Cheese and crackers are natural companions, either as an afternoon snack or as an appetizer. Cheese shops and markets have numerous crackers to try (check out this tasting guide to gourmet crackers). Or, you can make your own crackers. Making homemade crackers is easier than you might think. Plus, it's often healthier because no preservatives or unnecessary ingredients are used.

Because there aren't any preservatives in homemade crackers, they don't tend to keep as long as store-bought crackers. I find that most homemade crackers taste best if eaten within a few days of being made

1. Butter Thins

This homemade cracker tastes a lot like Wheat Thins. A thin flakey texture and salty, slightly sweet flavor is dangerously addictive. Easy to make, and loved by both kids and adults.More »

2. Cheese Crackers

Combine the best of both worlds with these crackers that are made with cheese and taste quite a bit like Cheese Nips. A delicious, savory treat that can be served alongside a cheese plate or as a snack on its own. These crackers are also a great snack for kids.More »

3. Olive Oil & Sea Salt Crackers

There's lots to love about these simple but elegant crackers You can also add other seasonings, such as fresh herbs, if you want to change the flavor.More »

4. Garlic Parmesan Flax Seed Crackers

Thin, crunchy and low-carb crackers made from ground flax seeds and parmesan cheese. You can also watch this video that illustrates how to make flax seed crackers.More »

5. Tex-Mex Butter Cracker

Super-buttery, flaky crackers that are like eating savory shortbread. You can go with the Tex-Mex flavor, or omit the chile powder and try other seasonings. Filling enough to snack on alone or to serve as an appetizer.More »

6. Raw Flax Crackers

For raw food enthusiasts, these dehydrated (not baked) crackers are made primarily from whole flax seeds with a few seasonings thrown in. If you're looking for a crunchy cracker, this is it.More »

7. Gluten-Free Herb Cracker

Made from amaranth flour, arrowroot, almond meal and Herbs de Provence - a combination of thyme, sage, rosemary, basil, lavender, savory, fennel seed, marjoram, tarragon, oregano, and bay leaf- this cracker has a crisp texture and herbal flavor. You can omit the Herbs de Provence and use any seasoning you like.More »

8. Low-Carb Sesame Crackers

Cheesy crackers made from sesame seeds, almond meal and grated cheese. Two teaspoons of mustard powder give the crackers just a little bit of kick.More »

9. Vegan "Saltine" Crackers

Similar to the well-loved Saltine cracker sold in stores, these thin, golden crackers can be topped with sea salt or sesame seeds. Kids will love to eat these crackers and help make them.More »

10. Red Onion & Thyme Crispbread Crackers

Dairy-free crackers made from soy products like soy milk and tofutti cream cheese.More »