Savory Parmesan Cheese Crackers
These delightful savory crackers are a perfect gourmet addition to your cheese board or as a standalone treat for your next cocktail party. Infused with the rich, nutty flavor of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a hint of spice from various seeds and paprika, these delicate biscuits are as fancy as they are delicious. Easy to prepare in advance, they're perfect for entertaining or a sophisticated snack.
36
Servings
50 kcal
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
100 g (softened)
plain flour
3/4 cup (sifted)
parmesan cheese
100 g (freshly grated)
Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon
egg yolk
1 (whisked with a little cold water)
fennel seeds
to taste
cayenne pepper
to taste
caraway seeds or cumin seeds
to taste ((your preference))
paprika
to taste
Instructions
1
Combine softened butter, sifted flour, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture forms a cohesive dough.
2
Transfer the dough onto a clean surface, shape it into a log approximately 3 cm in diameter. Wrap tightly in cling wrap and refrigerate or freeze until firm.
3
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) and prepare a baking tray with parchment paper.
4
Unwrap the dough and carefully slice into thin rounds. Arrange them evenly on the prepared baking tray.
5
Brush each biscuit lightly with the whisked egg yolk mixture.
6
Sprinkle with your choice of fennel seeds, cayenne pepper, caraway or cumin seeds, and paprika. Use these seasonings according to your preference to achieve desired spiciness and flavor complexity.
7
Bake in preheated oven for approximately 12-15 minutes or until they achieve a golden-brown color. Monitor closely to prevent over-baking.
8
Once baked, transfer the biscuits to a wire rack for cooling.
9
When completely cooled, store the biscuits in an airtight container where they will remain fresh for up to a week.
Nutrition Information
4 g
Fat
2 g
Carbs
1 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Parmesan Cheese Crackers?
These are gourmet savory crackers infused with the rich flavor of Parmesan cheese and various spices, ideal for cheese boards or cocktail parties.
How many crackers does this recipe produce?
The recipe makes approximately 36 crackers.
What is the calorie count for one Parmesan cracker?
Each cracker contains about 50 kcal.
What kind of cheese should I use for the best flavor?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended for its rich, nutty flavor.
How much butter is needed for the dough?
The recipe requires 100 grams of softened butter.
Should the flour be prepared in any specific way?
Yes, you should use 3/4 cup of plain flour that has been sifted.
What role does Dijon mustard play in the recipe?
A 1/4 teaspoon of Dijon mustard is added to the dough to provide a subtle tang and depth of flavor.
What is the best way to mix the cracker dough?
A food processor is the most efficient way to combine the butter, flour, cheese, and mustard until they form a cohesive dough.
What shape should the dough be formed into before chilling?
The dough should be shaped into a log approximately 3 cm in diameter.
Why must the dough log be refrigerated or frozen?
Chilling the dough ensures it is firm enough to be sliced into clean, thin rounds without falling apart.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 180°C (356°F).
How long do the crackers need to bake?
They typically bake for approximately 12 to 15 minutes.
How do I know when the crackers are finished baking?
You should look for a golden-brown color and monitor them closely to prevent over-baking.
What is the purpose of the egg yolk?
The egg yolk, whisked with a little water, is used to brush the crackers so that the spice toppings adhere better.
Which spices can be used as toppings?
You can use a combination of fennel seeds, cayenne pepper, caraway seeds, cumin seeds, and paprika.
How should I store the finished crackers?
Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container.
How long will these Parmesan crackers stay fresh?
They will remain fresh for up to a week if stored properly.
Can I make these crackers ahead of time?
Yes, the dough log can be prepared and kept in the refrigerator or freezer until you are ready to bake.
How much fat is in each cracker?
Each serving contains 4 grams of fat.
What are the protein and carb levels per cracker?
Each cracker contains about 1 gram of protein and 2 grams of carbohydrates.
Do I need to grease the baking tray?
No, it is better to use parchment paper on the tray to prevent the crackers from sticking.
How should the crackers be cooled?
Transfer the baked crackers to a wire rack to cool completely to maintain their crisp texture.
Are these crackers spicy?
They have a hint of spice from the cayenne pepper and paprika, which can be adjusted to your preference.
What size should the dough rounds be sliced?
The dough should be sliced into thin rounds from the 3 cm diameter log.
Can I use cumin seeds instead of caraway?
Yes, you can use either caraway or cumin seeds depending on your flavor preference.
Is it necessary to sift the flour?
Yes, sifting helps achieve the delicate biscuit texture described in the recipe.
What kind of paprika is best for this recipe?
Standard paprika is fine, though you can use smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
How many total ingredients are required?
There are 9 ingredients listed for this recipe.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe calls for butter; if you use salted butter, you may want to skip adding any extra salt.
Are these crackers suitable for a cheese board?
Yes, they are described as a perfect gourmet addition to any cheese board.