Chef John's Cheesy Crackers

4.6
(154)

These crunchy, crispy crackers have a big, bold cheese flavor. They're vastly superior to anything you can get at the store. You can change up the cheeses and the spices. It's really a fun thing to play around with.

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Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Additional Time:
45 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 20 mins
Servings:
36
Yield:
3 dozen crackers
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 36 servings

  • ½ teaspoon vegetable oil

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature

  • ¾ cup lightly packed shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

  • cup lightly packed freshly shredded Parmesan cheese

  • ½ teaspoon paprika

  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 tablespoon cold water, or as needed

Directions

  1. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease with vegetable oil.

  2. Place butter into a mixing bowl; add Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix together with the back of a spatula until thoroughly combined.

  3. Mix flour into cheese mixture with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle in cold water, 1 or 2 drops at a time, and mix with spatula until it comes together in a dough that holds its shape when squeezed.

  4. Transfer dough to a work surface and press into a thick, flattened disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate 30 minutes.

  5. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

  6. Roll dough out on a floured work surface to about 1/8-inch thick. Use a pizza cutter to cut 1-inch wide strips from the dough. Cut strips crosswise into rectangles about 1 1/2-inches long. Use the back of a bamboo skewer to punch 5 small holes into each cracker. Arrange crackers onto prepared baking sheet.

  7. Bake in the preheated oven until crackers are browned and crisp, about 15 minutes. Let stand about 3 minutes for crackers to cool and release from the foil. Let cool completely before serving.

    close up view of Cheesy Crackers in a white bowl
    Kris Miller

Chef's Note

This is a half recipe. You should double it to make enough for a party.

267 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

25 Calories
2g Fat
1g Carbs
1g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 36
Calories 25
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 2g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 5mg 2%
Sodium 44mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 1g 1%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Protein 1g 2%
Calcium 27mg 2%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 6mg 0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.