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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Mixing Base: Cream butter and Stilton cheese in a stand mixer with paddle attachment until smooth and uniform, blending for approximately one minute.
- 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.
- 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.
- Nut Coating: Roll log through chopped walnuts, applying gentle pressure to maximize nut adherence.
- 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.
- Baking Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F / 180°C and line baking sheet with parchment paper for even heat distribution.
- 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.
- Final Baking: Bake for 22 minutes, rotating pan midway to ensure uniform golden coloration. Crackers should emerge light and crisp.
- 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