Homemade Cheddar Crackers

Homemade Cheddar Crackers

I like to limit the processed food for myself and my daughters so when I found a recipe for homemade cheddar crackers (like goldfish or cheez its), I had to try it out!  These are super easy and quite tasty!  We can polish off the recipe in a day! 

Ingredients:
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup all purpose flour
2 tablespoons ice water

Directions:
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the cheddar, butter, and salt until soft and combined.  Add the flour and mix on low speed (the dough will be dry and pebbly).  Slowly add the water and continue to mix as the dough forms a ball. 
Pat the dough into a disk, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. 
Preheat the oven to 375*F.  Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.  Divide the dough into two pieces and roll each into a very thin (1/8 inch or less) rectangle.  Using a knife, cut into 1-inch squares and transfer to baking sheets.  You can also use small cookie cutters.  Use the tip of a chopstick to punch a hole in the center of each square. 
Bake for 15-17 minutes or until puffed and browning at the edges.  Watch carefully, as the high fat content of the crackers makes it a fine line between golden delicious and burnt.  Immediately move the crackers to racks to cool. 

By: A Chow Life