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Easy Crispy Homemade Sharp Cheddar Cheese Crackers

Close-up of a pile of crispy, golden homemade cheese crackers stacked on a white plate.
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Make satisfying, crunchy cheese crackers from scratch using simple ingredients. These homemade crackers deliver sharp cheddar flavor and a crisp texture perfect for snacking or parties.

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
  • 1 cup (4 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • 1 large egg white, lightly beaten (for brushing)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and cayenne pepper if you are using it.
  2. Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
  4. Gradually add the cold water, mixing just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
  5. Form the dough into a flat disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out very thinly, aiming for about 1/16 to 1/8 inch thickness for maximum crispiness.
  8. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into small squares (about 1 inch). Prick each cracker a few times with a fork.
  9. Arrange the crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets.
  10. Brush the tops lightly with the beaten egg white. This helps them brown and crisp up.
  11. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through, until the crackers are golden brown and crisp.
  12. Let the crackers cool completely on the baking sheets; they will crisp up further as they cool.

Notes

  • For a Cheez It style cracker, cut the squares slightly smaller and bake until very crisp.
  • If you want a low-carb or Keto version, substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour and use a suitable low-carb cheese substitute if necessary, though this recipe focuses on traditional flour for the best crunch.
  • To achieve extra sharp flavor, use aged sharp cheddar cheese.
  • If you prefer a savory ranch flavor, add 1 teaspoon of dry ranch seasoning mix to the dry ingredients.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyfelix.com/easy-crispy-homemade-cheese-crackers/