Name: Cheddar & Jalapeño Crisps with a Kick
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese; ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened; ¼ cup finely chopped jalapeños (seeds removed); ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp onion powder; 2 tbsp cold water (or as needed); 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)

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Cheddar & Jalapeño Crisps with a Kick are bold, cheesy, and perfectly crunchy crackers that bring just the right amount of heat. Made with real cheddar cheese and finely chopped jalapeños, these homemade savory snacks are ideal for entertaining, pairing with dips, or simply enjoying as a flavorful snack with a spicy twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy and Spicy: Combines sharp cheddar and fresh jalapeños for a vibrant, savory flavor with a mild kick.
Crispy and Homemade: Baked until golden and crunchy—perfect for snacking or dipping.
Customizable: Easily adjust the heat level or swap cheeses to match your preference.
No Preservatives: Made with real ingredients and no artificial additives.
Fun and Simple to Make: Great for beginner bakers or as a fun weekend cooking project.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Shredded cheddar cheese
Unsalted butter, softened
Jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
Salt
Baking powder
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Cold water
Olive oil (for brushing)

directions

Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cheddar cheese, salt, baking powder, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Add Jalapeños:
Stir in the finely chopped jalapeños until evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
Mix in Butter:
Cut the softened butter into small pieces and work it into the flour mixture using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the texture is crumbly.
Form the Dough:
Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until a cohesive dough forms. Knead gently to bring it together, adding a bit more water if necessary.
Roll and Cut:
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into small squares or desired cracker shapes using a knife or cookie cutter.
Prepare for Baking:
Place the cut dough pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each with a light coating of olive oil.
Bake:
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Rotate the pan halfway through for even baking if needed.
Cool and Serve:
Let the crisps cool on the baking sheet before serving. Enjoy as-is or pair with your favorite dip.

Servings and timing

Servings: Makes 12–15 crackers (depending on size)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 150 kcal per serving

Variations

Extra Heat: Leave jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough.
Different Cheese: Try pepper jack, smoked gouda, or parmesan for a twist.
Herb-Infused: Add dried oregano, rosemary, or thyme for added flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating: If they lose crispness, bake in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3–5 minutes to refresh.

FAQs

Can I make these crisps spicier?

Yes, keep the seeds in the jalapeños or add chili flakes or cayenne to the dough for extra heat.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but for best melting and flavor, freshly shredded cheddar is recommended.

How do I keep the crackers crispy?

Make sure the dough is rolled thinly and evenly. Let the crisps cool completely before storing.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before rolling and baking.

Are these good for dipping?

Absolutely—pair with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or a cheesy dip.

Can I use a food processor to mix the dough?

Yes, pulse the dry ingredients, then add butter and water gradually until a dough forms.

Can I bake these in an air fryer?

Yes, reduce temperature to 325°F (160°C) and cook in small batches for 8–10 minutes, checking for doneness.

What should I do if the dough is too sticky?

Add a little more flour, one teaspoon at a time, until it becomes manageable.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and store for a few days ahead or freeze the dough for future baking.

Do these crisps taste better warm or cool?

They’re delicious both ways, but allowing them to cool enhances their crispiness.

Conclusion

Cheddar & Jalapeño Crisps with a Kick are a bold and cheesy snack with a perfect hint of heat. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed solo, these crispy crackers are full of flavor and easy to make. Try them once, and they’re sure to become a go-to homemade snack in your kitchen.

Cheddar & Jalapeño Crisps with a Kick

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Author: Douaa
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12–15 crackers
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cheddar & Jalapeño Crisps with a Kick are the perfect savory snack—crispy, cheesy, and loaded with a hint of heat from fresh jalapeños. Ideal for entertaining, game day, or pairing with dips, these homemade crackers are easy to make and full of bold flavor.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, cheese, salt, baking powder, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Add jalapeños and stir to distribute evenly.
Cut in butter: Mix in cubed butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Form dough: Gradually add cold water until dough forms. Knead briefly until cohesive.
Roll out dough to ⅛-inch thickness on a floured surface.
Cut crackers: Slice into squares or use cookie cutters.
Bake: Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden and crisp.
Cool: Let crisps cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.

Notes

For extra heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeños or add cayenne.
Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Perfect with hummus, guacamole, or sour cream dips.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Snack, Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American