Savory Cheddar Crisps
These irresistible Savory Cheddar Crisps are the perfect blend of richness and flavor, making them an excellent choice for appetizers or snacks. Originating from The Food Network Kitchens Cookbook, this recipe has been slightly tweaked to enhance its mouth-watering qualities. Featuring a delightful mix of sharp cheddar cheese, unsalted butter, and a hint of Dijon mustard, these homemade crackers are sure to impress your guests and family. Topped with your favorite herbs and spices like dill, thyme, sesame seeds, or coarse salt, you can easily customize them to suit any palate. Perfect for gatherings or just a tasty treat for yourself, these crisps are beyond delightful with a creamy dip or enjoyed solo!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
1.5 cups (whisked)
fine salt
1/4 teaspoon (added to flour)
unsalted butter
8 tablespoons (softened)
extra-sharp cheddar cheese
4 ounces (grated)
Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons (added to cheese mixture)
hot paprika
a pinch (included in flour mixture)
toppings (optional)
to taste (e.g., caraway seeds, herbs, coarse salt)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, fine salt, and hot paprika until evenly mixed.
2
In a food processor, combine the softened unsalted butter, grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese, and Dijon mustard. Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3
Gradually add the flour mixture to the cheese mixture, processing until the dough comes together into a stiff mass.
4
Divide the dough into three equal portions. Roll each piece into a log approximately 1 inch in diameter and 9 inches long.
5
Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for optimal firmness.
6
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
7
Remove the logs from the refrigerator and unwrap them. Slice each log into coins about 1/4 inch thick.
8
Arrange the sliced coins on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart.
9
Gently press your choice of toppings onto each coin – think caraway seeds, fresh herbs, or coarse salt for flavor.
10
Bake the crackers in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
11
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Cheddar Crisps?
Savory Cheddar Crisps are homemade, buttery cheese crackers made with extra-sharp cheddar, Dijon mustard, and a hint of paprika.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for extra-sharp cheddar cheese to provide a rich and robust flavor.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but you should reduce or omit the additional fine salt in the flour mixture to avoid over-salting.
How do I prepare the dough?
Mix flour, salt, and paprika, then process butter, cheese, and mustard in a food processor before combining the two mixtures into a stiff mass.
What is the purpose of the food processor in this recipe?
The food processor is used to blend the softened butter, grated cheese, and mustard into a smooth, creamy base for the dough.
How long should I refrigerate the dough?
The dough should be refrigerated for at least one hour, though overnight is recommended for the best firmness.
Why do the dough logs need to be chilled?
Chilling the dough logs makes them firm enough to slice into clean, even coins without the dough sticking or deforming.
What size should the dough logs be?
Divide the dough into three portions and roll each into a log approximately 1 inch in diameter and 9 inches long.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit or 220 degrees Celsius.
How thick should I slice the crackers?
Slice the chilled logs into coins that are approximately 1/4 inch thick.
How long do the crisps take to bake?
Bake the crackers for 12 to 15 minutes until they reach a golden brown color.
What toppings can I add to these crackers?
You can use caraway seeds, fresh dill, thyme, sesame seeds, or coarse salt as toppings.
How do I apply the toppings?
Gently press your chosen toppings onto the surface of each sliced coin before placing them in the oven.
Should I use parchment paper on my baking sheets?
Yes, lining the baking sheets with parchment paper prevents sticking and ensures even browning.
How much space should I leave between the crackers on the sheet?
Arrange the sliced coins on the baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
What is the texture of these cheddar crisps?
They have a rich, buttery, and crispy texture similar to high-quality homemade crackers.
Does the recipe include mustard?
Yes, two teaspoons of Dijon mustard are included to enhance the savory flavor of the cheese.
Can I substitute hot paprika?
Yes, you can use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor or mild paprika if you prefer less heat.
How should I cool the crackers after baking?
Allow them to cool on the pans for a few minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Are these crackers suitable for appetizers?
Absolutely, they are perfect for gatherings and pair excellently with various creamy dips.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: flour, salt, butter, cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, hot paprika, and optional toppings.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe is adapted from The Food Network Kitchens Cookbook.
Can I make the dough by hand?
Yes, if you do not have a food processor, you can use a pastry blender or a fork to cream the butter and cheese.
How should I store the finished crisps?
Store the cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness.
Is the cheese grated or sliced for the dough?
The extra-sharp cheddar cheese should be grated before being mixed into the dough.
How much flour is needed?
The recipe requires 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour.
Can I freeze the dough logs?
Yes, the logs can be frozen for up to a month; thaw them slightly in the fridge before slicing.
What type of salt should be mixed into the flour?
The recipe calls for fine salt to be whisked with the flour.
Are these crackers spicy?
They have a very mild kick from the pinch of hot paprika, but they are generally savory rather than spicy.
Can I use different types of cheese?
While sharp cheddar is recommended, you could experiment with other hard cheeses like Gruyere or Parmesan.