For the first time in Daring Baker history, we were all been handed one unique challenge that required absolutely no modifications to make it vegan, or even gluten-free, if you so desired. Finally, hundreds of skilled and passionate bakers putting down the butter and eggs to make a vegan treat! Exciting as that prospect sounded, I have to admit I wasn’t crazy about the idea of making lavash crackers. After all, crackers are crackers, and how hard is it to make crunchy, unleavened bread? Thus, I made my first critical error of underestimating this seemly simple recipe.
You see, I had never made crackers with yeast before- And why would you? Most crackers are more like savory cookies, sometimes with a pinch of baking powder or soda thrown in to lighten things up, but certainly not enough to give the dough lift. Unaccustomed to this extra element, I’m certain I let those unbaked diamonds sit for too long and therefore let them begin to rise. As a result, my crackers came out puff, crisp on the outside, but slightly soft on the inside; Much more like toasted pita bread than delicate crackers, crunchy through and though.
Such care that is necessary to go into these most basic snacks! Sadly, this was already my second attempt, having failed miserably to make my original batch gluten-free, and I wasn’t about to start it for a third time. With the oven tied up by innumerable batches of cupcakes and muffins for events, this semi-soft biscuit would have to do. Luckily, it tasted pretty darn good, despite its textural flaws. Flavored with toasted sesame seeds, sesame oil, and a generous pinch of garlic powder, it hardly needed any accompaniment to be enjoyed.
Of course, the challenge also called for a dip to go alongside these savory morsels, so I decided to pair my crackers with a caramelized onion dip. Dead simple and endlessly versatile, this ended up being my favorite aspect of the assignment. Whether it was spread on toast or mashed into a twice baked potato, this stuff was worth slogging through the uncooperative crackers, and then some.
With a base of tofu, it even has decent nutritional value, and far more protein than your average onion dip. Give it a try; even if the crackers aren’t the best, you won’t even know when you dip them in this!
Caramelized Onion Dip

Classic caramelized onion dip gets a new life with a creamy, dairy-free base.
Ingredients
- 3 Medium Onions, Diced
- 3 Tablespoons Vegan Butter
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- Black Pepper, to Taste
- 1 12-Ounce Package Extra-Firm Silken Tofu
- 1 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 Cup Nutritional Yeast
Instructions
- Set a saute pan over medium heat and begin by melting the butter. Add in the oil once the butter is liquefied, and then dump in all of the onion, tossing to coat. Turn the heat down to medium-low, and continue to cook gently for 40 – 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Incorporate the spices and salt, cooking for an additional 10 minutes until amber brown and nicely caramelized. Slide the onions out onto a plate and let cool.
- Pull out your food processor and completely puree the tofu, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary so that there are no lumps remaining. Blend in the mustard, garlic powder, and nutritional yeast. Finally, add the caramelized onions, and pulse to combine, making sure not to over do it so that you still have nice chunks of onions.
- Transfer the dip into an air-tight container, and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld together and intensify. Serve at room temperature.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 84Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 319mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 3g
I’m sorry they didn’t turn crispy, but puffy and all they look delicious! Specially with that onion dip! =)
Looks good to me and the dip looks amazing as well! Great job
they do look like pita chips, which i think are totally delicous! i was surprised, too, by the addition of yeast here…seemed strange to me. that dip looks fabulous–i will definitely keep it in mind!
That dip sounds delicious! And I actually intentionally rolled them thick on more than one occasion to have pita points! I’m with you though, the first time I read through the recipe, I thought it would be too easy…I was wrong indeed!
Your crackers still look and sound delicious to me and that dip sounds wonderful….something I will have to remember to try!
They look fantastic!!
Probably a little more rolling to make it crispier but nonetheless, they look really good and I’d have them as a snack anytime. Love the choice of dip too.
Your Lavash Crackers still look particularly good and tempting! I love that dip! A great idea!
Cheers,
Rosa
Yummie, I would like to dip in my crackers in your dip! :-)
I haven’t had onion dip in years. This sounds great and not a nutritional black hole like the typical stuff.
Maybe they weren’t crisp, bbut your crackers look very good. I made an oniony dip too.
sorry they didn’t turn out exactly as you imagined, but they are still lovely, and sound delicious, too!
Maybe I shouldn’t say this, but I think I’d like your soft pita-like “crackers” better than actual lavash! (Not a big fan of the crunch). And your dip would be extraordinarily delicious on anything!
FAAABULOUS Daring Bakers Challenge – love the “pita style” chips!! And that caramelized-onion dip makes a perfect accompaniment :0)
They maybe aren’t crispy, but they look so tasty! Some of my crackers were so crispy that they lost their taste :)
I love caramelized onions – I think your dip sounds delicious!
The dip sounds divine!
The crackers AND dip sound lovely! =)
Fantastic looking crackers!
Good for you for even trying twice! They look lovely, but I understand that when you want the cracker crunch, you are not looking for soft centered. The dip sounds like something I could enjoy way too much!! Yum!!
That dip looks le yum!
The caramelized onion dip sounds fantastic. It is amazing how easy it is to underestimate the complexity of making crackers. I had my own set of challenges. However, in the end, they tasted wonderful. Good job.
Crispy or not, the crackers look delicious! I only let mine rise for about an hour since it was so warm here….. That onion dip looks like the perfect accompaniment!
Finally a vegan cahllenge! I need to get hold of that recipe, but meanwhile I will eat tons of your caramelized onion dip!
Great job fellow baker :-)
My crackers came out exactly the same. I guessing I can partially remedy that by rolling the dough thinner next time – maybe split it between two baking sheets? But they tasted great nonetheless.
Your dip sounds great. Hooray for the first Daring Alt Bakers Challenge!
mmmm sesame garlic lavash chips + caramelized onion dip sounds so good right about now! i’ll have to try this some time soon :)
I am totally going to make that dip, it sounds great!
Your chubby lavash are adorable and oh boy your dip must be delicious!
Oh my, that dip sounds delicious! It’s a shame that your crackers rose, but I bet they still tasted good.
The dip really looks terrific, and I actually like the crackers slightly thick and soft in the middle, but that might just be my personal taste.
That dip looks outstanding!
The onion dip sounds delicious!
I just made crackers for the first time a few weeks ago. I didn’t roll the first batch thin enough and they were thick and chewy, but delicious nonetheless. The dip sounds and looks awesome!!
The crackers look delicious and caramelized onion dip sounds so good! Great job!
Even though they didn’t turn out crispy, you’re softer, puffy crackers looks awesome! And, oh my goodness- that dip!! I’m drooling right now.
You selected such wonderful flavors for your crackers and spreads and the pictures you posted are gorgeous!
sorry they didn’t quite work out for you, they look really yummy… i love the tofu onion dip.. that looks so good !
I think your lavash look terrific! Some of mine came out a little chewy too. I love that onion dip. It’s something I would definitely enjoy! Well done!
The crackers turned out so cute! That dip, Hannah! Love that dip!!
What a brilliant first challenge. Love love love the dip too. Welcome to Daring bakers!! Well done!!
That’s so nice that you didn’t have to veganize anything this time. What a relief! I know someone who will be eternally grateful for your onion dip. Thank you!
First time for crackers with yeast for me, too! Sorry they didn’t turn out quite like you’d intended… but they still look lovely!
I had a batch that seemed pita-like as well, but nevertheless they sure tasted good! Yours look fantastic, and the caramelized onion dip looks sinfully delicious.
I’m sorry your lavash didn’t come out as planned, but I’m glad they tasted good – because they look mighty good.
And that dip? Yumfreakingyum. Great idea! Carmelized onions are my favorite topping in most anything.
That dip sounds great! Who says crackers have to crack?! Mine were on the softer side too!
Great job! The dip sounds great!
Looks lovely! I really want to make it now, but I don’t have nutritional yeast…what is a good substitute for it?
Gorgeous work, Hannah! I’m sure everything was delicious. I am making that dip soon!
Your dip looks amazing – I love the flavor of caramelized onions!
Mmm, caramelized onion dip. Now that sounds so good.
You’ve made me curious how the pita crackers taste like :)
Love the dip you made!
They look amazing, esp with that dip. I could bathe in onions; I love them that much.
Your onion dip looks wonderful and sounds like a good “launching pad” for all kinds of variations! I make some of my own crackers as well, but I’ve never tried using yeast. Even if yours didn’t turn out quite as you intended, they sure look good.
Melissa
hmmmm nice crackers and dip :-)
Loving the onion dip recipe. So intrigued with the addition of nutritional yeast!
Caramelized onion dip makes everything taste better!
This was my first time using yeast in a cracker dough too. The end result tasted good, but isn’t about to replace to my favourite cracker recipe. Your crackers look great despite the unexpected puffing up – I’d certainly eat them, especially with that dip :9
My crackers were more like flat breads too. I am told I needed to roll them out even thinner…but they were very tasty!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was a fun challenge!!
Your crackers look great! I loved how easy the recipe was, actually, I can’t wait to make again! The onion dip recipe – have to try it out!
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