Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (white cheddar, Colby, or gouda can be used as alternatives)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, chopped into pieces
- 2 tablespoons ice water
Toppings
- Cooking spray
- 1 tablespoon Everything Bagel Seasoning, for topping (optional; alternatives: sea salt, ranch seasoning mix, taco seasoning, toasted sesame seeds)
Instructions
- Make the dough: Blend the cheddar cheese, flour, salt, dried basil, oregano, thyme, and garlic powder in a food processor for about 30 seconds until well combined. Add the cold butter and process for another 20 seconds until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the ice water and pulse 10 to 12 times until the dough forms large clumps.
- Chill the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Split into two equal portions and shape each into a square using your hands. Wrap each square tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or up to 2 days for convenience.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 350˚F (175˚C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and unwrap each portion.
- Roll and cut: Roll each dough square on a lightly floured surface into about a 9-inch square. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, first cut into 6 to 8 strips (1 to 1.5 inches wide), then cut perpendicular to make 6 to 8 rows, forming cracker-sized squares.
- Season the crackers: Arrange the cut crackers evenly on the prepared baking sheets. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray and sprinkle with Everything Bagel Seasoning or your choice of topping.
- Bake: Bake for 17 to 18 minutes until the edges are golden brown, rotating the baking sheets halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. For extra crunch, bake up to 20 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Cool and store: Remove crackers from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheets. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
Notes
- The choice of cheese can impact flavor; sharp cheddar gives a classic taste, but gouda or Colby can add interesting twists.
- If you don’t have a food processor, finely grate the cheese and mix ingredients by hand, then cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or fork.
- Ice water helps keep the dough cold and flaky. Add it slowly as needed if the dough is too dry.
- Store crackers in an airtight container to preserve crunchiness and freshness.
- Feel free to customize toppings with your favorite seasonings like ranch mix, taco seasoning, or sesame seeds for varied flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
