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Parmesan Cheddar Basil Crackers

Parmesan Cheddar Basil Crackers

Parmesan Cheddar Basil Crackers are crunchy, savory snacks that combine nutty Parmesan, creamy sharp cheddar, and fresh aromatic basil. Perfect for snacking, serving as appetizers, or pairing with dips, these homemade crackers offer a flavorful and textured treat with a touch of gourmet simplicity.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cheeses and Herbs

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, finely chopped

Fat and Liquids

  • 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, diced
  • 24 tablespoons ice water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Grate the Parmesan and cheddar cheeses and finely chop the fresh basil leaves. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cheeses, basil, salt, and pepper. Cut in the cold, diced butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together but is not sticky.
  2. Roll Out the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead lightly just to form a smooth ball. Flatten it into a disk and roll out with a rolling pin to about 1/8 inch thickness. The thin dough will bake into crisp, delicate crackers.
  3. Cut and Arrange: Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the dough into squares or your preferred shapes. Transfer the cut pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them slightly apart to prevent sticking during baking.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the crackers for 12 to 15 minutes or until they turn a lovely golden brown at the edges. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking, which could cause dryness.
  5. Cool and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let the Parmesan Cheddar Basil Crackers cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, they will be satisfyingly crisp and ready to serve or store.

Notes

  • Use cold butter to keep the dough flaky and prevent greasiness.
  • Grate cheeses finely for even incorporation and smooth melting during baking.
  • Don’t overwork the dough to ensure tender, crisp crackers instead of tough ones.
  • Roll the dough thin and evenly for consistent baking and perfect crunch.
  • Store crackers in an airtight container to maintain crispness and freshness up to one week.

Nutrition

Keywords: parmesan crackers, cheddar basil crackers, savory snacks, homemade crackers, gluten free crackers, cheese crackers, herb crackers