Make Your Own Tasty Cheese Crackers at Home
Unwind with a satisfying snack! This simple recipe guarantees eight scrumptious cheese crackers to curb your cravings.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz sharp Cheddar cheese (grated, 225g)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 3 tbsp McCormick Spice Blend
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
- 3 tbsp ice-cold water
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 228
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 8g
Preparation:
- Warm up your oven to 180°C or 350°F.
- Combine grated sharp Cheddar cheese, room-temperature butter, kosher salt, and McCormick Spice Blend in a large mixing bowl. Blend until well-mixed.
- Gradually introduce flour and ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing after each addition, until dough comes together. If dough appears dry, add a touch more water.
- Divide dough into two halves, shape each half into a flat disc, wrap in cling film, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll out dough to 1/8-inch (1/2 cm) thickness. Patch any rips or cracks along the edges.
- Cut rolled dough into 2.5-inch squares. Pierce a hole in the center of each square with a toothpick for ventilation while baking.
- Arrange crackers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, allowing adequate spacing between them.
- Bake crackers for 13 minutes or until they turn a golden-brown color.
- Bon appétit!
Beyond the Basics:
Enhance your homemade cheese crackers with a few variations! Some tasty options include:
- Spice Blend: Experiment with different spice blends, such as Italian, garlic, or a custom blend of your choice.
- Cheese Selection: Try using Monterey Jack, Parmesan, or other favorite cheeses for a unique twist.
- Add-ins: Mix in other flavorful ingredients like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or flaxseed for added crunch and taste.
Want to lend your crackers an extra artisanal touch? Take a look at the enrichment section below for tips on perfecting your homemade cheese crackers.
Crafting Cheese Crackers with a Fine Touch
For further guidance on spinning your own cheese crackers to perfection, review the following hints and techniques, adapting these tips as needed:
- Slicing Cheese: Shredding cheese is a quicker option, but slicing might improve both appearance and texture if desired. To slice sharp Cheddar cheese for crackers, simply use a cheese plane or a knife with a long, sharp blade.
- Dough Preparation: Incorporate flour gently to avoid overworking the dough, ensuring your homemade cheese crackers arrive beautifully crisp and crunchy.
- Cutting Shapes: Meticulously cut your dough into consistent shapes to achieve uniform cooking times and an aesthetically pleasing presentation. Make your cutting experience smoother by chilling the dough until it's firm before cutting or pressing it with a cookie cutter.
- Baking Grace: Monitor your crackers closely for optimal browning and that perfect crunch. Overcooking can yield a burnt appearance and harden the texture, while undercooking might leave them too soft.
