Name: Crispy Italian Herb Cheese Crackers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon dried Italian herb blend (oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, marjoram); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes; 3-4 tablespoons cold water (ice water recommended)

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Introduction

Crispy Italian Herb Cheese Crackers are a delightful snack that combines sharp Parmesan cheese with aromatic Italian herbs for a perfect balance of flavor and crunch. These homemade crackers are simple to make and ideal for serving alongside dips, cheeses, or enjoying on their own.

A close-up view of a stack of square crackers, each cracker showing a golden-brown baked edge with a lighter cream center dotted with small holes and sprinkled with small dark green dried herb flakes. The crackers have a slightly glossy, baked texture with some salt crystals visible on the surface, and they overlap each other in a casual spread. The background is a white marbled texture, and the image has warm lighting that highlights the crispy texture of the crackers. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
3 to 4 tablespoons cold water (ice water recommended)
1 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend (oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, marjoram)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, grated Parmesan, dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Break up any clumps to ensure an even distribution.
Step 2: Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces remaining. Work quickly to keep the butter cold.
Step 3: Gradually add cold water one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough just comes together into a shaggy ball. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently a few times to form a smooth disc. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 4: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface very thinly (about 1/8 inch). Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters, a knife, or a pizza cutter.
Step 5: Transfer crackers to the baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart. Prick each cracker several times with a fork to prevent puffing. Bake for 10–15 minutes until golden brown and crisp, rotating the sheets halfway through.
Step 6: Let the crackers cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy once cooled.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture; avoid pre-grated brands with additives.
Customize the herb blend to your taste, or try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
Roll the dough even thinner for extra crispiness, but handle gently to avoid tearing.
Store crackers in an airtight container to maintain crispness for several days.

Storage

Store the crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To refresh crispness, you can briefly warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3–5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a single layer of small, square crackers that are light brown and speckled with seeds or herbs. The crackers have a rough texture and are stacked lightly overlapping each other. On the right side of the bowl, fresh green basil leaves rest beside the crackers, adding a pop of color. A woman's hand is reaching into the lower left corner, grabbing one cracker. The bowl is placed on a soft, light pink cloth napkin, and the background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

It’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the salt content precisely. Using salted butter may result in crackers that are too salty.

Can I substitute different cheeses for Parmesan?

Parmesan offers a sharp, nutty flavor unique to this recipe, but you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a different taste level. Keep in mind the saltiness and melting properties may vary.