Description
Ina Garten’s Chipotle Cheddar Crackers deliver a spicy, cheesy twist on classic homemade snacks. Sharp cheddar and smoky chipotle peppers combine for an irresistible appetizer that elevates your cheese board or party spread with bold, crumbly elegance.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 0.5 pound (225 grams) aged Cheddar, such as Grafton 2-year, grated
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (150 grams) all-purpose flour
- 0.25 pound (1 stick, 115 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
Seasonings:
- 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 grams) ground chipotle powder
- Kosher salt
- Flaked sea salt, such as Maldon
Instructions
- Combine softened butter, finely grated Cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, chipotle powder, and kosher salt in an electric mixer bowl fitted with a paddle attachment. Gradually introduce water and mix at low speed until ingredients begin to integrate.
- Gradually increase mixer speed to medium, continuing to blend for approximately 30 seconds until the mixture forms cohesive, large dough clusters.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly dusted work surface. Carefully shape into an elongated log measuring 12 inches (30 centimeters) long and 1.5 inches (4 centimeters) in diameter.
- Encase the dough log completely in plastic wrap, ensuring a tight seal. Refrigerate for a minimum of 60 minutes to allow proper chilling and flavor development. Optional: dough can be stored in refrigerator for several days or frozen up to 4 months.
- Preheat conventional oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining with parchment paper.
- Remove chilled dough from refrigerator and slice into precise ½-inch (1.25 centimeters) thick rounds using a sharp knife.
- Arrange cracker rounds strategically on prepared baking sheets, maintaining approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) spacing between each piece. Delicately sprinkle flaked sea salt across the surface.
- Bake in preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, monitoring until crackers achieve a uniform golden-brown coloration.
- Remove from oven and allow crackers to cool directly on baking sheets or transfer to a wire cooling rack. Serve at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top to boost flavor and add an irresistible crunch that makes these crackers absolutely addictive.
- Slice chilled dough into precise ½-inch rounds using a sharp knife, guaranteeing uniform baking and gorgeous golden edges.
- Refrigerate the dough for a minimum of one hour, allowing it to firm up and become easier to handle and slice cleanly.
- Grate Cheddar cheese super fine to help it melt seamlessly into the dough, creating a rich, even cheesy taste throughout.
- Work with butter straight from the refrigerator, ensuring it’s cold but pliable enough to mix smoothly into the cracker dough for maximum flakiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cracker (of 26 total crackers)
- Calories: 88
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 19mg