Cheese Crackers Recipe
These homemade Cheese Crackers are a crispy, savory treat made with sharp cheddar and pecorino romano cheeses. Perfectly thin and seasoned with your choice of everything bagel or Italian seasoning, these crackers have a delightful cheesy flavor and satisfying crunch. Ideal for snacking or serving with dips and cheeses, they are baked to golden perfection and easy to make at home.
- Author: Dylan
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20-24 crackers 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cheese Mixture
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 6 oz. white sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 3 oz. pecorino romano cheese (shredded)
Dough & Seasoning
- 1.25 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons cold water
- 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning or Italian seasoning
- Mix Cheeses and Butter: Place the unsalted butter, shredded sharp cheddar, and pecorino romano cheeses into the mixing bowl of a stand mixer. Using a stand or electric mixer, combine on medium/high speed for 5-6 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and fully integrated.
- Combine Flour and Salt: Whisk the kosher salt into the all-purpose flour thoroughly. Gradually add this flour mixture to the cheese and butter bowl while mixing on low speed. The mixture will start to form a dry crumble.
- Add Cold Water: Slowly add cold water by teaspoons into the bowl while mixing. Continue until a cohesive dough forms.
- Form and Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two balls, then flatten each into a disk shape. Wrap the disks tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Preheat Oven: When ready, remove dough from fridge and preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll Out Dough: Place a piece of parchment paper on your counter and roll each dough disk out into a large rectangle less than 1/8 inch thick. Ensure the dough is very thin for crisp crackers.
- Add Seasoning: Sprinkle your chosen seasoning generously over the rolled dough. Gently roll the seasoning into the dough using your rolling pin.
- Cut Crackers: Use a ruler to mark 1-inch wide by 7-8 inch long strips. Carefully cut along these lines with a pizza cutter or pastry cutter, avoiding cutting the parchment paper beneath.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the parchment with cut crackers to a large baking sheet, spacing crackers so they do not touch.
- Freeze Before Baking: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to firm the crackers, helping maintain shape during baking.
- Bake Crackers: Bake at 375°F for 15-17 minutes until crackers are lightly browned and crisp.
- Cool: Remove from oven and immediately peel the parchment paper off the baking sheet, transferring the crackers to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Make sure the dough is rolled very thin (less than 1/8 inch) for a crispy texture.
- Using cold water helps form a firm dough; add water gradually to avoid a sticky dough.
- Freezing the crackers before baking helps them keep their shape and become crisp.
- Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Store cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Keywords: Cheese Crackers, Homemade Crackers, Sharp Cheddar Crackers, Savory Snack, Baked Cheese Crackers