Ina Garten’s Dreamy Stilton & Walnut Crackers Recipe For Any Gathering

Crisp and golden, these stilton & walnut crackers dance between savory sophistication and rustic charm.

Ina Garten’s stilton & walnut crackers recipe delivers an elegant appetizer that whispers gourmet comfort.

Delicate cheese and toasted nuts blend seamlessly into a crisp canvas of flavor.

Each cracker carries a rich, nutty essence that melts effortlessly on the tongue.

The recipe promises a stunning accompaniment for wine nights or sophisticated gatherings.

Sophisticated yet simple, these crackers elevate any cheese board with their delicate crunch and nuanced taste.

You’ll fall in love with this effortless blend of classic ingredients that turns ordinary moments into memorable culinary experiences.

Make-Ahead Tips for Ina Garten Stilton & Walnut Crackers

• Refrigerate with Care: Wrap the cracker log tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors. Keep chilled for up to 4 days before baking.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dough log in advance and store in the refrigerator, giving you quick appetizer options when unexpected guests arrive or for last-minute entertaining.
• Freeze for Future Snacking: Slice the log, place rounds on a parchment-lined tray, and freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Room Temperature Serving: Allow crackers to cool completely after baking, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days to maintain their crisp texture and rich flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Total Time: 37 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 16

Everything That Goes in Ina Garten Stilton & Walnut Crackers

• Butter: Provides rich, velvety texture and enhances overall flavor, select high-quality unsalted butter for best results.
• Stilton Cheese: Delivers bold, tangy punch, choose a creamy and well-aged Stilton for maximum flavor complexity.

• Flour: Creates structure and binding for the crackers, use all-purpose flour for consistent texture.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies the cheese's sharp notes, opt for fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth, freshly ground pepper provides more intense flavor.

• Walnuts: Introduces delightful crunch and nutty undertone, select fresh, crisp walnuts without bitter edges.
• Egg: Acts as a glue for walnut coating and helps achieve golden-brown finish, use room temperature egg for smooth application.
• Cold Water: Helps bind the dough and achieve perfect consistency, use filtered water for clean taste.

What to Use for Ina Garten Stilton & Walnut Crackers

• Stand Mixer with Paddle Attachment: Essential for creaming butter and cheese smoothly and mixing dough.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for slicing the dough log into even rounds.
• Rolling Board or Clean Surface: Needed for rolling out the dough log.
• Baking Sheet: Used for baking the crackers.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures crackers don't stick and makes cleanup easy.
• Pastry Brush: Helps apply egg wash evenly.
• Cutting Board: Useful for spreading and pressing walnuts onto the dough log.
• Plastic Wrap: Needed to wrap and refrigerate the dough log.

Step-by-Step Ina Garten Stilton & Walnut Crackers

Savory Walnut Stilton Rounds

• Butter and Cheese Fusion

Blend softened butter and Stilton cheese in a mixer until silky smooth, creating a rich, creamy base for your crackers.

• Dough Formation

Gradually incorporate flour, salt, and pepper into the creamy mixture. Add a splash of cold water to help the dough bind together, forming delicate crumbles.

• Log Shaping

Gently transfer the dough onto a floured surface and roll into an elegant log. Brush the exterior with egg wash to help walnuts adhere.

• Walnut Coating

Roll the log across a board sprinkled with chopped walnuts, pressing lightly to ensure a complete, crunchy exterior. Wrap carefully in plastic and chill in the refrigerator.

• Baking Preparation

Heat the oven to a steady temperature. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a perfect surface for your crackers.

• Slicing and Baking

Cut the chilled log into delicate rounds using a sharp knife. Arrange on the prepared sheet and bake until edges turn a delicate golden brown.

• Cooling and Serving

Allow crackers to cool completely on the baking sheet. Serve at room temperature as an elegant appetizer or snack.

Baking Tips for Ina Garten Stilton & Walnut Crackers

• Experiment with different blue cheese varieties like Roquefort or Gorgonzola for unique flavor profiles.
• Prepare the dough log up to 4 days in advance, storing it wrapped in the refrigerator for spontaneous entertaining or quick snacks.
• Swap walnuts with pecans, almonds, or toasted pine nuts to create exciting texture and flavor variations.
• Enhance the crackers by adding dried herbs like thyme or rosemary directly into the dough for an extra aromatic twist.
• Pair these elegant crackers with fruit preserves, honey, or alongside a cheese board for a sophisticated appetizer experience.

How to Enjoy Ina Garten Stilton & Walnut Crackers

• Pair with Cheese Plate: Create a stunning appetizer board featuring these crackers alongside soft brie, aged cheddar, and fresh fig jam for a gourmet flavor experience.
• Elegant Wine Companion: Serve these crispy crackers with a chilled glass of dry white wine or a light Pinot Noir to enhance their rich, nutty profile.
• Cocktail Party Star: Arrange the crackers on a beautiful platter with olives, cured meats, and a small bowl of herbed goat cheese for an impressive social gathering spread.
• Holiday Gift Potential: Package these homemade crackers in clear cellophane with a ribbon as a thoughtful, delicious hostess gift during festive seasons.

Crispy Ina Garten Stilton & Walnut Crackers Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s stilton & walnut crackers elevate simple appetizers with rich cheese and nutty undertones. Crisp ingredients combine seamlessly, creating elegant crackers perfect for sophisticated gatherings and casual entertaining alongside favorite wines.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) Stilton cheese, crumbled
• ¼ lb (113 g) unsalted butter
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup walnuts, finely chopped
• 1 extra-large egg
• 2 tsps kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp water for egg wash

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Instructions

1. Mixing Base: Cream butter and Stilton cheese in a stand mixer with paddle attachment until smooth and uniform, blending for approximately one minute.
2. Forming Dough: Gradually add flour, salt, and pepper to the creamed mixture, mixing on low speed until coarse crumbles form. Introduce cold water and continue mixing until dough coheres.
3. Shaping Log: Transfer dough to a floured surface and roll into a consistent 12-inch cylindrical log. Coat entire surface with egg wash, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Nut Coating: Roll log through chopped walnuts, applying gentle pressure to maximize nut adherence.
5. Chilling Preparation: Wrap log tightly in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm texture and meld flavors. Log can be prepared up to 4 days in advance.
6. Baking Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F / 180°C and line baking sheet with parchment paper for even heat distribution.
7. Slicing and Positioning: Use a sharp knife to cut chilled log into precise ⅜-inch rounds. Arrange crackers with slight spacing on prepared baking sheet.
8. Final Baking: Bake for 22 minutes, rotating pan midway to ensure uniform golden coloration. Crackers should emerge light and crisp.
9. Cooling and Serving: Allow crackers to cool completely on baking sheet to achieve optimal crispness. Serve at room temperature as an elegant appetizer or snack.

Notes

• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerating the dough log for at least 30 minutes helps develop deeper taste and ensures the crackers hold their shape perfectly during baking.
• Precision Slicing Matters: Use a sharp knife to cut uniform ⅜-inch rounds, which guarantees consistent cooking and professional-looking crackers every time.
• Nut Coating Technique: Roll the log gently but firmly in chopped walnuts, pressing lightly to ensure maximum nut adherence and a deliciously crunchy exterior.
• Make-Ahead Magic: The dough log can be prepared up to 4 days in advance, making these crackers an excellent option for stress-free entertaining and advance preparation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg