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These homemade cheese crackers with rosemary are a delightful, crunchy snack. Perfectly seasoned with sharp cheddar and parmesan cheese, paired with fragrant rosemary, they’re ideal for serving with soups, salads, or as part of a charcuterie board. These crackers are a fun way to satisfy your snack cravings with a homemade touch.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 ½ cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
1 teaspoon thyme leaves
1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)

Directions

Prepare the Bread Batter:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, sugar, cheddar cheese, parmesan, rosemary, and thyme.
- Add the buttermilk and mix until well incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake the Loaf:
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool to room temperature, then wrap it in foil and freeze it for at least 2 hours or overnight (freezing helps with slicing).
Slice the Crackers:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the bread from the freezer, and let it thaw for 5-10 minutes.
- Using a serrated knife, slice the bread into ⅛-inch thick pieces.
- Place the slices cut side down on an ungreased pan.
Bake the Crackers:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the crackers are golden brown and crispy at the edges.
- Let the crackers cool for a few hours to dry out fully.

Nutrients

Calories: 130 kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 4g

Why You Should Make Homemade Cheese Crackers

One of the best things about making homemade cheese crackers with rosemary is the ability to customize them to your liking. While store-bought crackers are convenient, they often come with a long list of preservatives and artificial flavorings. Homemade cheese crackers, on the other hand, allow you to control the ingredients and flavors, ensuring that each batch is fresh and tailored to your taste. By using high-quality ingredients like sharp cheddar, parmesan, and fresh rosemary, these crackers take on a rich, authentic flavor that simply can’t be matched by their store-bought counterparts.

Making your own crackers also gives you the opportunity to experiment with different types of cheese, herbs, and seasonings. If you prefer a more intense cheese flavor, you can increase the amount of sharp cheddar or swap in other cheeses like Gruyère or Gouda. Similarly, you can adjust the amount of rosemary or add additional herbs such as thyme or oregano to create your own unique twist on this classic snack. The process is simple, yet rewarding, and the end result is a batch of homemade crackers that are far superior in flavor and texture to anything you can buy in a store.

The Key Ingredients in Cheese Crackers

The magic of these homemade cheese crackers lies in the combination of a few essential ingredients. The main components—sharp cheddar, parmesan, rosemary, and a simple dough made with flour, baking soda, sugar, and buttermilk—come together to create a savory snack that is bursting with flavor.

Sharp Cheddar and Parmesan: The sharp cheddar cheese is the star of these crackers, bringing a rich, tangy, and slightly nutty flavor to each bite. Parmesan cheese complements the cheddar with its salty, umami taste, adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile. Together, these cheeses form a perfect pairing that gives the crackers their signature cheesy bite.

Rosemary: Rosemary is the perfect herb to pair with cheese, offering a fragrant, piney flavor that enhances the richness of the cheeses. Its earthy undertones provide a nice contrast to the sharpness of the cheddar and the saltiness of the parmesan. Whether you use fresh rosemary or dried rosemary, its aromatic essence infuses the crackers with a distinctive taste that makes them stand out.

Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds moisture to the dough, making the crackers tender while still maintaining their crispiness. The slight tang of buttermilk also balances out the richness of the cheeses, giving the crackers a well-rounded flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute it with milk mixed with a little vinegar to achieve a similar effect.

The Making Process: Easy and Rewarding

The process of making homemade cheese crackers with rosemary is both simple and enjoyable. It begins with preparing the dough, which is made by combining the dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, salt, sugar, and cheese—with the wet ingredients, including buttermilk and herbs. The dough is mixed until it forms a cohesive ball, and then it’s transferred into a loaf pan to bake.

Baking the loaf at a lower temperature ensures that the bread cooks through, allowing the cheeses to melt and infuse the dough with flavor. Once the loaf has cooled and been frozen for a couple of hours (a necessary step for easier slicing), it is cut into thin slices, which are then baked at a higher temperature to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior.

What sets these crackers apart is the additional step of freezing the loaf before slicing. Freezing not only makes the bread easier to slice into thin pieces, but it also helps to preserve the integrity of the crackers during baking. The freezing process ensures that the slices maintain their shape and don’t become overly fragile, allowing you to achieve perfectly crisp and uniform crackers.

The Perfect Pairing: Cheese Crackers for Every Occasion

Homemade cheese crackers with rosemary are incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways, making them a great addition to any meal or event. They are perfect as a standalone snack, ideal for satisfying those midday cravings or serving guests at a party. Their sharp, cheesy flavor and crispy texture make them a crowd favorite, whether enjoyed on their own or paired with a glass of wine or beer.

As Part of a Charcuterie Board: These crackers are a perfect addition to any charcuterie board. They pair wonderfully with a variety of cured meats, cheeses, and spreads. Their rich, savory flavor complements the saltiness of the meats and the creaminess of the cheeses, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Add some olives, nuts, and fruit to round out the board, and you’ve got a snack that’s both elegant and satisfying.

With Soups and Salads: Cheese crackers with rosemary are also a fantastic accompaniment to soups and salads. The crispy, crunchy texture of the crackers provides a nice contrast to creamy soups like tomato bisque or potato leek soup. They can also be served alongside fresh salads, adding a savory crunch to balance out the freshness of the greens.

For Appetizers or Party Snacks: These crackers are a great option for parties or gatherings. They’re easy to make in large batches and are guaranteed to be a hit with your guests. You can serve them with a variety of dips, such as hummus, guacamole, or a tangy sour cream dip. Their versatility makes them suitable for any event, from casual get-togethers to more formal occasions.

Storing and Serving Cheese Crackers

Once baked, these homemade cheese crackers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy them as a snack throughout the week. For longer storage, you can freeze the crackers. Simply store them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they will stay fresh for several months. To serve, you can thaw them at room temperature or reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

To enhance the experience, serve the crackers with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for added flavor and texture. If you’re serving them at a party or gathering, consider adding small bowls of dipping sauces or spreads on the side to complement the crackers’ rich flavor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, homemade cheese crackers with rosemary are a delightful and rewarding snack that can elevate any occasion. Their savory combination of sharp cheddar, parmesan, and fragrant rosemary creates a perfect balance of flavors, while their crispy, golden texture makes them utterly irresistible. Whether served as part of a charcuterie board, alongside soups and salads, or as a standalone snack, these crackers are sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. The ease of preparation and the ability to customize the flavors make them a versatile and enjoyable treat. With a homemade touch, these cheese crackers will satisfy your cravings for something crunchy, cheesy, and full of flavor.

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