This Ina Garten Chipotle Cheddar Crackers recipe is smoky and cheesy, which uses sharp white cheddar cheese and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. It’s a no-fuss take on the classic, ready in about 29 minutes.
Jump to RecipeIna Garten Chipotle Cheddar Crackers Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, diced
- ½ pound sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon finely minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons cold water (as needed)

How To Make Ina Garten Chipotle Cheddar Crackers
- Mix dry ingredients: In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Pulse or whisk to mix.
- Cut in butter and cheese: Add cold diced butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add grated cheddar and pulse again just until combined.
- Add chipotle and form dough: Add minced chipotle and pulse. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon cold water while pulsing. Add more water only if needed until dough just comes together.
- Shape and chill dough: Transfer dough to plastic wrap. Form into a 1½-inch diameter log. Wrap tightly and refrigerate at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours.
- Slice and prep for baking: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Slice dough into ¼-inch thick rounds and place 1 inch apart.
- Bake until golden: Bake 12–14 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Recipe Tips
- Can I freeze the dough? Yes, freeze the wrapped dough log for up to 2 months. Thaw slightly before slicing.
- How to make them crispier: Slice thinner and bake for 1–2 extra minutes.
- What cheese works best? Sharp white cheddar gives bold flavor, but you can also try smoked gouda or pepper jack.
- Can I make them less spicy? Reduce chipotle to 1 teaspoon or omit entirely.
- Can I use a stand mixer instead? Yes, but avoid overmixing to keep the texture light.
What To Serve With Chipotle Cheddar Crackers
These crackers make a perfect snack or party addition. Serve with:
- Tomato soup
- Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese
- Fresh salsa or guacamole
- Sliced apples or pears
- Charcuterie boards

How To Store Chipotle Cheddar Crackers
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Baked crackers can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Re-crisp in the oven if needed.
Chipotle Cheddar Crackers Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~70
- Carbohydrates: ~5g
- Protein: ~2g
- Fat: ~5g
- Saturated Fat: ~3g
- Sodium: ~90mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Freshly grated cheese melts better and gives a smoother texture.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Why is my dough too crumbly?
Add a tiny bit more cold water and pulse just until it holds together.
Can I shape the dough differently?
Yes, roll out and cut into squares or use small cookie cutters.
Are these spicy?
They have a mild to medium heat. Adjust chipotle to your taste.
Try More Recipes:
- Ina Garten Risotto Cakes Recipe
- Ina Garten Hot Dogs In Puff Pastry Recipe
- Ina Garten Cauliflower Toast Recipe
Ina Garten Chipotle Cheddar Crackers Recipe
Course: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy30
servings10
minutes14
minutes70
kcalSmoky, cheesy crackers with a kick of chipotle, perfect for snacking or entertaining.
Ingredients
-
1½ cups all-purpose flour
-
1 tsp kosher salt
-
½ tsp black pepper
-
¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
-
8 tbsp cold unsalted butter, diced
-
½ lb sharp white cheddar, grated
-
1 tbsp minced chipotle in adobo
-
1–2 tbsp cold water
Directions
- Combine flour, salt, pepper, and paprika in bowl.
- Pulse in butter until mixture is coarse crumbs. Add cheese and pulse again.
- Add chipotle and 1 tbsp cold water. Pulse until dough forms. Add more water if needed.
- Shape into log, wrap in plastic, and chill 1 hour.
- Slice into ¼-inch rounds. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F for 12–14 minutes. Cool and enjoy.
