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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure even cooking and easy cleanup.
- 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.
- 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