Spicy & Cheesy: Ina Garten’s Jalapeño Cheddar Crackers Recipe

Spice lovers unite around these delectable jalapeño cheddar crackers that pack a serious punch of flavor.

Sharp cheddar cheese blends seamlessly with Ina Garten’s zesty technique, creating an irresistible snack.

The crisp, golden edges hint at the delightful crunch waiting to tantalize your taste buds.

Homemade crackers often sound intimidating, but this recipe breaks down every step with remarkable simplicity.

Guests will be impressed by the professional-level results that emerge from your kitchen.

Jalapeño heat dances alongside rich cheese notes, promising a snack that disappears faster than you can mix the dough.

These crackers aren’t just a recipe – they’re a flavor adventure worth savoring.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 20

Ingredients List for Ina Garten Jalapeño Cheddar Crackers

• Flour: Provides the base structure and texture for crispy crackers, choose unbleached all-purpose flour for the best flavor and consistency.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall taste and balances the sharp cheddar and spicy jalapeños, opt for coarse-grained salt for better distribution.
• Baking Powder: Helps the crackers rise and become light, ensure it's fresh for maximum leavening power.

• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a rich, tangy punch, select an aged sharp cheddar for intense flavor and best melting properties.
• Jalapeño: Adds a fresh, spicy kick, remove seeds for milder heat or keep them for extra zest.
• Chipotle Chili Powder: Introduces a smoky, deep heat that complements the cheese, choose a high-quality brand for authentic flavor.

• Butter: Creates a flaky, tender texture, use cold unsalted butter for optimal crispness.
• Ice Water: Helps bind the dough without overworking it, keep extremely cold for best results.
• Egg Wash: Provides a gorgeous golden sheen and helps seasonings stick, use fresh eggs for best color.
• Fleur de Sel: Adds a delicate crunch and finishing salt flavor, sprinkle sparingly for elegant presentation.

Tools to Use for Ina Garten Jalapeño Cheddar Crackers

• Food Processor: Essential tool for mixing and combining dry ingredients and butter into a perfect crumbly texture.
• Steel Blade: Comes with the food processor, crucial for creating smooth, consistent dough.
• Floured Board: Provides clean surface for rolling and shaping the dough log.
• Rolling Pin: Helps create an even, smooth 14-inch log shape.
• Plastic Wrap: Keeps dough fresh and protected while chilling in refrigerator.
• Sheet Pan: Holds crackers during baking process.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents crackers from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Pastry Brush: Used for applying egg wash to give crackers a golden shine.
• Sharp Knife: Allows precise 3/8-inch slicing of dough log.

Instructions for Making Ina Garten Jalapeño Cheddar Crackers

• Dough Preparation

Combine dry ingredients in food processor. Pulse butter until mixture looks crumbly. Add cheese and spicy peppers. Pour cold water while processor runs until dough forms a clump.

• Dough Shaping

Roll dough into long cylinder on floured surface. Cover with plastic wrap. Chill in refrigerator for minimum one hour.

• Oven Preparation

Heat oven to hot temperature. Cover baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Cracker Baking

Slice dough into thin rounds. Place crackers on prepared pan. Brush with egg coating. Sprinkle with fancy salt. Bake until edges turn golden. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tasty Tips for Ina Garten Jalapeño Cheddar Crackers

• Experiment with different sharp cheeses like aged gouda, pepper jack, or white cheddar to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
• Adjust the spiciness by removing jalapeno seeds for mild crackers or adding extra chipotle powder for a fiery kick that warms your palate.
• Prepare the dough log up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator, ensuring you can quickly slice and bake fresh crackers whenever unexpected guests arrive.
• Serve alongside creamy dips, charcuterie boards, or as a crunchy accompaniment to soups and salads for an elevated snacking experience.
• Wrap the unbaked dough log tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months, allowing you to have homemade crackers ready at a moment's notice.

Ways to Serve Ina Garten Jalapeño Cheddar Crackers

• Spice Up Your Snack Time: These crackers are perfect for jazzing up your appetizer spread or casual gathering with friends.
• Create a Charcuterie Companion: Pair these zesty crackers with creamy goat cheese, sharp salami, or a tangy olive tapenade for a flavor explosion.
• Cocktail Party Superstar: Serve these crispy, spicy crackers alongside margaritas or a bold red wine to elevate your entertaining game and impress your guests with minimal effort.
• Elevate Your Cheese Board: Break these crackers into rustic pieces and scatter them around a selection of artisan cheeses for a gourmet touch that looks effortlessly sophisticated.

Storage Tips for Ina Garten Jalapeño Cheddar Crackers

• Advance Prep: Mix dough up to 3 days before baking, storing tightly wrapped in refrigerator for maximum freshness and convenience.
• Freezing Strategy: Slice and freeze raw dough logs for up to 2 months, allowing spontaneous cracker baking whenever hunger strikes.
• Smart Storing: Keep baked crackers in airtight container at room temperature for 5-7 days, maintaining crisp texture and zesty flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair with soft cheeses, charcuterie boards, or serve alongside soups and salads for delightful complementary crunch.

Crispy Ina Garten Jalapeno Cheddar Crackers Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 20 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s jalapeno cheddar crackers blend sharp cheddar with spicy peppers for a sophisticated snack. Crisp, cheesy bites deliver zesty flavor that home chefs can easily craft in their kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 14 tbsps (198 grams) cold unsalted butter, ½-inch-diced
• 5 oz (142 grams) extra-sharp white cheddar, grated
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp minced seeded jalapeno pepper
• 3 tbsps (45 milliliters) ice water
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp chipotle chili powder
• 1/8 tsp baking powder
• 1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp milk, for egg wash
• Fleur de sel or sea salt

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Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: In a food processor, blend flour, kosher salt, and baking powder. Pulse cold butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, creating a foundational texture for the crackers.
2. Flavor Infusion: Add sharp Cheddar cheese, finely chopped jalapeños, and chipotle chili powder to the processor. Pulse briefly to distribute the zesty and robust ingredients throughout the dough.
3. Dough Formation: Stream ice-cold water into the processor while running, allowing the dough to bind into a cohesive mass. Stop mixing as soon as the dough comes together to prevent overworking.
4. Shaping and Chilling: Roll the dough into a smooth 14-inch cylindrical log on a floured surface. Wrap tightly in plastic and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes to develop flavor and relax the gluten.
5. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure even cooking and easy cleanup.
6. Slicing and Finishing: Unwrap the chilled dough and slice into 3/8-inch rounds. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle fleur de sel over the surface for an elevated flavor profile.
7. Baking and Serving: Bake for 12-15 minutes, rotating midway to achieve uniform golden-brown coloration. Cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a serving platter, ready to be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Precision Matters: Use a sharp knife for even, consistent 3/8-inch cracker slices to ensure uniform baking and professional presentation.
• Flavor Enhancement: Finely chop jalapeños to distribute heat evenly and prevent overwhelming spicy bites in individual crackers.
• Dough Handling: Refrigerate dough for at least one hour to develop rich flavors and allow gluten to relax, creating a more tender cracker texture.
• Baking Technique: Rotate the baking sheet midway through cooking to achieve consistent golden-brown color and prevent uneven browning.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 20
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg