How to Make Hardtack: The Ultimate Survival Biscuit

Hardtack is a simple, long-lasting survival food that has been used for centuries. Made with just three ingredients—flour, water, and salt—this durable biscuit is easy to prepare and can last for years when stored properly. Here’s how you can make your own batch of hardtack at home.

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. Dissolve the salt in the water.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the salted water with the flour. Start with a fork, then use your hands to knead the dough. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit of water—but be careful not to make it too sticky.
4. Knead the dough until it has a slightly dry, clay-like texture.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it’s just under ½ inch thick.
6. Cut the dough into 3-inch squares and place them on an ungreased baking pan.
7. Using a stick, poke 16 evenly spaced holes into each square, making sure they go all the way through. This helps the biscuits bake and dry evenly.
8. Bake for 2 hours, then flip the squares over and bake for another 2 hours.
9. Turn off the oven and allow the hardtack to cool inside.
10. For extra dryness and longer shelf life, turn the oven back on to 250°F and bake for an additional hour with the oven door slightly open.

If you’re making a large batch, rotate your trays between the upper and lower racks to ensure even cooking. If needed, add 30-40 minutes to the baking time to account for heat loss when opening the oven.