Homemade Cheese Crackers
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Fork
- Mixing bowl
- Pizza Cutter
- Rolling Pin
- Skewer or toothpick
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup buttermilk
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt optional
- ½ cup Kraft Macaroni & Cheese cheese topping powder or powder from 2 boxes
- ½ cup all-purpose flour reserved for kneading and rolling
- 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 tablespoons shortening
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cheese powder in a large mixing bowl.
- Cut the shortening into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour in the buttermilk and stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Gradually add part of the reserved flour until the dough is easy to handle.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface.
- Knead for 60 to 90 seconds until smooth.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Roll one-third of the dough to just under 1/16 inch thick.
- Trim the edges with a pizza cutter.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.
- Cut into 1-inch squares.
- Poke a small hole in the center of each square with a skewer or toothpick.
- Sprinkle lightly with salt if desired.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Carefully stir the crackers.
- Bake for another 3 to 5 minutes until lightly golden.
- Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes & Wine Advice
Recipe Notes
Roll the dough as evenly as possible so every cracker bakes to the same crisp texture. Allow the crackers to cool completely before storing because they become even crispier as they cool. Store the crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Serve them with soups, salads, dips, or as part of a cheese or charcuterie board.Wine Advice
A chilled Rosé offers a refreshing contrast to the rich cheese flavor. A light Pinot Noir also pairs beautifully with these crispy homemade crackers.Nutrition values
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About This Recipe
Cheese Crackers are one of the easiest homemade snacks you can bake using everyday pantry ingredients. They have a crisp texture, a rich cheesy flavor, and a satisfying crunch that makes them perfect for snacking throughout the day. Unlike many store-bought crackers, this recipe lets you control the ingredients while creating fresh crackers that taste even better straight from the oven. Whether you serve them with soup, add them to a lunchbox, or enjoy them with your favorite dip, these crackers are always a welcome addition.
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Crackers
These homemade cheese crackers are simple enough for beginner bakers while producing bakery-quality results. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll thin, which is the secret to achieving the perfect crispy bite. They are ideal for anyone who enjoys making snacks from scratch. If you like homemade baking, don’t forget to browse our Snack Recipes, Finger Food Recipes, Cheese Recipes, Rustic Baking Recipes, and American Recipes.
Making Cheese Crackers at Home
Preparing cheese crackers is straightforward. After mixing the dough, allow it to chill before rolling it as thin as possible. Thin dough produces crisp crackers with an even texture and beautiful golden color. Poking a small hole in each cracker helps them bake evenly while giving them their familiar appearance. Once baked, let them cool completely before storing so they stay wonderfully crunchy.
Serving Ideas
These homemade cheese crackers are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with hummus, salsa, spinach dip, soups, salads, and charcuterie boards. They’re equally at home during movie nights, picnics, family gatherings, birthday parties, or packed into lunchboxes for an easy homemade snack. Their rich cheese flavor also makes them an excellent addition to appetizer platters.
Storage and Freshness Tips
Store the crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If they lose a little crispness, place them in a warm oven for a few minutes to refresh their texture. Always allow them to cool completely before storing to avoid trapped moisture. For additional food storage recommendations, visit the FDA Food Safety website.
Cheese Crackers combine simple ingredients, easy preparation, and plenty of crunchy flavor, making them a homemade snack you’ll want to bake again and again.