Description
Ina Garten’s Stilton & Walnut Crackers deliver a sophisticated blend of sharp cheese and nutty crunch. Elegant appetizers perfect for cocktail parties, these crackers invite guests to savor complex flavors that complement fine wines and gourmet conversations.
Ingredients
Scale
main ingredients:
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 8 ounces (226 grams) Stilton cheese, crumbled
- ¼ pound (113 grams) unsalted butter
seasonings and spices:
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
additional ingredients:
- ½ cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1 extra-large egg
- 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
Instructions
- In a stand mixer equipped with a paddle attachment, thoroughly blend the butter and Stilton cheese until achieving a smooth, homogeneous texture, approximately 1 minute.
- Gradually incorporate the flour, salt, and pepper into the creamed mixture on low speed, mixing until coarse crumbles develop. Introduce of cold water and continue mixing until the dough begins to consolidate.
- Transfer the partially combined dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Carefully roll and shape the mixture into a uniform 12-inch / 30 centimeter cylindrical log.
- Delicately brush the entire surface of the log with egg wash, ensuring complete coverage.
- Distribute chopped walnuts evenly across a flat surface. Gently roll the log through the nuts, applying light pressure to ensure maximum nut adherence.
- Tightly encase the walnut-coated log in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the dough to firm and flavors to meld. The log can be stored up to 4 days in advance.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F / 180°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for even heat distribution.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the chilled log into precise ⅜-inch / 1 centimeter rounds. Arrange crackers with slight spacing on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 22 minutes, rotating the pan midway through to guarantee uniform golden coloration. The crackers should emerge light and crisp.
- Allow crackers to cool completely on the baking sheet, enabling them to achieve optimal crispness. Serve at room temperature as an elegant appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Rotating the baking pan ensures even browning, giving crackers a perfect golden color and consistent texture throughout.
- Slicing the dough log requires precision with a sharp knife, cutting each cracker to a uniform ⅜-inch thickness for ideal crispness.
- Rolling walnuts around the dough log creates a delightful crunchy exterior that adds robust nutty flavor and attractive visual appeal.
- Chilling the wrapped dough log helps crackers maintain their shape and develop deeper flavor before baking, preventing spread and ensuring crisp edges.
- Bringing ingredients like butter and Stilton to room temperature guarantees smooth blending and creates a more cohesive, flavorful cracker dough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 282 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 245 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 41 mg