Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Grab a small mixing bowl and combine the grated cheddar cheese and cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to rub the butter into the cheese until the mixture looks crumbly and resembles coarse crumbs, about 2 minutes.
- Add the flour, salt, and paprika to the bowl. Mix everything together, then gradually stir in 2-3 tablespoons of cold water, just enough for the dough to come together into a rough ball. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Lightly flour a clean surface and turn out the dough. Gently knead it a few times to bring it together, then flatten into a disc. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes—this helps relax the dough and makes it easier to roll out.
- Once chilled, remove the dough from the fridge and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out evenly to about 1/8 inch thickness using a rolling pin. Keep turning and flipping the dough to maintain an even thickness and prevent sticking.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the rolled dough into small squares or rectangles, approximately 1.5 inches wide. Carefully transfer the cut crackers to the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
- Sprinkle additional paprika, sesame seeds, or herbs on top if desired for extra flavor and visual appeal. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crackers are golden at the edges and crispy.
- Remove the crackers from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. They will firm up further as they cool, developing that perfect crispy texture.
- Transfer the crackers to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely. Serve at room temperature for the best crunch and cheesy aroma. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep them crispy.
Notes
For a milder cheese flavor, use a mild cheddar or Gouda. To customize, add herbs or spices to the dough or sprinkle on top before baking. Keep an eye on the crackers as they bake—they can go from perfect to overdone quickly.
