Description
Ina Garten’s Chipotle Cheddar Crackers are crispy, flavorful homemade crackers with a perfect balance of smoky chipotle heat and sharp cheddar cheese. These savory bites are easy to make with simple ingredients, rolled into a dough log, sliced, and baked to golden perfection, making them an ideal snack or party appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for flouring
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle powder (or to taste)
- 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Flaked sea salt for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the unsalted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, and salt until a loose dough forms. Then on low speed, add ground chipotle powder, minced jalapeño, and black pepper, blending just until everything is incorporated to avoid overmixing.
- Form Dough Log: Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and roll it into a log approximately 1 1/2 inches wide. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap, shaping it evenly as you wrap.
- Chill Dough: Refrigerate the wrapped dough log for at least 30 minutes to firm up, which will make it easier to slice and maintain shape during baking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Slice and Flatten: Unwrap the chilled dough and cut it into 1/2 inch slices. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Lightly flatten each slice using the bottom of a flat measuring cup or mug. Optionally, sprinkle flaked sea salt on top for added flavor.
- Bake: Bake the crackers in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, or until the bottoms are just beginning to brown, indicating crispiness.
- Cool: Remove the crackers from the oven and transfer them to a wire cooling rack. Allow them to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving to achieve maximum crispness.
Notes
- The crackers are crispy and have just the right amount of smoky heat from the chipotle and jalapeño.
- Make sure to chill the dough sufficiently to help the crackers hold their shape during baking.
- You can adjust the amount of chipotle powder and jalapeño according to your preferred spice level.
- Sprinkling flaked sea salt on top enhances the flavor and adds a delightful texture contrast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cracker
- Calories: 73
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
