These Homemade Salt Crackers with Poppy Seeds and Cheese are a delightful, crispy snack that’s perfect for cheese boards, dipping, or simply enjoying on their own. With the flavor combination of savory cheese and a touch of crunch from the poppy seeds, these crackers are easy to make and much tastier than store-bought versions. Plus, you can customize them by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or types of cheese. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a simple snack, these crackers are a versatile and delicious option.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more for sprinkling)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (for flavor and texture)
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano; optional)
- ½ cup water (adjust as needed)
- Extra salt or sea salt flakes for sprinkling on top
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, poppy seeds, and dried herbs if using.
Add the cold, cubed butter. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the shredded cheese until evenly distributed.
Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. It should be firm and not sticky.
2. Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to roll out.
3. Roll Out the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. The thinner you roll the dough, the crispier the crackers will be.
4. Cut and Poke Holes
Use a round cookie cutter or a knife to cut the dough into small circles or squares. You can also use a fork to create decorative holes on each cracker, which helps to prevent puffing during baking.
5. Season and Bake
Place the cut-out crackers on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a small gap between each cracker.
Lightly sprinkle extra salt or sea salt flakes on top for added flavor.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crackers are golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary based on thickness.
6. Cool and Serve
Let the crackers cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Salt Crackers
- Use Cold Butter: Cold butter helps create a flaky texture in the crackers. Make sure it’s well-chilled before adding to the flour.
- Adjust Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too dry, add a tiny bit more water until it comes together smoothly.
- Get Creative with Flavors: Try different herbs, spices, or even seeds to give the crackers unique flavors.
- Store Properly: To keep your crackers crispy, store them in an airtight container once they’re completely cooled.
Flavor Variations
- Herbed Crackers: Add a mix of dried herbs, like rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning, to the dough for a fragrant taste.
- Spicy Crackers: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the dough for a hint of heat.
- Parmesan and Black Pepper: Swap out cheddar for Parmesan and add cracked black pepper for a classic, savory cracker.
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Serving Suggestions
These crackers are delicious on their own but are also versatile for a variety of pairings:
- With Cheese: Pair these crackers with cheeses like brie, camembert, gouda, or blue cheese.
- With Dips: Serve with hummus, guacamole, or a creamy spinach dip.
- On a Charcuterie Board: Add them to a platter with cured meats, olives, and dried fruits for a beautiful and tasty display.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Note: This is an approximate calculation based on 1 serving (about 5-6 crackers).
- Calories: ~100
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 80mg
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Why Make Homemade Crackers?
Making homemade crackers is easy, affordable, and gives you complete control over the ingredients. You can skip the preservatives and enjoy fresh, wholesome snacks anytime. Plus, they’re incredibly customizable, allowing you to add flavors and toppings that suit your taste.
Conclusion
These Homemade Salt Crackers with Poppy Seeds and Cheese are a delicious and crunchy snack that’s surprisingly easy to make. They offer a wonderful blend of savory cheese, subtle nuttiness from the poppy seeds, and just the right amount of saltiness. Ideal for snack time, entertaining, or even gifting, these crackers are bound to impress. Once you’ve tried homemade crackers, you may never want to buy store-bought again. Enjoy these with your favorite dips, cheeses, or just on their own!