Title: Easy Garlic and Herb Parmesan Crackers Recipe
Crackers have a special place in the snack world. Whether it’s for a casual snack, a side for your soup, or a fancy cheese platter, crackers fit the bill perfectly. But have you tried making your homemade Garlic and Herb Parmesan Crackers? If not, prepare yourself to be pleasantly surprised at how simple and rewarding it is to create these crispy, flavorful delights from scratch. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that’s sure to impress your tastebuds and guests alike!
Ingredients:
Before starting, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 3-4 tablespoons cold water
Equipment:
Make sure you have the following tools:
– A large mixing bowl
– A pastry cutter or fork
– Rolling pin
– Parchment paper
– Baking sheet
– Oven
Preparation Steps:
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Preheat Your Oven: Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven reaches the desired temperature by the time you’re ready to bake.
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Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Make sure the ingredients are well-mixed and evenly distributed.
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Incorporate the Butter: Add the 4 tablespoons of cold, cubed butter to the bowl with your dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour mixture. You’re aiming for a crumbly texture, where the butter pieces are no bigger than peas.
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Add Parmesan Cheese: Once your mixture is crumbly, stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until everything is well-combined.
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Bind the Dough: Add 3 tablespoons of cold water to the mixture, and mix until a dough forms. If the dough seems too dry, add an additional tablespoon of water. The goal is to have a dough that holds together but isn’t sticky.
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Roll the Dough: Place the dough between two pieces of parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough until it’s about 1/8 inch (a little over 3 mm) thick. Try to keep the dough as even as possible, but don’t stress about getting a perfect shape.
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Cut the Crackers: Remove the top layer of parchment paper, and use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into squares or rectangles—whichever shape you prefer for your crackers.
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Bake: Transfer the entire bottom sheet of parchment paper, with the cut crackers still on it, onto a baking sheet. Because the crackers don’t expand much, it’s okay if they’re close together. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until they are golden and crispy.
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Cool and Enjoy: After baking, let the crackers cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them get even crispier.
Serving Suggestions:
These Garlic and Herb Parmesan Crackers are versatile. Enjoy them as is, or pair them with your favorite dips, cheeses, or soups. They’re perfect for adding an extra touch of homemade sophistication to your snack platters or just munching on them by themselves for a tasty and satisfying treat.
Closing Thoughts:
Making your own crackers might seem like a culinary feat, but as you can see, it’s quite simple and incredibly satisfying. With basic ingredients and a little bit of your time, you can create something that’s not only delicious but also free of preservatives and artificial flavors found in many store-bought varieties. Plus, the joy of pulling your homemade crackers out of the oven and savoring them is unbeatable. Enjoy your baking adventure with these Garlic and Herb Parmesan Crackers, and don’t be surprised if they become a new favorite!