Ina Garten Jalapeño Cheddar Crackers Recipe

This Ina Garten Jalapeño Cheddar Crackers Recipe is buttery and savory, which includes sharp cheddar and fresh jalapeños. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 25 minutes.

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Ina Garten Jalapeño Cheddar Crackers Recipe Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, diced
• ½ pound sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh jalapeño (seeds removed)
• 1–2 tablespoons cold water, as needed

How To Make Ina Garten Jalapeño Cheddar Crackers

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a food processor, combine flour, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using. Pulse to combine.
2. Add butter and cheese: Add cold butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add grated cheddar and pulse again to blend.
3. Add jalapeños and form dough: Add chopped jalapeños and pulse. Slowly add cold water while pulsing until dough begins to come together. Use only as much water as needed.
4. Shape and chill: Transfer dough to plastic wrap, form into a 1 ½-inch diameter log. Wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
5. Slice and arrange: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice dough into ¼-inch rounds and place 1 inch apart.
6. Bake: Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until golden around the edges. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

Recipe Tips

• Can I make the dough ahead? Yes, refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for longer storage.
• What cheese works best? Use sharp white cheddar for bold flavor, or try a mix with Parmesan.
• How spicy are they? Mild if seeds are removed. Leave seeds in or add cayenne for extra heat.
• Can I roll the dough and use cutters? Yes, roll between parchment and use small cookie cutters for shaped crackers.
• How to store leftovers? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

What To Serve With Jalapeño Cheddar Crackers

These bold-flavored crackers are perfect with:

• Cream cheese or whipped goat cheese
• Tomato or roasted red pepper soup
• Charcuterie boards
• Spicy hummus
• Honey or fig jam for contrast

How To Store Jalapeño Cheddar Crackers

Room Temperature: Store cooled crackers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freeze: Freeze unbaked dough log tightly wrapped for up to 1 month. Thaw slightly before slicing and baking.

Jalapeño Cheddar Crackers Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 85 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Sodium: 125mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and portion size.

FAQs

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Can I make them without a food processor?
Yes, use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut butter into flour.

Do these crackers spread a lot?
Not much—chilling the dough helps them hold shape.

Can I use pickled jalapeños?
Fresh is best, but drained pickled jalapeños can work in a pinch.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
• Ina Garten Smoked Salmon Dip Recipe
• Ina Garten Pan Fried Onion Dip Recipe