Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, grated cheese, poppy seeds, salt, baking powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Add the cubed cold butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the cold water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough starts to come together. The dough should be firm but not too sticky. If needed, add a little more water, but avoid over-mixing.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lightly flour a clean surface, then roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. The thinner you roll, the crispier the crackers will be.
- Using a knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into small squares or rectangles (about 1.5 inches each). Alternatively, you can use a small cookie cutter for round or other fun shapes.
Step 3: Bake the Crackers
- Place the cut dough pieces on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each cracker.
- Sprinkle a little extra salt over the top of the crackers for added flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them, as they can quickly go from golden to overly browned.
Step 4: Cool and Store
- Allow the crackers to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. The crackers will continue to crisp as they cool.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions
These salt crackers with poppy seeds and cheese pair wonderfully with a variety of dips like hummus, guacamole, or cream cheese. They also make an excellent addition to cheese boards or charcuterie platters and are perfect for serving alongside soups or salads.
Tips for the Perfect Crackers
- Use Cold Butter: Cold butter helps create flaky layers, making the crackers crispier. You can also use a food processor to pulse the butter into the flour for a quicker option.
- Rolling Thickness: For a crisp cracker, make sure to roll the dough evenly to about 1/8-inch thickness. Thicker crackers may require a slightly longer baking time.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, or even a dash of smoked paprika for different flavor variations.
Enjoy!
These homemade salt crackers are a treat on their own or when served with other savory snacks. With the delightful flavors of cheese and poppy seeds, every bite is an irresistible blend of crunch and seasoning.