Parmesan & Thyme Crackers

Making your own crackers may seem like a daunting task, but I promise it is not. Especially when it comes to these little parmesan and thyme crackers. I was going through all the cookbooks in my kitchen looking for something fun and exciting to make, and came across this cracker recipe. I knew it might not be the best idea to make (considering I would probably eat all of them in one sitting - I'll be the first to admit, I have no self control), but since some friends would be coming over for dinner, I thought they would make a nice little nibbly bit for them while I was making dinner. Plus, these crackers take only five minutes to whip up and they only take just a few ingredients - many of which are probably already in your kitchen. 

All you will need to make these crackers is flour, butter, parmesan cheese, thyme, black pepper and salt. See super simple, right? I would have told you if it was complicated. You literally mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl until combined. No extra bowls needed here! Once everything is combined, you'll want to place the mixture on a piece of plastic wrap, roll into a log and then place in the fridge to firm up. You can place this in the freezer to speed this part of the process up, but just don't forget it about it in there. You'll never cut through that frozen butter and cheese without cutting yourself. Trust me. It's not safe. Once the cracker log has chilled, you will want to cut it all up in to cracker like sizes, about 1/2 an inch thick. There is no specific way to do this, but just don't go too thick or too thin. Especially not too thin. Then your crackers will burn. Burnt crackers are not yummy crackers. Especially burnt cheese crackers! Unless you are in to that kind of thing.

Bake these little cheese delights at 350 degrees for 22 minutes and your house will smell better than it ever has before. No joke. As the crackers bake, your home be filled with the most heavenly cheesy aroma. Yikes. I am starting to salivate. These crackers are so easy to make and so impressive. People will really think you spent all day making them. Little do they know that they were a piece of cake cheese to make. These crackers make a great little snack or a great homemade gift (especially when you give them with a bottle of wine!). Just try not to eat them all in one sitting. Trust me, you'll be able to if you aren't careful. They are that deliciously addictive.

making homemade crackers is my new favorite thing!

Parmesan & Thyme Crackers (Ina Garten)

¼ pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
4 ounces freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 cup)
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1¼ cups all-purpose flour

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter for 1 minute. With the mixer on low speed, add the Parmesan, thyme, salt, and pepper and combine. With the mixer still on low, add the flour and combine until the mixture is in large crumbles, about 1 minute. If the dough is too dry, add 1 teaspoon water.

Dump the dough onto a floured board, press it into a ball, and roll into a 9-inch log. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or for up to 4 days.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the log into 3/8-inch-thick rounds with a small, sharp knife and place them on the baking sheet. Bake for 22 minutes, until very lightly browned. Cool and serve at room temperature. Enjoy!

If you thought Cheez-Its were good, get ready for these!