Cheddar Crackers
These homemade Cheddar Crackers are a delightful and crunchy snack made with sharp cheddar cheese and simple ingredients, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Freshly Shredded For the best flavor, use freshly shredded cheese.
- 1/2 cup Salted Butter, Softened Ensures a rich mouthfeel.
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt Enhances flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Adds a slightly spicy kick.
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper, Freshly Ground For warmth and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder Infuses an aromatic charm.
- 1/2 cup Pecans, Finely Chopped Provides a delightful crunch.
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Binds the ingredients together.
Instructions
Preparation
- Beat shredded cheddar and softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for three minutes until light and fluffy.
- Sprinkle in kosher salt, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and garlic powder; beat until evenly mixed.
- Mix in all-purpose flour one half cup at a time, blending slowly at first. If the cheese is dry, add one to two tablespoons of ice water.
- Gently stir in finely chopped pecans.
- Divide dough in half, roll each into a log about one inch in diameter. Wrap in parchment or plastic wrap, and chill for at least thirty minutes.
Baking
- Unwrap dough logs and cut thin rounds about one-eighth inch thick.
- Space them on a lined baking sheet, ensuring they have room to crisp up beautifully.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake crackers for about fifteen minutes until golden.
- Cool on a rack to allow them to become even crispier.
Notes
To maintain freshness, store the crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can freeze the dough logs before slicing for later use.