Description
These homemade cheese crackers are a crispy, savory snack made with sharp cheddar cheese and simple pantry ingredients. Rolled, sliced, and baked to golden perfection, they offer a delightful crunch and rich cheese flavor perfect for snacking or entertaining.
Ingredients
Cheese and Dry Ingredients
- 6 ounces sharp yellow cheddar cheese, shredded (1 and 1/2 cups shredded)
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Butter and Water
- 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into 6 pieces
- 2 Tablespoons cold water
Optional
- Sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients and cheese: Process the shredded cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt together in a food processor until the mixture is combined and uniform, about 30 seconds.
- Add butter to form crumbly mixture: Add cold, cubed unsalted butter to the food processor and pulse until the mixture resembles wet sand, which takes about 20 seconds.
- Incorporate water to form dough: Add the cold water and pulse about 10 times until the dough forms large clumps, indicating it is coming together.
- Chill the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface, divide it in half, and pat each half into a 6-inch square using your hands. If the dough feels dry, moisten your fingers with cold water while patting. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 45 minutes or up to 2 days.
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Set your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Roll out and cut dough: Unwrap each chilled dough square onto a lightly floured surface and roll out into approximately 9-inch squares. Trim the edges with a fluted pastry wheel, pizza cutter, or knife to neatly form an 8-inch square. Cut the dough into 8 strips approximately 1 inch wide, then cut perpendicular crosswise into 1-inch squares to make 64 crackers per square.
- Prepare crackers for baking: Transfer the cracker squares to the prepared baking sheets. Using a skewer or large toothpick, poke a hole in the center of each cracker for even baking and texture. Lightly sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
- Bake the crackers: Bake in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes or until crackers are golden brown around the edges, rotating the baking sheets halfway through baking. For a crunchier texture, bake for up to 20 minutes.
- Cool completely: Remove crackers from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheets, which helps them set and maintain crispness.
- Store appropriately: Store any leftover crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them crispier, keep the container lid slightly ajar to avoid trapping moisture.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential for easier handling and better texture of crackers.
- Poking holes in the crackers before baking helps prevent puffing and ensures a crisp, even bake.
- Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor; milder cheeses will result in a less intense taste.
- Sprinkling sea salt on top is optional but enhances the flavor and adds a nice finishing touch.
- Crackers are best enjoyed within a week and stored properly to maintain crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
