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Homemade Cheese Crackers

These homemade cheese crackers are crispy, golden-brown snacks with a rich, cheesy flavor reminiscent of vintage snack shop treats. Made with simple pantry ingredients like sharp cheddar, butter, and flour, they are rolled out and baked until crisp, offering a delightful, snackable texture with a satisfying snap. Perfect for nostalgic moments or quick homemade indulgence, they can be customized with spices or different cheeses.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 24
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 80
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2–3 tablespoons ice water cold, not icy
  • reserved extra cheese for sprinkling optional

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone mat
  • Grater
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • Rolling pin
  • Knife or cookie cutter
  • Wire cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and smoked paprika if using to evenly distribute the spices.
  3. Grate the sharp cheddar cheese finely with a grater, then add it to the dry ingredients.
  4. Add the cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, to the bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits.
  5. Gradually pour in 2 tablespoons of ice water, mixing gently with a fork or spatula. Add more water, a teaspoon at a time, until the dough just comes together and feels pliable but not sticky.
  6. Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to relax the gluten and firm the butter.
  7. Remove one portion of dough from the fridge. Lightly flour a clean surface and your rolling pin, then roll out the dough to about 2–3 mm (1/8 inch) thickness into an even sheet.
  8. Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut the dough into small squares or your preferred shape. Transfer the cut crackers onto the prepared baking sheet.
  9. Lightly brush the tops of the crackers with a little water and sprinkle with reserved cheese for extra flavor and rustic appearance.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the crackers are crisp. Keep an eye on them after 10 minutes to prevent over-browning.
  11. Once baked, transfer the crackers to a wire rack and let them cool completely. They will become even crispier as they cool, with a rich cheesy aroma filling your kitchen.

Notes

For extra crunch, bake until edges are deeply golden. Customize with herbs or spices for different flavor profiles. Store in an airtight container for up to a week to maintain crispness.