Spice Up Snack Time: Ina Garten’s Chipotle Cheddar Crackers Recipe

Spicing up your snack game with Ina Garten chipotle cheddar crackers takes homemade treats to a whole new level.

Sharp cheddar and smoky chipotle peppers create an irresistible flavor combination that will make your taste buds dance.

These crackers offer a perfect balance of heat and cheesy goodness.

You’ll love how simple the ingredients are and how quickly they come together in your kitchen.

The aroma of baking cheese and warm spices will fill your home with mouthwatering anticipation.

Each crisp bite delivers a punch of robust flavor that beats any store-bought cracker.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to impress everyone with this delightful snack that’s sure to become a new favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 135 kcal

Servings: 12

Ingredients for Chipotle Cheddar Crackers by Ina Garten

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation that helps bind crackers and delivers luxurious flavor.
• Flour: Essential structural component creating crisp, delicate cracker texture with subtle wheaty undertones.
• Water: Helps unite ingredients and develop perfect dough consistency for seamless mixing.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, tangy cheese adds robust depth and creates irresistible savory profile.
• Chipotle Powder: Introduces smoky, warm heat that elevates crackers with complex southwestern kick.
• Kosher Salt: Balances flavors and intensifies overall taste experience with clean, precise seasoning.

• Flaked Sea Salt: Provides delicate crunch and sparkling texture to enhance visual appeal and add subtle mineral brightness.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures even baking and prevents sticking for perfectly golden, crisp crackers.

Tools to Shape and Bake Ina Garten’s Savory Crackers

• Electric Mixer with Paddle Attachment: Essential for blending ingredients smoothly and creating perfect dough consistency.
• Cutting Board: Needed for rolling and shaping the dough log.
• Rolling Pin: Helps create an even, uniform log shape.
• Sheet Pans: Used for baking the crackers evenly.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents crackers from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for slicing the chilled dough into precise rounds.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Plastic Wrap: Useful for wrapping and chilling the dough.
• Cooling Rack (optional): Helps crackers cool down after baking.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Crackers, Step by Step

• Dough Preparation

Grab your mixer and toss in softened butter, sharp cheddar, flour, zesty chipotle powder, and a pinch of salt. Splash in some water and blend until the mixture transforms into chunky clumps, creating a rustic, tangy base.

• Chilling and Shaping

Roll the dough into a neat log on a floured surface, wrapping it snugly in plastic. Stash in the refrigerator for at least an hour to let the flavors mingle and firm up. This resting period helps develop incredible texture.

• Baking Magic

Warm up the oven and line baking sheets with parchment. Slice the chilled log into delicate rounds, arranging them with space between each cracker. Sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt for an extra flavor punch. Bake until edges turn a gorgeous golden brown.

• Serving and Enjoying

Let the crackers cool completely, allowing them to crisp up. These spicy, cheesy bites are perfect for snacking, entertaining, or enjoying with your favorite dip. Store in an airtight container to maintain their irresistible crunch.

Tips for Extra Crispness in Chipotle Cheddar Crackers

• Adjust the chipotle powder to match your spice preference, from a mild sprinkle to a bold, fiery kick that will tantalize taste buds.
• Experiment with different sharp or aged cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or smoked Gouda to create unique flavor profiles that surprise and delight.
• Prepare the dough in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for spontaneous entertaining and quick snack options.
• Top crackers with extra toppings like cracked black pepper, dried herbs, or everything bagel seasoning to elevate the crispy texture and visual appeal.
• Pair these crackers with creamy dips, charcuterie boards, soups, or enjoy them as a standalone crunchy snack that packs a flavor punch.

Serving Snacks with Ina Garten’s Cheesy Crackers

• Pair with Zesty Dips: Create a spicy accompaniment by mixing sour cream with extra chipotle powder or blend with smooth guacamole for a creamy contrast.
• Craft Elegant Appetizer Platter: Arrange crackers alongside sharp cheese wedges, cured meats, and fresh herbs for a stunning party spread that highlights their rich, smoky flavor.
• Complement Cocktail Hour: Serve these crackers with crisp white wine or a smoky mezcal to enhance their bold chipotle notes and create a sophisticated snacking experience.
• Pack for Picnic Perfection: Wrap these crackers in parchment paper for a delightful portable snack that brings gourmet flair to outdoor dining adventures.

Storing Crackers Without Losing the Crunch

• Refrigerate and Extend Freshness: Store crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, maintaining their crispy texture and robust flavor. Keep away from humidity to prevent softening.
• Freeze for Later Enjoyment: Wrap the raw dough log tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in the freezer for maximum 4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and baking for fresh, homemade crackers anytime.
• Prep Ahead Like a Pro: Slice the dough log and arrange rounds on parchment-lined sheets, then freeze for 30 minutes before transferring to a freezer bag. This technique allows quick baking directly from frozen state, saving precious preparation time.
• Maximize Flavor Potential: Let baked crackers cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup. Stack between parchment paper layers to prevent sticking and maintain their delightful crunch and chipotle-cheddar kick.

Crispy Ina Garten Chipotle Cheddar Crackers Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s chipotle cheddar crackers deliver bold, spicy flavors perfect for entertaining. Crisp, cheesy nibbles will delight guests with their zesty kick, making these crackers an irresistible snack you’ll crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

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• 0.5 lb (225 g) aged cheddar, such as Grafton 2-year, grated
• 1 cup plus 2 tbsps (150 g) all-purpose flour
• 0.25 lb (1 stick, 115 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 0.5 tsp (2.5 g) ground chipotle powder
• Kosher salt
• Flaked sea salt, such as Maldon

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Instructions

1. Mixing: In an electric mixer with paddle attachment, blend softened butter, cheddar cheese, flour, chipotle powder, and kosher salt. Gradually introduce water and mix at low speed until ingredients form cohesive dough clusters.
2. Shaping: Transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a 12-inch long, 1.5-inch diameter log. Wrap tightly in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to enhance flavor and texture.
3. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove chilled dough and slice into ½-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife.
4. Seasoning and Baking: Arrange cracker rounds on prepared sheets with 1-inch spacing. Sprinkle flaked sea salt across the surface. Bake for 15-17 minutes until uniformly golden-brown.
5. Cooling and Serving: Remove crackers from oven and cool directly on baking sheets or transfer to a wire rack. Serve at room temperature for optimal taste and crispness.

Notes

• Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigeration develops deeper flavor and helps crackers maintain shape during baking, preventing spreading.
• Precision Matters: Use a sharp knife for consistent ½-inch slices to ensure even baking and uniform cracker texture.
• Salt Enhances Flavor: Sprinkle flaked sea salt before baking to elevate the chipotle and cheddar taste profile.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Dough can be prepared days in advance and stored in refrigerator or freezer, perfect for spontaneous entertaining or quick snacks.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 135
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg