Ina Garten’s Chipotle Cheddar Crackers Recipe

Introduction

These Chipotle Cheddar Crackers by Ina Garten offer a perfect balance of smoky spice and sharp cheese flavor. Crispy and flavorful, they make a fantastic snack or appetizer for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• ½ pound aged Cheddar, such as Grafton 2-year, grated
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon ground chipotle powder
• Kosher salt
• Flaked sea salt, such as Maldon

Instructions

1. Step 1: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter, grated Cheddar, all of the flour, chipotle powder, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Add 1½ tablespoons water and mix on low speed until the ingredients start to combine.
2. Step 2: Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for about 30 seconds, until the dough forms big clumps.
3. Step 3: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured cutting board and roll it into a log about 12 inches long by 1½ inches wide. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
4. Step 4: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Step 5: Slice the chilled dough into ½ inch thick rounds using a sharp knife dipped in warm water to make clean cuts. Place the rounds 1 inch apart on the prepared sheets.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the sliced crackers with flaked sea salt and bake for 15 to 17 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the crackers cool on the baking sheets or a wire rack before serving at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Grate the Cheddar finely using a box grater or a food processor with a grating disk for even mixing and texture.
• To slice the dough easily, dip your knife in warm water between cuts to prevent sticking and maintain clean edges.
• Feel free to adjust the chipotle powder quantity to control the level of smokiness and heat.
• These crackers are delicious served with cream cheese, charcuterie, or your favorite dips.

Storage

Store baked crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain crispness. You can also freeze the unbaked dough log wrapped tightly for up to 4 months; thaw before slicing and baking as directed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, aged Cheddar works best for flavor and texture, but you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Asiago or Parmesan for a different taste.

How do I prevent the crackers from spreading too much during baking?

Keep the dough chilled before slicing and baking. The cold dough helps the crackers hold their shape and bake evenly.

Ina Garten’s Chipotle Cheddar Crackers Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 140 reviews

Ina Garten’s Chipotle Cheddar Crackers are a delightful savory snack featuring sharp aged Cheddar cheese with a smoky chipotle kick. These crackers are crispy on the outside and flavorful throughout, perfect for serving at parties or enjoying with your favorite dips. The homemade dough is simple to prepare and can be chilled or frozen for convenience, making it an ideal recipe for cheese lovers seeking a spicy twist.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 crackers 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Dough

• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• ½ pound aged Cheddar cheese (such as Grafton 2-year), grated
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon ground chipotle powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1½ tablespoons water

Topping

• Flaked sea salt, such as Maldon, for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the unsalted butter, grated Cheddar, all-purpose flour, ground chipotle powder, and kosher salt. Add the water and mix on low speed until the ingredients begin to come together. Then increase to medium speed and beat for 30 seconds until the dough forms large clumps.
2. Shape and chill the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured cutting board and roll it into a log about 12 inches long and 1½ inches wide. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. The dough can be refrigerated for several days or frozen for up to four months for convenience.
3. Preheat the oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
4. Slice and arrange crackers: Remove the chilled dough log from the refrigerator. Using a 3- to 4-inch paring knife dipped in warm water (to prevent sticking), slice the dough into ½ inch thick rounds. Place the rounds about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle each round with flaked sea salt.
5. Bake the crackers: Bake the crackers in the preheated oven for 15 to 17 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp.
6. Cool and serve: Allow the crackers to cool on the baking sheets or transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve at room temperature for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Grate the Cheddar cheese using a box grater or a food processor fitted with the carrot grating disk to achieve fine shreds.
• To make slicing the dough easier and more precise, dip your knife in warm water before each cut.
• The dough can be made ahead and frozen for up to 4 months; just thaw before slicing and baking.

Keywords: chipotle cheddar crackers, Ina Garten crackers, homemade cheese crackers, spicy cheddar snack, baked crackers