Parmesan-Cheddar Crackers with Poppy Seeds

These Parmesan-Cheddar Crackers with Poppy Seeds are a delightful snack that combines the rich flavors of Parmigiano Reggiano and sharp cheddar cheese, enhanced with a crunch from poppy seeds. The rye flour and cornmeal add an earthy flavor and crisp texture. Perfect for pairing with drinks or enjoying on their own, these homemade crackers are sure to impress at any gathering or as a savory treat during your day.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup + 1 tbsp unbleached all-purpose flour

  • 2 tbsp rye flour

  • 1 tbsp well-ground yellow cornmeal

  • 1 tbsp poppy seeds

  • ½ tsp baking powder

  • ¼ cup (half of one stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into very small chunks

  • ½ cup well-grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

  • ½ cup well-grated sharp or extra-sharp yellow cheddar cheese

  • 4 to 5 tbsp very cold water

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 tbsp water

  • Fine sea salt (for sprinkling)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Dough
    In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rye flour, cornmeal, poppy seeds, and baking powder. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to mix in the cold butter pieces until the mixture resembles crumbs. Stir in the Parmesan and cheddar cheeses until evenly distributed.

  2. Add Water and Knead
    Sprinkle 4 tablespoons of cold water over the mixture while stirring until everything is well combined. If the dough seems dry, add a tablespoon more water. Transfer the dough to a surface and knead it gently. Divide the dough into two portions, shape each into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

  3. Roll and Cut the Dough
    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a floured surface, roll out one disk at a time to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters or slice into squares. Place the crackers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  4. Prepare the Egg Wash
    Whisk together 1 large egg and 1 tbsp water. Brush the egg wash over each cracker and sprinkle with fine sea salt.

  5. Bake the Crackers
    Bake the crackers for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. For extra crispiness, you can leave them in the oven after turning it off for a few more minutes.

  6. Cool and Store
    Allow the crackers to cool before placing them in an airtight container to preserve their crunch. Enjoy your homemade cheesy, crunchy crackers!

Nutrients

While specific nutritional values will depend on exact portions and ingredients used, here’s a general breakdown for one serving (approximately 2-3 crackers):

  • Calories: 150–180 kcal

  • Protein: 4–5 g

  • Carbohydrates: 18–22 g

    • Fiber: 1–2 g

    • Sugars: 1–2 g

  • Fat: 8–10 g

    • Saturated Fat: 4–5 g

  • Cholesterol: 20–30 mg

  • Sodium: 100–150 mg

  • Calcium: 50–70 mg

  • Iron: 1 mg

This estimate is based on typical serving sizes, and the actual content may vary depending on your specific ingredients.

The Magic of Cheese in Crackers

The key to these crackers’ irresistible flavor lies in the cheeses used. Parmigiano Reggiano, often regarded as one of the finest cheeses, brings a sharp, nutty, and salty flavor that adds depth and richness to the crackers. Paired with sharp cheddar, which brings its own robust flavor and tang, these cheeses create a delightful contrast that makes each bite of the cracker a savory treat. The combination of the two cheeses in this dough ensures that the crackers are packed with flavor from the very first bite.

As the crackers bake, the cheese melts and crisps up, creating a deliciously golden, slightly crispy texture that enhances the overall crunchiness of the crackers. The flavors intensify as they bake, giving you a delicious snack that balances cheese richness with a hint of nuttiness.

The Role of Rye Flour and Cornmeal

Rye flour and cornmeal aren’t just there for added texture; they contribute a unique flavor that sets these crackers apart from the usual cheesy biscuits or crackers. Rye flour offers a subtle earthy taste, which complements the sharpness of the cheese and the delicate crunch of the poppy seeds. It gives the crackers a rustic and hearty feel, while cornmeal adds a slight grittiness that enhances the crunch factor.

The combination of these ingredients results in a cracker that is light yet sturdy enough to hold up to dips and spreads, or simply to be enjoyed on its own. The cornmeal’s texture helps to create the ideal crispiness, while the rye flour’s flavor deepens the overall taste profile, making these crackers much more than just a cheesy snack.

Poppy Seeds: A Touch of Crunch and Elegance

Poppy seeds not only add a delightful crunch to the crackers, but they also bring a subtle nutty flavor that enhances the savory elements of the dough. When toasted, poppy seeds develop a warm, roasted aroma that complements the richness of the cheeses. Their tiny size means they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough, providing a satisfying burst of crunch with every bite.

Aside from flavor and texture, poppy seeds add a visual appeal to the crackers. Their tiny black speckles create a beautiful contrast against the golden-brown color of the baked crackers, making them look as good as they taste. The poppy seeds also pair perfectly with the rye flour and cornmeal, tying together the earthy flavors with a delicate touch.

Easy to Prepare and Bake

These Parmesan-Cheddar Crackers with Poppy Seeds are surprisingly easy to make, despite their sophisticated flavor profile. The dough comes together quickly, with the dry ingredients being whisked together and then mixed with cold butter to create a crumbly texture. The cheese is then added, and the dough is brought together with cold water, making it easy to work with and ensuring that the crackers turn out tender yet crisp.

After chilling the dough, you’ll roll it out to 1/8-inch thickness, which ensures the crackers have a thin, crisp texture that bakes evenly. Cutting the dough into shapes or squares is the fun part, and you can use cookie cutters to create festive shapes for parties or simply cut them into squares for a more rustic look. After brushing them with an egg wash and sprinkling with a little sea salt, they bake to a perfect golden-brown finish.

The best part? You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to an hour, allowing you to multitask while the dough chills and firms up. This makes the crackers a perfect snack to prepare when you need something savory and homemade but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Parmesan-Cheddar Crackers with Poppy Seeds are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving them. They pair wonderfully with a variety of dips, spreads, and cheeses. For a sophisticated touch, serve them with a creamy dip, like hummus or spinach artichoke dip, or with a selection of cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese.

They’re also perfect alongside a glass of wine or beer, making them an ideal snack for parties or casual gatherings. A light, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc would complement the cheese crackers beautifully, balancing their rich flavor with refreshing acidity. If you’re a fan of beer, try pairing them with a light lager or pale ale, which won’t overpower the crackers but will enhance their crunchiness.

If you prefer to keep things simple, these crackers are delicious on their own, served as a crunchy snack during the day or alongside a salad for a more substantial meal.

Storage and Freshness

Once baked, these crackers maintain their crispness for several days when stored properly. To preserve their crunch, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for a longer-lasting freshness. If they do lose some of their crunch over time, you can refresh them in the oven for a few minutes to bring them back to their crispy, golden state.

These crackers are also great for gifting! Package them in a cute jar or a small box, and they make a thoughtful, homemade gift for friends and family, especially during the holiday season or for any special occasion.

Health Considerations

While these crackers are delicious, they are a treat best enjoyed in moderation due to their buttery richness. The combination of butter, cheese, and flour gives them a satisfying and indulgent flavor, but they are not the lowest in fat and calories. However, they are made with wholesome ingredients, including rye flour and cornmeal, which provide some fiber and additional nutrients compared to more refined crackers.

If you’re looking to make them a little healthier, you can experiment with substituting some of the butter for olive oil, or use reduced-fat cheese options, though this may alter the flavor and texture slightly.

Conclusion

Parmesan-Cheddar Crackers with Poppy Seeds are an irresistible combination of savory flavors, earthy textures, and a satisfying crunch. The blend of two delicious cheeses, rye flour, and poppy seeds makes these crackers a standout snack that’s perfect for pairing with drinks or enjoying on their own. Easy to make, versatile, and packed with flavor, these crackers are sure to impress your guests at any gathering or provide you with a savory treat any time of day. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a snack, or alongside a meal, these homemade crackers will become a staple in your kitchen.

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