Description
These Healthy Cheese Crackers are a delicious homemade snack made with whole wheat flour, flavorful spices, and low-fat cheddar cheese. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a crunchy texture and a cheesy taste without the guilt. Perfect for a healthy snack or party appetizer, these crackers are easy to make and use simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Wet Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup water (plus more if needed)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir thoroughly until all spices are evenly distributed.
- Add Oil and Cheese: Add the olive oil and shredded low-fat cheddar cheese to the dry mixture. Mix with a fork or by hand until the mixture becomes crumbly and well combined.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the water to the mixture while stirring to form a dough. The dough should be firm and not sticky. Adjust by adding a tiny bit more water or flour as needed for the right consistency.
- Roll Dough: Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness for optimal cracker crispness.
- Cut Shapes: Cut the dough into small squares or your preferred shapes using a knife or cookie cutter. Use a toothpick to poke a hole in the center of each piece to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Carefully place the cut crackers on the prepared baking sheet, positioning them close but not touching to ensure even cooking.
- Bake: Bake the crackers in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown, indicating crispness.
- Cool: Remove the crackers from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely and achieve maximum crunch.
Notes
- For a stronger cheese flavor, consider using full-fat cheddar, though it will increase the fat content.
- Experiment with different seasonings like chili powder or herbs for flavor variations.
- Store cooled crackers in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
- Rolling the dough evenly ensures uniform baking and crisp texture.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if too dry, add a small amount of water incrementally.
