Crispy Italian Herb Cheese Crackers Recipe
Crispy Italian Herb Cheese Crackers are a delightful, savory snack made with simple everyday ingredients like all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese, and a blend of dried Italian herbs. These crackers deliver a perfect balance of flaky, crispy texture and robust Italian flavors, making them a perfect accompaniment to soups, salads, or cheese boards, or simply enjoyed on their own.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (including 30 minutes chilling time)
- Yield: Approximately 40 crackers 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Dry 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
Wet Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 3–4 tablespoons cold water (ice water recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian herb blend, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This ensures even distribution of flavors and aerates the flour for a lighter texture. Break up any clumps to create a consistent mixture.
- Incorporate the Cold Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender, fingertips, or two knives, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with visible pea-sized bits of butter. Be careful not to overwork the dough to prevent toughness.
- Add the Cold Water and Form the Dough: Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition until the dough just comes together into a shaggy ball without being sticky. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently a few times to form a smooth disc. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm the dough and relax gluten.
- Roll Out the Dough and Cut the Crackers: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness, ensuring even thickness by rotating frequently. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters, a pizza cutter, or a knife. Use a ruler if uniform shapes are desired.
- Bake the Crackers: Transfer the cut crackers to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart. Prick each cracker several times with a fork to prevent puffing. Bake for 10-15 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through, until edges are golden brown and centers are lightly golden. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the crackers cool briefly on the baking sheets, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely for optimal crispness. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, enjoying the best flavor within a few days.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture, avoiding pre-grated types with additives.
- Keep butter and water cold to achieve the ideal flaky, crispy texture in the crackers.
- Do not overwork or over-knead the dough to prevent tough crackers.
- Rolling the dough thinner results in crispier crackers; aim for about 1/8 inch thickness or thinner.
- Pricking the crackers before baking prevents unwanted puffing and maintains a flat texture.
- Store crackers in an airtight container to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess.
- Feel free to customize the dried herb blend to suit your taste preferences.
Keywords: Italian herb crackers, Parmesan cheese crackers, crispy cheese snacks, homemade crackers, savory snack, herb crackers, baked snacks
