How to Make Crunchy Homemade Cheese Crackers

Homemade cheese crackers are a delightful snack that’s both satisfying and fun to make. They are perfect for a cozy evening at home, a fancy party platter, or a healthy snack for kids. The best part about making your own cheese crackers is that you know exactly what’s going into them—no preservatives or artificial flavors, just pure, cheesy goodness. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling a tray of golden, crispy crackers out of the oven that you crafted with your own two hands. Here’s a simple guide to making your own crunchy homemade cheese crackers.

Ingredients:

1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons (half a stick/56 grams) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
8 ounces (about 2 cups/227 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy kick)
2-3 tablespoons ice water

Equipment:

Food processor
Rolling pin
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Sharp knife or pizza cutter

Let’s Get Crackin’!

1. Blend Dry Ingredients and Butter:
First, add your flour, salt, and if you’re using it, cayenne pepper, into the bowl of your food processor. Drop in the pieces of butter. Pulse the mixture several times until it looks like coarse breadcrumbs. This process helps to evenly distribute the butter, which will give your crackers their delightful flakey texture.

2. Add Cheese:
Pour in your grated cheese. Sharp cheddar is fantastic for a bold taste, but feel free to experiment with other types like Parmesan, Gouda, or a mix! Pulse again until the mixture combines and starts to take on the texture of damp sand.

3. Bring The Dough Together:
Here’s where it gets a bit tricky. You’ll need to add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, pulsing after each addition. After about 2 or 3 tablespoons, the dough should start clumping together. If it feels too dry, add a bit more water; just don’t let it get too wet.

4. Chill Out:
Turn your dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap, form it into a disk, then wrap it up tightly. Refrigerate for at least an hour, or even overnight. This chilling time helps the dough to firm up, which makes it easier to roll out.

5. Preheat and Prepare:
When you’re ready to proceed, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.

6. Roll and Cut:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your dough until it’s about 1/8 inch thick (as thin as a coin). The thinner you roll, the crunchier your crackers will be. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into small squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.

7. Bake to Perfection:
Carefully transfer your cut crackers onto your prepared baking sheet. They don’t expand much, so you can place them quite close together. Poke each one in the center with a fork to prevent them from puffing up too much. Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for around 12-15 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a golden brown.

8. Cool and Enjoy:
Allow the crackers to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This waiting time (the hardest part!) is crucial as it lets the crackers become perfectly crunchy.

Tips for Perfect Cheese Crackers:

Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, dried herbs, or even some smoked paprika for an extra kick.
Cheese Varieties: Mixing different types of cheese can yield interesting flavors. A bit of Parmesan, for instance, can add a nice sharpness.
Storage: Store your cooled crackers in an airtight container to keep them crunchy. They usually last well for about a week, if you can resist them that long!

Making homemade cheese crackers is simpler than you might think and is a great way to impress your friends and family with your baking prowess. Plus, the ability to customize the crackers to your taste preferences makes this a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Happy baking!