Crackers

Delicious Cheese Crackers Recipe

I propose a simple and quick recipe for cheese crackers, perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cold beer with friends or even as a delicious breakfast. These crispy and salty snacks are ideal at any time of the day, and their aroma will delight you from the very first bite. Over time, cheese crackers have become a popular choice in many cultures, appreciated for both their savory taste and versatility. They can be customized according to your preferences and are easy to prepare, even for beginners.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rest time: 5-6 hours (or overnight)
Baking time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4 servings

Ingredients:
- 200 g soft butter (make sure it is at room temperature for easy mixing)
- 300 g salty cheese, grated (telemea or feta cheese works great)
- 500 g flour (you can use white flour or a combination with whole grain flour for added fiber)
- 4 eggs (I recommend using fresh, farm eggs for better flavor)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon pepper (for a spicy taste), salt (check the saltiness of the cheese before adding salt)
- For brushing: 1 egg, sesame or poppy seeds (optional, but adds extra flavor and texture)

Preparing the Crackers:

Step 1: Preparing the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the soft butter and salty cheese. Use a spatula or mixer to mix the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and creamy mixture. This is the time to add pepper and salt if necessary.

Step 2: Adding the Flour
Gradually add the flour to the mixture, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. When the dough starts to come together, add the 4 eggs, mixing well until you achieve a homogeneous and elastic dough. This dough can be adapted by adding spices of your choice, such as paprika or herbs.

Step 3: Resting the Dough
Once you have a uniform dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 5-6 hours or ideally overnight. This step is essential as it allows the dough to firm up, resulting in a crispier texture after baking.

Step 4: Preparing the Crackers
After the resting time, take the dough out of the refrigerator and divide it into 4 equal parts. If you are not using the entire amount, keep the unused portions in the refrigerator.

Step 5: Shaping the Crackers
Sprinkle flour on the work surface and on your dough. Roll out a thin sheet (ideally no more than 5 mm thick for crispy crackers). Place the rolled dough on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Use a knife or pizza cutter to create strips or pieces of desired size.

Step 6: Brushing and Seasoning
Beat the egg that you will use for brushing. With a kitchen brush, coat each cracker with the beaten egg and, if desired, sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top for a unique look and taste. These seeds not only add flavor but also a crunchy texture.

Step 7: Baking
Preheat the oven to 190°C (medium). Bake the crackers for about 15 minutes or until they turn golden and slightly crispy. I advise checking them every 10 minutes to ensure they do not burn.

Step 8: Cooling
After baking, let the crackers cool on a rack. This step is important to maintain the crispy texture.

Step 9: Serving
The crackers can be served warm or at room temperature, being wonderful alongside a cold beer or as an appetizer at a party. You can accompany them with a garlic yogurt sauce or an olive paste for extra flavor.

Variations and Suggestions:
- Replace the salty cheese with cheddar cheese for a sweeter flavor.
- Add fresh herbs like dill or thyme to the dough to enhance the aroma.
- You can experiment with soy cheese for a vegan version, adding a bit of plant milk to achieve a similar texture.

Nutritional Information:
These crackers are a good source of protein and calcium due to the cheese and eggs. Depending on the portion consumed, each cracker has approximately 80-100 calories, so enjoy them in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use another type of cheese?
- Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese, but make sure to choose a salty one to maintain the characteristic taste of the crackers.

2. Can I freeze the crackers?
- Yes, you can freeze the crackers before baking. Place them on a tray and put them in the freezer. Once frozen, you can transfer them to plastic bags. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

3. What is the best way to store them?
- Store the crackers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness.

Now you are ready to prepare these delicious cheese crackers! I hope you enjoy the cooking process and the final result. Perhaps at some point, you will want to try other recipes that pair perfectly with your crackers. Maybe a fresh salad or a refreshing cocktail? Cooking is an art worth exploring, and each recipe is an opportunity to create delicious memories with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!