Cheese Crackers Recipe
Cheese Crackers: A Tasty Snack Adventure
There’s something undeniably delightful about homemade cheese crackers. If you’re anything like me, you’ll agree that nothing beats the crunch of a perfectly baked cracker paired with your favorite dips or enjoyed straight from the oven. This recipe captures that heavenly blend of sharp cheddar and pecorino romano, creating a snack that elevates everything from family movie nights to sophisticated cocktail parties.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes these cheese crackers truly special? They are not only budget-friendly but are also a breeze to whip up. Perfect for entertaining or as a casual snack, these little bites of goodness can be made in advance and frozen, ready to bake at your leisure. The robust cheesy flavor accompanied by your choice of seasoning – be it everything bagel or classic Italian – ensures that you’ll impress your family and friends alike.
"These crackers are a game changer! The cheese flavor is incredible, and the texture is perfectly crunchy. They disappear as fast as I can bake them!" – A satisfied home cook.
The Cooking Process Explained
Making these cheese crackers involves a few straightforward steps that will have you feeling like a seasoned pro in the kitchen. With just a bit of mixing, rolling, cutting, and baking, you’ll have a delicious batch ready to enjoy. Here’s a quick overview of what’s involved: blend cheeses with butter, incorporate dry ingredients, form the dough, chill, roll, cut, and finally bake. Easy, right? Let’s dive into the details.
Gather These Items
To make these delightful cheese crackers, you’ll need:
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 6 oz. white sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 3 oz. pecorino romano cheese (shredded)
- 1.25 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons cold water
- 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning or Italian seasoning
These ingredients combine beautifully, but feel free to experiment with different cheeses or spices to suit your taste!
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Mix the Base: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the butter, cheddar cheese, and pecorino romano on medium-high speed for 5-6 minutes until smooth and combined.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the salt with the flour. Gradually add this mix to the cheese mixture on low speed, letting it come together into a dry crumble.
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Form the Dough: Slowly incorporate cold water, one teaspoon at a time, until a dough begins to form. Divide the dough into two balls and flatten them into disks.
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Chill the Dough: Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour to firm up.
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Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375ºF. On a piece of parchment paper, roll out the dough into a large rectangle that is less than ⅛ inch thick. Sprinkle your seasoning of choice over the dough and roll it in lightly to embed the flavors.
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Cut & Freeze: Using a ruler for measurements, cut 1-inch wide by 7-8-inch long squares with a pizza cutter. Carefully transfer the parchment to a baking sheet, ensuring none of the squares touch. Freeze for 15-20 minutes to maintain their shape while baking.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, or until they begin to brown. Remove from the oven, and while still hot, slide the parchment onto a cooling rack.
How to Plate and Pair
These cheese crackers are best served fresh out of the oven, offering an irresistible aroma and crunch. Pair them with creamy dips like hummus or spinach artichoke dip for a delightful appetizer. They also complement a cheese platter beautifully, inviting a mix of textures and flavors.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To store leftovers, let the crackers cool completely and place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them even longer, they can be frozen! Just ensure they are in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply bake from frozen for about 5 minutes at 375ºF.
Pro Chef Tips
- Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling the dough is essential for achieving that perfect crisp texture. It helps the butter solidify, which prevents excessive spreading during baking.
- Roll Evenly: When rolling out your dough, aim for an even thickness. Thin crackers bake up crisp, while thicker ones will remain chewy.
- Experiment with Flavors: Spice it up! Try mixing in herbs or spices into the dough for added flavor. Think garlic powder, crushed red pepper, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations to try:
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for a fun spin on flavor.
Your Questions Answered
How long do these cheese crackers take to make?
From start to finish, including chill time, plan for about 2 hours, but most of that is passive time while the dough chills.
Can I substitute the cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to use whatever cheese you have on hand, but keep in mind that flavor profiles may change.
Are these cheese crackers safe to freeze?
Yes, they freeze beautifully! Once baked, just store them in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll keep well for up to three months.
With this cheese crackers recipe, you’ll unlock not just a delicious snack, but a world of flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Happy baking!
Cheese Crackers
Ingredients
Method
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the butter, cheddar cheese, and pecorino romano on medium-high speed for 5-6 minutes until smooth and combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the salt with the flour. Gradually add this mix to the cheese mixture on low speed, letting it come together into a dry crumble.
- Slowly incorporate cold water, one teaspoon at a time, until a dough begins to form. Divide the dough into two balls and flatten them into disks.
- Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour to firm up.
- Preheat your oven to 375ºF. On a piece of parchment paper, roll out the dough into a large rectangle that is less than ⅛ inch thick.
- Sprinkle your seasoning of choice over the dough and roll it in lightly to embed the flavors.
- Using a ruler for measurements, cut 1-inch wide by 7-8-inch long squares with a pizza cutter.
- Carefully transfer the parchment to a baking sheet, ensuring none of the squares touch. Freeze for 15-20 minutes to maintain their shape while baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, or until they begin to brown. Remove from the oven, and while still hot, slide the parchment onto a cooling rack.
