Homemade Cheddar Crackers

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder, optional

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder, optional

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded

• 2–4 tablespoons ice water

Instructions:

1. Add the flour, salt, garlic powder and onion powder (if using) to a food processor. Add the cold cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and pulse until combined.

3. With the food processor running, add the ice water 1 tablespoon at a time, just until the dough begins to come together.

4. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

6. Roll the chilled dough between two sheets of parchment paper to approximately ⅛-inch thick - the thinner the better or else they puff up too much when baked

7. Cut into small squares, about 1 inch each, and use a toothpick to make a small hole in the centre of each cracker.

8. Arrange on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

9. Let the crackers cool completely. They will continue to crisp as they cool.