Crispy Cheese and Crackers
A quick and easy homemade gourmet snack featuring crispy, cheesy crackers seasoned with herbs and garlic powder. Perfect for potlucks, game nights, or a savory treat any time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (about 8 crackers per serving) 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- About 30 plain or lightly salted crackers (water crackers or Ritz crackers recommended)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon mixed Italian herbs or dried oregano
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, garlic powder, dried herbs, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until well blended.
- Place crackers in a large bowl or shallow dish. Drizzle the butter mixture over them and toss gently to coat each cracker evenly without breaking them.
- Arrange the coated crackers in a single layer on the lined baking sheet, leaving space between each for even crisping.
- Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar generously over each cracker, covering but not pooling.
- Bake for 8–12 minutes, watching closely starting at 8 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown with edges crisping.
- Remove from oven and transfer crackers to a cooling rack to firm up and achieve perfect crispiness.
- Once cooled completely, serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and crisping. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to allow even crisping. Watch the oven closely in the last few minutes to prevent burning. For gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese and butter substitutes. To reheat, bake at 300°F (150°C) for 3–5 minutes; avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 8 crackers
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 7
Keywords: crispy cheese crackers, homemade snack, easy snack recipe, cheesy crackers, party snack, gluten-free snack option, vegan cheese alternative