Description
These Parmesan Cheddar Basil Crackers are a perfect savory snack combining the sharpness of Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses with the fresh aroma of basil. Crispy, golden, and easy to make, they are ideal for parties, cheese platters, or simply enjoying with your favorite dip.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 2 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
Dough
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 5 tablespoons half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking trays with parchment paper to ensure the crackers don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Combine Cheddar, Butter, Half-and-Half, and Salt: In a mixing bowl, add shredded Cheddar cheese, softened butter, half-and-half, and kosher salt. Beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy, which helps bind the crackers and enrich their flavor.
- Add Flour, Parmesan, and Basil: Gradually sprinkle in the flour, grated Parmesan cheese, and finely chopped fresh basil. Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms that holds together without crumbling, ensuring the right consistency for rolling and cutting.
- Divide Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface for easier handling. Divide it into three portions to facilitate rolling out evenly and prevent sticking.
- Roll and Cut: Roll each portion to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a small star-shaped or round cutter, stamp out the crackers. Collect any leftover dough, reroll, and cut again to minimize waste.
- Arrange on Baking Trays: Place cut-out crackers on the prepared baking trays, leaving about 1 inch of space between each to allow for even baking and browning.
- Bake: Bake for 11 to 14 minutes until the tops and edges turn golden brown. Keep an eye to avoid overbaking to maintain crispness without burning.
- Cool: Allow the crackers to cool directly on the trays for 30 minutes. This step helps them set properly and become crisp rather than soft.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and smoother dough.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil, but reduce the amount to about 1 tablespoon as dried herbs are more potent.
- For a sharper flavor, use aged Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses.
- Store crackers in an airtight container to maintain crispness up to one week.
- If dough becomes too sticky during rolling, chill it for 10 minutes in the refrigerator before proceeding.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 crackers
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 0.3g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
