Fresh & Crunchy: Ina Garten’s Blue Cheese Crackers Recipe
Crisp, buttery crackers with a bold blue cheese flavor have long been a favorite appetizer for gatherings.
These blue cheese crackers, inspired by Ina Garten’s classic recipe, deliver a sophisticated crunch that will impress every guest at the table.
The combination of sharp cheese and delicate pastry creates a mouthwatering bite that’s impossible to resist.
Flaky and rich, these homemade crackers elevate any cheese board or cocktail hour spread.
Each cracker offers a perfect balance of tangy blue cheese and delicate butter, melting seamlessly on your palate.
The recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
You’ll love how these elegant crackers make entertaining both easy and elegant.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 42 minutes
Calories: 170 kcal
Servings: 20
What You’ll Mix for Ina Garten’s Blue Cheese Crackers
For The Cheese Base:
Stilton Cheese: Brings bold, tangy flavor with rich creamy texture; choose a high-quality, well-aged blue cheese for deeper taste profile.
Butter: Provides smooth consistency and rich undertones; select unsalted butter for better control of salt levels.
For The Dry Ingredients:
All-Purpose Flour: Creates sturdy cracker structure; sift to remove any lumps and ensure smooth dough.
Kosher Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and balances cheese's intensity; adjust to personal preference.
Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity; freshly ground offers more vibrant flavor.
For The Finishing Elements:
Walnuts: Delivers delightful crunch and nutty dimension; toast lightly before coating for enhanced aroma.
Egg: Provides golden sheen and helps nuts adhere to cracker surface; use room temperature egg for smoother application.
Water: Helps bind dough together; use cold water for better texture.
Equipment for Crisp Blue Cheese Crackers
Electric Mixer with Paddle Attachment: Essential for smoothly blending Stilton and butter, then mixing dry ingredients.
Cutting Board: Perfect for shaping the log and rolling in walnuts.
Sharp Knife: Needed for thinly slicing the cracker log.
Rolling Pin: Helps roll the dough into a smooth 12-inch log.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
Baking Sheet: Used for baking crackers evenly.
Parchment Paper: Prevents crackers from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
Bake Blue Cheese Crackers Ina’s Way
Cheesy Cracker Adventure
Creamy Mixture A silky blend of Stilton and butter whipped together in an electric mixer until smooth and dreamy.
Dough Creation Sprinkle flour, salt, and pepper into the mixer, blending until delightful crumbly texture forms. Add just a splash of water to bring everything together.
Log Shaping Gently roll the dough into a beautiful 12-inch log on a floured surface. Brush the exterior with a light egg wash for a golden finish.
Nutty Coating Scatter chopped walnuts on a cutting board. Roll the log through the nuts, pressing gently to create a crunchy exterior. Wrap in plastic and let chill in the refrigerator for a quick 30 minutes.
Oven Preparation Warm the oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit, creating the perfect baking environment.
Slice and Arrange Cut the chilled log into thin, delicate rounds. Arrange these tasty morsels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ready for transformation.
Golden Perfection Bake until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown, about 22 minutes. Rotate the pan midway for even browning. Let cool and enjoy your homemade treasure.
Add-Ons and Alternatives for These Crackers
Experiment with different blue cheese varieties like Roquefort or Gorgonzola for unique flavor profiles.
Swap walnuts for pecans, almonds, or pistachios to add unexpected crunch and nutty depth to your crackers.
Sprinkle dried herbs like thyme or rosemary into the dough for an aromatic twist that elevates the cheese flavor.
Freeze the unsliced log for up to 3 months, allowing you to have homemade crackers ready at a moment's notice.
Pair these crispy crackers with wine, charcuterie boards, or crumble over salads for an elegant gourmet touch.
How to Serve Blue Cheese Crackers Nicely
Serve Alongside Appetizers: Pair these blue cheese crackers with a charcuterie board filled with cured meats, olives, and soft cheeses for an elegant pre-dinner spread.
Pair with Wine: Match these tangy crackers with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a bold Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich blue cheese flavor.
Create Party Snack Platter: Arrange these crackers on a rustic wooden board with fig jam, honey, fresh grapes, and a selection of soft and hard cheeses for a stunning appetizer display.
Enjoy as Cocktail Companion: Serve these crackers during cocktail hour with a classic martini or a refreshing gin and tonic, letting the crisp, savory cracker enhance your drink experience.
Store Ina’s Crackers Without Losing Crunch
Batch Prep Brilliance: Whip up multiple logs of these blue cheese crackers and store them in the refrigerator for quick entertaining or spontaneous snacking moments.
Freeze for Future Feasts: Wrap the unsliced dough log tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.
Smart Serving Strategy: Keep baked crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for 5-7 days. Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain crisp texture.
Chilled Dough Convenience: Store the raw dough log in the refrigerator for up to 4 days before baking, allowing you to slice and bake fresh crackers whenever guests arrive or hunger strikes.
Blue cheese crackers elevate classic appetizer fare with Ina Garten’s sophisticated twist. Crisp crackers combine sharp blue cheese, sharp cheddar, and delicate herbs for an elegant snack you’ll savor with wine or cocktails.
Ingredients
Scale
8 oz (226 g) Stilton cheese, crumbled
½ cup (60 g) roughly chopped walnuts
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ lb (113 g, 1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 extra-large egg
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon water
Instructions
Cheese Preparation: Whip Stilton and butter in an electric mixer using paddle attachment until smooth and creamy, creating a uniform mixture.
Dough Formation: Gradually blend flour, salt, and pepper into cheese mixture at low speed, forming textured crumbles. Introduce water to bind ingredients, transforming mixture into a cohesive dough.
Log Shaping: Transfer dough to floured surface and shape into a precise 12-inch elongated log. Brush entire surface with egg wash, ensuring complete coverage.
Walnut Coating: Roll log through chopped walnuts, pressing gently to create an even, crunchy exterior that adheres firmly to the dough.
Chilling Process: Wrap log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 days, allowing flavors to meld and develop complexity.
Baking Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Unwrap chilled log and slice into thin, uniform crackers using a sharp knife.
Baking and Finishing: Arrange crackers on parchment-lined baking sheet, maintaining spacing. Bake for 22 minutes, rotating pan midway to ensure even golden browning. Cool completely on baking sheet to achieve maximum crispness before serving.
Notes
Cheese Selection Matters: Use high-quality Stilton for rich, authentic flavor and creamy texture in the crackers.
Dough Consistency is Key: Mix ingredients just until large crumbles form to prevent overworking and tough crackers.
Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerating the log helps develop deeper taste and makes slicing easier with clean edges.
Walnut Coating Technique: Press nuts gently but firmly into the log for even, crunchy exterior coverage.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.