Chef John's Cheesy Crackers

Name: Chef John's Cheesy Crackers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 0.5 teaspoon vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature; 0.75 cup lightly packed shredded sharp Cheddar cheese; 0.33333334326744 cup lightly packed freshly shredded Parmesan cheese; 0.5 teaspoon paprika; 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 0.5 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon cold water, or as needed

4.6

(150)

122 Reviews

40 Photos

These crunchy, crispy crackers have a big, bold cheese flavor. They're vastly superior to anything you can get at the store. You can change up the cheeses and the spices. It's really a fun thing to play around with.

By Chef John

Updated on November 10, 2022

40

Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

15 mins

Additional Time:

45 mins

Total Time:

1 hrs 20 mins

Servings:

36

Yield:

3 dozen crackers

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

½ teaspoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
¾ cup lightly packed shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
⅓ cup lightly packed freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon paprika
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cold water, or as needed

Directions

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease with vegetable oil.
Place butter into a mixing bowl; add Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix together with the back of a spatula until thoroughly combined.
Mix flour into cheese mixture with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle in cold water, 1 or 2 drops at a time, and mix with spatula until it comes together in a dough that holds its shape when squeezed.
Transfer dough to a work surface and press into a thick, flattened disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Roll dough out on a floured work surface to about 1/8-inch thick. Use a pizza cutter to cut 1-inch wide strips from the dough. Cut strips crosswise into rectangles about 1 1/2-inches long. Use the back of a bamboo skewer to punch 5 small holes into each cracker. Arrange crackers onto prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven until crackers are browned and crisp, about 15 minutes. Let stand about 3 minutes for crackers to cool and release from the foil. Let cool completely before serving.

Kris Miller

Cook's Note:

This is a half recipe. You should double to make enough for a party.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

25	Calories
2g	Fat
1g	Carbs
1g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 36
Calories 25
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 2g	2%
Saturated Fat 1g	5%
Cholesterol 5mg	2%
Sodium 44mg	2%
Total Carbohydrate 1g	1%
Dietary Fiber 0g	0%
Protein 1g
Calcium 27mg	2%
Iron 0mg	1%
Potassium 6mg	0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.