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Spiced Homemade Cheese Crackers

These baked cheese crackers are crispy, flaky treats made with a simple dough of unbleached flour, sharp cheddar, and butter. Infused with a secret spice blend, they develop a warm, smoky aroma and a satisfying crunch, perfect for snacking and sharing. Their golden appearance and cheesy aroma make them as inviting to look at as they are delicious to eat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour preferably unbleached for a nutty flavor
  • 1 cup aged cheddar cheese shredded for easy mixing
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cut into small cubes for quick incorporation
  • 2-3 tablespoons ice water added gradually to bring dough together
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt lightly season the dough
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika adds warmth and smoky aroma
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a gentle spicy kick
  • 1 egg egg beaten, for optional egg wash

Equipment

  • Rolling pin
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Pastry cutter or fingers
  • Sharp knife or cookie cutter
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

  1. Gather your equipment: a rolling pin, baking sheet, parchment paper, mixing bowls, and a pastry brush. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. This creates a flavorful base with a hint of spice.
  3. Grate the aged cheddar cheese and add it to the dry mixture. Use a spoon to toss and evenly distribute the cheese throughout the flour.
  4. Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with pea-sized butter pieces.
  5. Pour in 2 tablespoons of ice water and gently mix with a fork. Add more water, one tablespoon at a time, if needed, until the dough just comes together.
  6. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead a few times to form a smooth disc. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes to relax the gluten and make rolling easier.
  7. After chilling, roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or cookie cutter to cut into small rectangles or your preferred shapes.
  8. Transfer the cut crackers to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Brush lightly with beaten egg for a glossy finish if desired.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the crackers turn golden brown around the edges and become crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
  10. Remove the crackers from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps develop their crunch.
  11. Enjoy these cheesy, spicy crackers once cooled. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle a little sea salt on top before baking. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or spice blends for personalized variations.