Name: From-scratch Crackers
Yield: 35

from-scratch Crackers made with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Making crackers from scratch might seem excessive or intimidating, but I’ve simplified the process to bring you a drool-worthy recipe. Once you try it, you won’t forget it!

Is It Worth Making Your Own Crackers?

Here’s an exact quote from my sister as I practically shoved this cracker in her mouth for a taste test – “I can’t imagine having my life together enough to ever make my own crackers!”

Okay, fair enough. And I hear you. It may seem like making crackers is unnecessary, (store-bought ones actually DO taste good) and are difficult or overly complicated to make. But one bite of these crackers and I think you may change your mind — at least a little.

These crackers are ridiculously tasty — as in the best crackers I’ve ever eaten. And yes, they take a little work, but honestly, not too much more than driving to a store and buying your own box. Besides, gourmet crackers can be costly, and it’s quite economical to make your own. Additionally, you have control over the quality of ingredients used and what exactly goes into your crackers. (If you’d prefer making from-scratch crackers for toddlers or babies, instead of having them eat store-bought, this is the recipe to use!)

I’ve tried to make this recipe as simple as possible, and think you’ll be impressed with how easily they come together. Next up on the bucket list? Making from-scratch graham crackers!

Ingredients

Parmesan Cheese: It gives your crackers a strong cheese flavor. Grate your own cheese for better flavor and less salt.
Unsalted Butter: Makes your crackers rich and flaky. Use cold butter to help make the dough crumbly.
Seasonings: These add a nice spice and depth to your crackers. Adjust the amount of each to suit your taste, keeping in mind the saltiness from the cheese.
Flour: This holds everything together. Tip: Mix gently to keep your crackers light and crunchy.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This moistens the dough, making it easier to handle. Add a little at a time—you might not need it all.
Italian Seasoning: Adds a herby flavor that goes well with the cheese.

How To Make from-scratch Crackers

from-scratch Crackers are incredibly straightforward to make and use simple ingredients. And you can have them in just four straightforward steps! Just like our go-to Biscuit Recipe and a reliable Pie Crust Recipe, we use the food processor to pulse together a dough in mere minutes.

Combine all the ingredients together in the food processor. Pulse (never purée) to form a dough.
Press the dough together and then roll out the dough to 1/8-1/4 inch thick.
Place the dough on large greased and floured baking sheets and score with a very sharp knife.
Bake. Remove from the oven, sprinkle on salt, let crackers cool, and break ’em apart.

Add to a festive charcuterie board? I think yes!

from-scratch Crackers Recipe: Tips

Score the dough — or don’t. Before baking, You can score the dough so the crackers break into uniform squares. If you’d rather not score the dough, simply wait for the sheet of baked crackers to cool and set. Then simply break apart into rustic-looking crackers (kind of like making peppermint bark– just with crackers!).
Roll the dough thinly. If the dough is too thick, the crackers won’t be crispy and crunchy (and might even be a little doughy in the center).
from-scratch cheese crackers rely on good cheese! Grab a block of Parmesan and grate it on the small holes of a grater. Alternatively, use finely grated Parmesan cheese. Parmesan from the can will be too salty and won’t work very well in these crackers. The better the Parmesan, the tastier these crackers will be!

Variations

Healthy from-scratch Crackers: Try these seeded ones instead!
Garlic Crackers Recipe: These crackers have dried minced garlic in them, which gives a nice hint of garlic. For a stronger flavor, bump up the amount of minced garlic in the dough.
from-scratch Saltine Crackers: Give this recipe a go!

Quick Tip

Swap the seasoning: Instead of Italian seasoning, you could try one herb instead for a stronger flavor (think dried crushed rosemary, thyme, parsley, basil, etc.).

Storage

Can I Freeze from-scratch Crackers?

Another bonus of making your own crackers is how well they freeze. Freeze the disc of dough (wrapped in plastic and in a gallon-sized bag) in the freezer for 3-4 months. Thaw overnight and roll out the next day.

Alternatively, store baked crackers in an airtight container for up to 4 months. Thaw at room temperature, but note they do lose some crispness.

Store completely cooled baked crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. These are best the first day they’re made!