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Homemade Cheese Crackers

Featured in Delightful Bites & Starters.

Make your own crispy cheese crackers with real cheddar cheese using just 6 ingredients. Easy to prepare in a food processor with straightforward instructions. Perfect homemade snack option!
Rehan Magic House Recipes
Recipe by Reham
Updated on Tue, 25 Feb 2025 13:47:56 GMT
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Homemade Cheese Crackers | magichouserecipes.com

Transform simple ingredients into irresistible homemade cheese crackers that deliver bold cheddar flavor in every crispy bite. These golden squares bring the nostalgic taste of your favorite store-bought snacks with none of the artificial ingredients or preservatives. The addictive crunch and rich cheese flavor will have everyone reaching for more.

My journey with homemade crackers began when I realized how much better they taste when made with real cheese and simple ingredients. The satisfaction of creating something typically bought pre-packaged, combined with the rich flavor of quality cheddar, makes these crackers truly special.

Essential Ingredients

  • Sharp cheddar: Provides bold, tangy flavor
  • Cold butter: Creates perfect flaky layers
  • Fresh flour: Forms the ideal crisp base
  • Cornstarch: Adds that distinctive lightweight crunch
  • Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors
Crispy Homemade Cheese Crackers Save this recipe
Crispy Homemade Cheese Crackers | magichouserecipes.com

Creating Your Crackers

Dough Development:
Pulse your ingredients just until they reach that perfect sandy texture. The small bits of butter will create steam pockets during baking, resulting in perfect flakiness.
Chilling Time:
Allow your dough to rest in the refrigerator, giving the flour time to hydrate and the butter to firm up. This crucial step ensures crackers that hold their shape.
Rolling Technique:
Use even pressure when rolling to create uniformly thin crackers. The consistent thickness ensures they'll bake evenly for the perfect crisp texture.
Cutting Precision:
Create clean edges with a sharp knife or pizza cutter, making your homemade crackers look professionally crafted.
Baking Control:
Watch for that golden edge that signals perfect crispness, adjusting time based on how crunchy you prefer your crackers.

Through countless batches of homemade crackers, I've learned that the little details make all the difference. The way the dough comes together, how thinly you roll it, and even how you store the finished crackers all contribute to creating that perfect snack.

Cracker Science

The magic happens as the cold butter creates steam during baking, creating tiny pockets that result in that perfect flaky texture. Meanwhile, the high fat content of the cheese melts throughout the cracker, distributing rich flavor in every bite.

Perfect Pairings

Serve alongside homemade soup for a special lunch. Create a cheese board featuring your handmade crackers. Pair with apple slices and honey for a perfect snack plate.

Creative Adaptations

Add herbs like rosemary or thyme for aromatic variations. Incorporate everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor. Use smoked cheddar for a unique twist.

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Cheesy Baked Snack Crackers | magichouserecipes.com

Storage Success

Store in a container with a slightly loose lid to maintain crispness. Add a piece of paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Refresh stale crackers in a warm oven.

These crackers have become my go-to for entertaining and personal snacking alike. The way they combine simple ingredients with impressive results makes them perfect for both special occasions and everyday enjoyment.

Remember, great crackers are about achieving the perfect balance between rich flavor and satisfying crunch. Take your time with preparation, and enjoy creating a snack that's far better than anything store-bought.

Recipe Tips & Questions

→ Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! Any medium-hard cheese works well. White cheddar, Colby, Gruyère, or Parmesan are all great substitutes. Avoid soft cheeses as they contain too much moisture.
→ Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is crucial for creating the right texture and preventing spreading. The cold butter creates steam pockets during baking, resulting in flaky crackers.
→ Can I add herbs or spices?
Absolutely! Try adding ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, smoked paprika, or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for different flavor variations.
→ What if I don't have a food processor?
You can use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the butter into the flour mixture, then mix in the cheese and water by hand. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
→ How do I know when they're done baking?
Look for golden brown edges and a firm center. For crunchier crackers, bake the full 20 minutes. They'll also crisp up more as they cool.

Easy Homemade Cheese Crackers

Crispy, flaky cheese crackers made with real cheddar and simple ingredients. Better than store-bought and surprisingly easy to make!

Prep Time
60 Minutes
Cook Time
16 Minutes
Total Time
76 Minutes
Recipe by: Reham

Recipe Type: Appetizers & Snacks

Skill Level: Some Experience Needed

Cuisine Style: American

Makes: 128 small crackers

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian

What You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

01 6 ounces sharp yellow cheddar cheese, shredded (1½ cups)
02 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
03 1½ teaspoons cornstarch
04 ¼ teaspoon salt
05 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into 6 pieces
06 2 tablespoons cold water
07 Sea salt for sprinkling (optional)

Let's Cook!

Step 01

Process cheddar cheese, flour, cornstarch, and salt together in a food processor until combined, about 30 seconds. Add butter and process until mixture resembles wet sand, about 20 seconds. Add water and pulse until dough forms large clumps, about 10 pulses.

Step 02

Transfer dough to a lightly floured work surface. Divide in half and pat each into a 6-inch square. (No need to use a rolling pin, just pat with hands.) If the dough feels dry, moisten your fingers with cold water. Carefully wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 45 minutes and up to 2 days.

Step 03

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 04

Unwrap each dough square. Place each on a lightly floured work surface and roll out into a 9-inch square. Doesn't need to be perfect! Using a fluted pastry wheel, pizza cutter, or small sharp knife, trim dough into a neat 8 inch square. Slice square into 8 strips, each 1 inch wide, then make 8 perpendicular slices, each 1 inch wide. Each 8-inch square will have 64 squares (crackers).

Step 05

Place squares on prepared baking sheet. Use a skewer or large toothpick to poke a hole through the center of each. Lightly sprinkle with sea salt, if desired.

Step 06

Bake until golden brown around the edges, about 16-18 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through baking. For crunchier crackers, bake for 20 minutes.

Step 07

Remove from the oven and cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.

Recipe Notes

  1. Store leftover crackers at room temperature for up to 1 week. If tightly sealed, they'll lose their crunch. Keep the lid slightly ajar to maintain crunchiness.
  2. You can use white cheddar or any medium-hard cheese instead of yellow cheddar. Avoid soft cheeses.

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Food processor
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
  • Rolling pin
  • Fluted pastry wheel, pizza cutter, or sharp knife

Allergy Information

Always check ingredients carefully for allergens. When in doubt, please consult your healthcare provider.
  • Dairy (cheese, butter)
  • Wheat (flour)