Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 to 3 tablespoons cold water
Optional Spices
- Pinch of paprika
- Pinch of garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Grate the sharp cheddar cheese finely to ensure easy incorporation into the dough. In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the grated cheese. Add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently just until the dough comes together without becoming sticky. Avoid overworking the dough to maintain tenderness.
- Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out thinly to about 1/8 inch thickness. Thinner dough yields crispier crackers. If the dough feels sticky or soft, chill it briefly in the refrigerator before rolling.
- Cut into Shapes: Using a small cookie cutter or knife, cut the dough into squares, rectangles, or fun shapes of your choice. Transfer each piece carefully to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about half an inch apart to allow even baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the crackers for 12 to 15 minutes or until they turn golden and crispy. Monitor closely near the end to prevent burning. Once baked, transfer crackers to a wire rack to cool completely; they will crisp up further as they cool.
Notes
- Use cold butter to ensure flaky, tender texture rather than tough crackers.
- Grate cheese finely for smooth, even flavor distribution.
- Roll the dough evenly to guarantee consistent baking and crispness.
- Chill dough briefly if sticky for easier handling and cutting.
- Keep a close eye on baking time to avoid over-browning or burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 crackers
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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