Introduction:
Crackers are a timeless snack, beloved for their crunch, versatility, and ability to pair perfectly with a wide variety of dips, cheeses, and spreads. These homemade salt crackers with poppy seeds and cheese bring a delightful twist to a classic snack. The combination of savory cheese, delicate poppy seeds, and a hint of sea salt creates a flavor profile that’s both sophisticated and comforting. Best of all, they are easy to make at home, so you can enjoy freshly baked crackers whenever you desire. Whether served with your favorite dip or enjoyed on their own, these crackers are a perfect addition to any snack time or party spread.
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/4 cup warm water
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tbsp poppy seeds
1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional for added flavor)
1/4 tsp baking powder
Extra sea salt for sprinkling on top
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, garlic powder (if using), baking powder, and poppy seeds. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to incorporate the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the Cheese and Water:
Stir in the grated cheddar cheese, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Gradually add warm water, a little at a time, until the dough begins to come together. You may not need the entire 1/4 cup of water, so add it slowly and stop once the dough is firm but slightly tacky.
Roll Out the Dough:
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/8-inch thickness. The thinner you roll the dough, the crispier your crackers will be.
Cut the Crackers:
Use a sharp knife or cookie cutter to cut the dough into desired cracker shapes. Squares or rectangles are typical, but feel free to get creative with shapes. Transfer the cut crackers to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the Crackers:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the crackers are on the baking sheet, lightly sprinkle extra sea salt over the top of each cracker for added flavor. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and crisp.
Cool and Serve:
Remove the crackers from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them crisp up even more. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Serving Suggestions: These crackers are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of dips such as hummus, guacamole, or tzatziki. You can also serve them with cheese platters or alongside soups and salads for a crunchy texture.
Storing: Store the cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them extra crisp, you can place a piece of parchment paper inside the container to absorb any moisture.
Reheating: If your crackers lose some crispness after storage, you can easily re-crisp them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes before serving.
Variants:
Herb-Infused Crackers:
Add a teaspoon of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough to create herb-flavored crackers that pair well with cheese and wine.
Spicy Crackers:
For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the dough for a spicy kick. These crackers are perfect with guacamole or a creamy dip.
Vegan Version:
Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative (like coconut oil or vegan butter) and use a dairy-free cheese to create a vegan-friendly version of these crackers.
Multigrain Crackers:
Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour for a healthier, whole-grain version of these crackers. You can also add sunflower seeds or sesame seeds for extra texture.
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