Imagine biting into a crispy, golden cracker that's bursting with sharp cheddar flavor and topped with a luxuriously creamy cheese spread. These Gold Star Cheddar Crackers are not just another snack - they're a culinary adventure that will transform your appetizer game forever! Whether you're hosting a party, looking for a gourmet homemade treat, or simply craving something extraordinary, these crackers are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows the oven to reach the right temperature while you prepare the dough for the crackers.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Whisk the dry ingredients together until they are well blended.
- Add 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix the ingredients together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Once the mixture is crumbly, gently knead it together to form a dough. If the dough is too dry, you can add a teaspoon of cold water at a time until it holds together.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter or a knife to cut the dough into your desired shapes, placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the crackers in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- While the crackers are baking, prepare the cheese spread. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup of milk. Mix until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or a whisk.
- Taste the cheese spread and adjust the seasoning if desired. You can add a pinch of salt or more cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Once the crackers are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes.
- Serve the cooled Gold Star Cheddar Crackers with the creamy cheese spread on the side. Enjoy your delicious homemade snack!
Tips
- Use room temperature butter and cheese for easier mixing and better texture
- Don't overwork the dough - mix just until it comes together to keep crackers tender
- For extra crispy crackers, roll the dough as thin as possible (around 1/8 inch)
- Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar and parmesan
- Let crackers cool completely before storing to maintain their crunchiness
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days to preserve freshness
- For a spicier version, increase cayenne pepper or add smoked paprika
- Chill the dough for 15-30 minutes before rolling for easier handling
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 85mg
