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Homemade Cheddar Cheese Crackers

These homemade cheese crackers are crisp, flaky bites packed with sharp cheddar cheese flavor. Made by mixing cold butter into flour, then rolling and cutting the dough into small squares, they bake to a golden, crunchy finish with a warm, buttery aroma. Perfect for snacking or sharing, they combine simple ingredients into a nostalgic yet sophisticated treat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 20
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold, cut into small cubes
  • 3-4 tablespoons cold milk add gradually until dough comes together
  • pinch paprika or smoked paprika optional, for flavor

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone mat
  • Grater
  • Pastry cutter or sharp knife
  • Rolling pin

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, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. Using a grater, shred the sharp cheddar cheese and set it aside for mixing.
  4. Cut the cold butter into tiny cubes, then add it to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces.
  5. Add the grated cheese to the mixture and stir to distribute evenly.
  6. Gradually pour in the cold milk, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork or spatula until the dough just starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix.
  7. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it just a few times until it forms a smooth ball. Flatten into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes.
  8. Once chilled, roll the dough out to about 3mm (1/8 inch) thickness. Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to cut into small squares or rectangles.
  9. Transfer the cut crackers onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1cm apart. Lightly brush the tops with a little milk or beaten egg, and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt and paprika if using.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crackers are golden around the edges and crispy. Keep an eye on them after 10 minutes to prevent overbaking.
  11. Remove from the oven and let the crackers cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely and develop their full crunch.
  12. Enjoy your homemade cheese crackers immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to keep them crisp and flavorful.

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle herbs or spices on top before baking. Chilling the dough helps achieve flaky layers and prevents spreading. Keep a close eye during baking to get perfectly golden, crispy crackers.