Ina Garten’s Chipotle Cheddar Crackers Recipe

Introduction

Ina Garten’s Chipotle Cheddar Crackers are a flavorful twist on classic cheese crackers, combining sharp aged Cheddar with a hint of smoky chipotle heat. These savory snacks are perfect for entertaining or enjoying with your favorite dips.

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, Cheddar, all of the flour, chipotle powder, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Add 1½ tablespoons water and mix on low speed until ingredients start to come together. Increase speed to medium and beat for 30 seconds until the dough forms large clumps.
2. Step 2: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured cutting board. Roll it into a log about 12 inches long and 1½ inches wide. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. The dough can also be refrigerated for several days or frozen for up to 4 months.
3. Step 3: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two sheet pans with parchment paper.
4. Step 4: Slice the chilled dough into ½ inch thick rounds. Place the rounds at least 1 inch apart on the prepared pans. Sprinkle each cracker with flaked sea salt.
5. Step 5: Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool on the sheet pans or a wire rack before serving at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Use a high-quality aged Cheddar for the best flavor and texture. Grafton or a similar 2-year aged Cheddar works beautifully.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce the chipotle powder or substitute with smoked paprika for a milder smoky flavor.
• For a bit of extra crunch, sprinkle the crackers with sesame seeds or crushed red pepper flakes before baking.

Storage

Store baked crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to keep them crisp. The dough can be refrigerated for several days or frozen for up to 4 months. Reheat baked crackers briefly in a low oven if they lose crunch.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

While aged Cheddar provides the best flavor and texture, you can experiment with other hard cheeses like aged Gouda or Parmesan. Keep in mind the flavor will change accordingly.

How thick should I slice the dough?

Slicing the dough about ½ inch thick ensures the crackers bake evenly and stay crisp. Thinner slices may cook faster but can become too brittle.

Ina Garten’s Chipotle Cheddar Crackers Recipe

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4.4 from 99 reviews

Ina Garten’s Chipotle Cheddar Crackers are a deliciously cheesy and slightly smoky snack featuring aged Cheddar cheese combined with a hint of chipotle powder. These homemade crackers are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for entertaining or enjoying with your favorite dips.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
• Yield: About 40 crackers 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 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
• Flaked sea salt, such as Maldon, for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Mix the Dough: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the room temperature butter, grated aged Cheddar, all of the flour, chipotle powder, and kosher salt. Add 1½ tablespoons of water and mix on low speed until the ingredients just start coming together. Then increase to medium speed and beat for 30 seconds until the mixture forms large clumps.
2. Shape and Chill: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured cutting board and roll it into a log approximately 12 inches long and 1½ inches wide. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up. The dough can be stored in the refrigerator for several days or frozen for up to 4 months.
3. Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two sheet pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
4. Slice and Prepare for Baking: Remove the dough log from the refrigerator and slice it into ½-inch thick rounds. Arrange the slices on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for even baking and crisping. Lightly sprinkle each cracker with flaked sea salt such as Maldon.
5. Bake: Place the sheet pans in the preheated oven and bake the crackers for 15 to 17 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown color. Baking times may vary slightly depending on oven strength, so keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
6. Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the crackers to cool completely on the sheet pans or transfer to a baking rack. Serve the chipotle cheddar crackers at room temperature for the best flavor and crispness.

Notes

• Use a high-quality aged Cheddar, such as Grafton 2-year, for the best flavor and texture.
• Slicing the dough into ½-inch thick rounds ensures even baking and crispy crackers.
• The dough can be refrigerated for several days or frozen for up to 4 months, making this recipe excellent for advance preparation.
• Adding flaked sea salt on top before baking adds a delightful crunch and burst of salty flavor.
• Be careful not to overbake to maintain a crispy yet tender texture.

Keywords: Ina Garten, chipotle cheddar crackers, homemade crackers, cheesy snack, savory crackers, appetizer, party snack, baked crackers