SHARP CHEDDAR CHILI CHEESE CRACKERS RECIPE - (4.5/5)

Sharp Cheddar Chili Cheese Crackers Recipe - (4.5/5) image

Provided by á-170995

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, 1/2 stick
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cold water
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Steps:

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together butter, cheese, salt, and pepper. It may seem strange to blend butter and cheese, but it will come together in a softball. With mixer on low-speed, slowly add flour. Mixture will become dry and crumbly. Add 2 tablespoons of water, 1 tablespoon at a time. Beat until mixture just comes together into a ball. The mixture may take an extra teaspoon of water, but don't add too much. The dough should be moist but not wet. Knead the spices into the dough. Leaving streaks of the seasoning is just fine. Wrap each disk of cracker dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but an hour is better. The dough can also be frozen for future use. While dough chills, place a rack in the center and upper third of the oven and preheat oven to 375°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. On a lightly floured work surface, roll the dough very thin, about an eighth of an inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out the crackers. If you like them square, you can just use a knife and cut the dough into squares. Dot center of cracker with a fork so that it cooks evenly. Place crackers on prepared baking sheets. The pieces can be close together as they won't expand much when baking. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until fragrant, golden brown, and crisp. Allow to cool before serving. The crackers can be stored in an airtight container for 2 or 3 days.