meal on the go.
Smothered Hardtack - Hardtack is still eaten in many countries, and one favorite way to enjoy it is with Jelly and or soft cheese on top. After softening it, you cover it with several different items to increase its palatability.
Crumbled Hardtack - Add some (about 2 TBSP ) butter and sweetener (sugar, honey, etc.) to your loosely crumbled Hardtack and mix together, adding a little bit of water, milk (or liquor) as needed to get chunky puddling like dessert.
Crushed Hardtack - Crush your Hardtack to get a crumbly mixture, then use it like "Panko" to use as a batter to go outside of other items you could fry.
Hardtack Thickener - you can crush your Hardtack into a finer consistency and use it in a thin broth, soup, or gravy as a thickening agent for a more robust meal.
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
About Grim Workshop
Grim Workshop specializes in high-quality survival, EDC, and outdoor gear designed for preparedness and adventure. We focus on compact, durable, and functional tools that fit seamlessly into your everyday carry or survival kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
