Cheesy Zesty Crunchers
Unearth the deliciousness of Cheesy Zesty Crunchers, a gourmet snack originally crafted by the culinary innovator Shirley Corriher at Roosters in Greensboro, North Carolina. This tantalizing recipe transforms ordinary saltine crackers into an addictive delight, combining the creamy richness of extra sharp cheddar with a symphony of spices. Perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings or any festive occasion, this dish invites creativity, allowing you to explore different cheeses and seasoning combinations. Master the art of crunch and discover why these crackers have taken the culinary world by storm at CT Classic. Whether enjoyed as a snack or an appetizer, Cheesy Zesty Crunchers are sure to impress your family and friends!
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Keebler's Zesta fat-free saltine
1 (1 sleeve)
Seasoning of choice (pueblo rub recommended)
1 (teaspoon)
Hot pepper flakes
to taste
Extra sharp cheddar cheese
10 (ounces, grated fine)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 475°F and position a rack in the center. Prepare a 10x15-inch jelly-roll pan by spraying it lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
2
Carefully arrange approximately 40 saltine crackers in snug rows on the prepared pan, ensuring they touch each other to form a solid layer.
3
Evenly sprinkle your choice of seasoning over the crackers, followed by a generous dash of hot pepper flakes. Aim for about five flakes per cracker, adjusting to your desired level of heat.
4
Top the seasoned crackers with the grated cheese, distributing it evenly to cover all the crackers.
5
Bake the crackers in the preheated oven for exactly one minute to melt and begin browning the cheese. After one minute, turn off the oven and leave the pan inside for a minimum of 8 hours or overnight. This allows the cheese to crisp up as it cools and infuses the crackers with flavor.
6
Once thoroughly cooled, break the crackers apart. Enjoy them immediately, or store in an airtight tin, where they will remain fresh for several weeks.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
11g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Zesty Crunchers?
Cheesy Zesty Crunchers are a gourmet snack that transforms ordinary saltine crackers into an addictive delight using extra sharp cheddar and spices.
Who originally created the Cheesy Zesty Crunchers recipe?
The recipe was originally crafted by the culinary innovator Shirley Corriher.
Where was this recipe first developed?
It was first created at Roosters in Greensboro, North Carolina.
What type of crackers are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for Keebler's Zesta fat-free saltine crackers.
What kind of cheese is used in Cheesy Zesty Crunchers?
The recipe uses 10 ounces of finely grated extra sharp cheddar cheese.
What is the required oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 475 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long should the crackers be baked?
The crackers should be baked for exactly one minute before turning the oven off.
Why do the crackers need to stay in the oven after it is turned off?
Leaving them in the oven allows the cheese to crisp up as it cools and helps infuse the crackers with flavor.
How long should the crackers remain in the cooling oven?
They should stay in the oven for a minimum of 8 hours or overnight.
What seasoning is recommended for these crackers?
A seasoning of your choice is used, with pueblo rub being a recommended option.
How many hot pepper flakes should be added per cracker?
It is recommended to aim for about five hot pepper flakes per cracker, adjusted to your heat preference.
How should the crackers be arranged on the pan?
Arrange approximately 40 crackers in snug rows so they touch each other to form a solid layer.
What size baking pan should I use?
A 10x15-inch jelly-roll pan is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prepare the baking pan?
Prepare the pan by spraying it lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
Where should the oven rack be positioned?
The oven rack should be positioned in the center of the oven.
Are Cheesy Zesty Crunchers a good appetizer for Thanksgiving?
Yes, they are perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings or any festive occasion.
How should the finished crackers be stored?
Once thoroughly cooled, break them apart and store them in an airtight tin.
How long do the crackers stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight tin, they will remain fresh for several weeks.
How many calories are in a serving of Cheesy Zesty Crunchers?
There are 150 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 10g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 11g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 5g of protein.
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe invites creativity and allows you to explore different cheeses and seasoning combinations.
Is this a make-ahead recipe?
Yes, because they require 8 hours to cool in the oven, they are an ideal make-ahead snack.
How many main ingredients are needed?
There are 4 main ingredients: saltines, seasoning, hot pepper flakes, and extra sharp cheddar.
Are these crackers considered spicy?
They can be spicy depending on how many hot pepper flakes you choose to add.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that transforms simple pantry staples.
What is the consistency of the cheese after cooling?
The cheese becomes crisp and infused into the cracker.
Can I enjoy these crackers immediately?
They should only be enjoyed after they have thoroughly cooled for at least 8 hours in the oven.
What makes these crackers gourmet?
The combination of high-quality extra sharp cheddar, specific seasonings, and a unique baking technique elevates them to a gourmet status.