Description
Ina Garten’s Chipotle Cheddar Crackers are a perfect blend of smoky chipotle heat and sharp cheddar cheese, baked to crispy perfection. These savory crackers are ideal for snacking, pairing with dips, or serving at parties, offering a delightful kick with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Dough
- 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
Topping
- Flaked sea salt for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Using an electric mixer, blend the unsalted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, and salt together until a loose dough forms. On low speed, add in the ground chipotle powder, minced jalapeño, and black pepper, mixing only until just incorporated to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured work surface and roll it into a log about 1 1/2 inches wide. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap, using the wrap to help shape it evenly.
- Refrigerate: Place the wrapped dough log in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up, which will make slicing easier and help maintain the cracker shape during baking.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Slice and Prepare for Baking: Unwrap the chilled dough and cut into 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices on the lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Flatten each slice lightly using the flat bottom of a measuring cup or mug. If desired, sprinkle with flaked sea salt for added flavor.
- Bake: Bake the crackers in the preheated oven for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the bottoms just begin to brown, indicating they are crisp and cooked through.
- Cool: Remove the crackers from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely for at least 30 minutes to crisp up fully before serving.
Notes
- The crackers are crispy with a balanced smoky heat from the chipotle and jalapeño, providing just the right kick without overpowering the cheese flavor.
- For spicier crackers, increase the amount of chipotle powder or add some of the jalapeño seeds if you prefer more heat.
- These crackers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, though they are best consumed fresh.
- Flaked sea salt topping is optional but recommended to add a nice texture and enhance the flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cracker
- Calories: 73
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
