Cheese and caraway pastries

Cheese and Caraway Crackers – A Perfect Snack for a Rainy Afternoon

Who doesn’t love to enjoy a crunchy snack in front of the TV while the rain gently falls outside? Cheese and caraway crackers are the ideal choice for such moments. These lovingly made snacks are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. The recipe we will explore together is simple yet full of flavor, promising to bring a smile to anyone who tastes them.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 3-4 hours
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total: Approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes
Servings: About 4 trays of crackers

Required ingredients

- 250 g margarine (or butter for a richer taste)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon of vinegar (preferably white wine, for a delicate flavor)
- 400 g grated telemea cheese (feta or cottage cheese can be excellent alternatives)
- 100 ml milk
- 500 g flour
- 10 g fresh yeast
- For topping:
- 1 egg yolk mixed with 2 tablespoons of milk
- Caraway seeds (to taste, but don’t overdo it, so as not to overpower the cheese flavor)
- 100 g grated Parmesan (optional, but recommended for an intense taste)

Step by step: How to make perfect crackers

1. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, start by mixing the softened margarine (or butter) with the egg, vinegar, and milk. It is important for the margarine to be at room temperature for easier incorporation. Add the grated telemea cheese and mix well.

2. Adding dry ingredients
In another bowl, sift the flour together with the yeast. This will help achieve a fluffy texture. Gradually incorporate the flour into the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula or your hands until you obtain a homogeneous dough. Don’t worry if the dough is slightly sticky; that’s normal.

3. Chilling the dough
Form a ball from the dough and wrap it in plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours. This step is essential as the dough needs to chill to be easy to work with and to maintain its shape during baking.

4. Dividing and rolling out the dough
After the dough has chilled, remove it from the fridge and divide it into four equal parts. Work quickly with each part, keeping the rest in the fridge to prevent warming. Roll out a sheet about 0.5 cm thick. This thickness will ensure that the crackers are crunchy.

5. Cutting and decorating
Cut the sheet into strips about 2-3 cm wide. Place the strips on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Mix the egg yolk with the milk and brush each cracker with this mixture. Sprinkle caraway seeds and grated Parmesan on top. The latter will provide a unique aroma and color.

6. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the crackers for about 20 minutes or until they turn golden and crispy. It’s important not to leave them in the oven too long, as they can dry out.

Helpful tips for a perfect result

- Choose the cheese carefully: Telemea cheese is ideal due to its texture and salty flavor. You can also experiment with other types of cheese, but make sure they are well-drained to avoid affecting the dough's consistency.
- Margarine vs. Butter: Using butter instead of margarine will add a rich flavor but will make the dough slightly softer. Adjust the flour amount as needed.
- Caraway: This is a strong spice, so adjust the quantity to your personal taste. You can replace caraway with sesame seeds or other spices like sweet paprika for a different flavor.
- Storing the dough: If you don’t use all the dough parts immediately, you can freeze them. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and you can use them later.

Delicious variations

- Olive crackers: Add some finely chopped black or green olives to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
- Herb crackers: Chop some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme and incorporate them into the dough for a Mediterranean flavor.
- Chocolate crackers: Why not? You can add some dark chocolate pieces to the dough for a unique flavor combination.

Serving and pairings

These crackers are perfect to serve as an appetizer at a party, alongside a glass of refreshing white wine or craft beer. You can also pair the crackers with a fresh salad or a warm soup for a hearty meal.

Nutritional benefits

In addition to their delicious taste, these crackers are a good source of protein from the cheese and a moderate amount of carbohydrates from the flour. You can use whole grain flour variants to increase fiber intake, thus benefiting from additional nutrients.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use cottage cheese instead of telemea cheese? Yes, but make sure it is well-drained to avoid affecting the dough's texture.
- Can I make the crackers spicier? Absolutely! Add a bit of cayenne pepper or hot paprika to the dough for a spicier flavor.
- How long can the crackers be stored? If you store them in an airtight container, the crackers will stay fresh for up to a week.

Personal note

Cheese and caraway crackers are a recipe that reminds me of my childhood when my grandmother would make them for her grandchildren. Their delicious smell would gather us all around the table, and every bite was a celebration. So, don’t forget to enjoy them with your loved ones and share the joy of cooking!

So, I invite you to start making these cheese and caraway crackers! Whether you’re spending a quiet afternoon at home or hosting a small gathering, these crackers will surely be a delight!