Homemade Cheese Crackers Recipe

Make my delicious homemade cheese crackers recipe simple and easy to make. Learn how to bake healthy snacks for kids using cheddar cheese, flour, cold butter, and spices. Perfect for large families.

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Let's talk about kids' snacks. With six kids, you can imagine the amount of snacking in our house. A single box of cheese crackers costs about $5 and lasts for just one snack session. I can't fathom that or justify it as a good snack option. So, I set out to create a homemade cheese cracker recipe that was healthy, simple, easy to make, and made with ingredients you likely already have at home.

These homemade cheese crackers will make you want to leave that box on the shelf once you realize how simple and easy they are to make. I make this recipe in a master batch six times the amount below to last us a while. I use my mason jar sealer to preserve the ones we won't eat immediately.

Step up your kid-friendly snacks with this homemade cheese cracker recipe!

Key Ingredients for Homemade Cheese Crackers:

• Cheddar Cheese is the star ingredient, providing that rich, cheesy flavor we all love. For a unique twist, you can experiment with different types of cheese, like Parmesan, Gouda, or Pepper Jack.
• Flour: All-purpose flour forms the base of the dough, giving the crackers their structure.
• Cold Butter is essential for creating a flaky texture. It helps to create pockets of air in the dough, making the crackers light and crisp.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the cheese and other ingredients.
• Paprika, Garlic, and Onion Powder: These spices add a depth of flavor and a hint of warmth to the crackers. Feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your taste.
• Cold Water: Brings the dough together without making it too sticky.

Equipment Needed to Make and Preserve Crackers:

• Food Processor: This is used to grate the block of cheese and mix the cracker dough.
• Mason Jar Sealer: To preserve the crackers, you won’t eat them right away.
• Half Gallon Mason Jar: Perfect for storing large batches of crackers.
• Pasta Wheel: Give it a nice crinkle cut look.

Shelf Life and Storage of Crackers:

Homemade cheese crackers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you use a mason jar sealer, they can last up to a month or longer. The vacuum-sealed jars keep the crackers fresh and crisp by removing the air that can cause them to go stale.

Experimenting with Different Cheeses:

While cheddar is a classic choice for cheese crackers, don’t hesitate to experiment with other types of cheese:

• Parmesan: For a sharp, salty flavor. Parmesan cheese crackers are perfect for pairing with soups and salads.
• Gouda: Adds a rich, nutty flavor. Gouda cheese crackers are great for snacking on their own or with dips.
• Pepper Jack: For a spicy kick. Pepper Jack cheese crackers are delicious with salsa or guacamole.
• Swiss: This cheese offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Swiss cheese crackers are excellent with fruit spreads or on a charcuterie board.

Planning Your Baking Day!

Planning your baking day is crucial as a busy homemaker with a large family. Here’s how to make the most of your time and provide your family with a delicious snack.

• Night Before Prep: Gather all your ingredients and equipment the night before. Measure out the dry ingredients and shred the cheese. This will save you time in the morning.
• Set a Schedule: Plan to start your baking session in the morning when the kids sleep, wake up, or engage in quiet activities. This will give you a few hours of uninterrupted baking time.
• Involve the Kids: If your kids are old enough, involve them in baking. They can help with tasks like measuring ingredients, mixing the dough, and cutting out the crackers. It’s a great way to teach them about cooking and spend quality time together.
• Batch Baking: Consider making multiple batches at once. This will save you time in the long run and ensure you always have homemade snacks.

Making homemade cheese crackers is a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can create a delicious and healthy snack perfect for any occasion.

Plus, making a large batch and using a mason jar sealer ensures you always have homemade snacks on hand. So, next time you’re tempted to reach for that box of store-bought cheese crackers, remember how easy and satisfying it is to make your own.

Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy the delicious results with your family!

Homemade Cheese Crackers Recipe

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• Author: tinyfarmbigfamily
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: 50-60 crackers, depending on size 1x

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Description

Crispy and cheesy homemade crackers that are perfect for snacking or serving with dips. Kid friendly and perfect for bento lunches. 

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼- ½ cup cold water

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Instructions

1. In a your food processor combine the flour, cheese, cornstarch*, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Pulse until combined.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients into the flour mixture and pulse mixture  in food processor until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the cold water, ¼ cup at a time, until the dough comes together. You want the dough to be larger crumbs and hold together when pressed.
4. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes. This helps the dough to firm up and makes it easier to roll out. (I will prep mine the night before and refrigerate until in the morning.)
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat. 
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ⅛ inch thick. The thinner you roll the dough, the crispier the crackers will be.
7. Use a knife, pizza cutter or pasta cutter to cut the dough into small squares, about 1 inch in size. You can also use these animal cookie cutters to make fun shapes for the kids.
8. Transfer the cut dough to the prepared baking sheet, spacing the crackers about ½ inch apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the crackers are crisp. (If you like the classic crispy crackers I find that baking for 18-20 mins gives the that nice crunch, like the crackers in the box.)
9. Let the crackers cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, store the crackers in half-gallon mason jars. Use a mason jar sealer to preserve the ones you won't eat right away.

Notes

• ¼ teaspoon of cornstarch is optional for extra crunch but not needed. 

Use fresh block of cheese no pre-shredded cheese from the store. 

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Chill time: 45 mins
• Cook Time: 15-20 mins
• Category: Snacks, kid friendly
• Method: Oven