Craving a snack that’s both savory and satisfying? Look no further than these irresistible Lemon Pepper Parmesan Crackers! Bursting with zesty lemon flavor and a hint of cheesy goodness, these homemade delights are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a quiet night in. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick prep time, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up a batch of these crunchy treats. Get ready to impress your taste buds and elevate your snacking game—your friends and family will be begging for the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 27 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 crackers
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup cold water
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon zest, and lemon pepper seasoning. Whisk the dry ingredients together until well blended.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredient mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse, pea-sized crumbs. This technique ensures a flaky texture in the final crackers.
- Gradually add cold water to the mixture, stirring with a fork until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should just barely hold together when pressed.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to create a smooth ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes to allow the butter to firm up and the gluten to relax.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to approximately 1/8 inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into small rectangular or square shapes.
- Carefully transfer the cut crackers to the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each cracker to allow for even baking.
- Optional: Use a fork to create decorative perforations on the surface of each cracker, which helps prevent them from puffing up during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crisp. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Remove from the oven and let the crackers cool completely on a wire rack. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
- Store the cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Enjoy as a snack or serve alongside soups, salads, or cheese plates.
Tips
- Use Cold Ingredients: For the flakiest crackers, make sure your butter and water are cold. This helps create that delightful texture we all love in a good cracker.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until the dough holds together. Overworking the dough can lead to tough crackers, so be gentle!
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for 15 minutes not only firms up the butter but also allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out.
- Uniform Thickness: Roll the dough to an even thickness of about 1/8 inch. This ensures that all crackers bake evenly and achieve that perfect crispiness.
- Experiment with Shapes: Feel free to get creative with the shapes of your crackers! Use cookie cutters for fun designs or simply cut them into classic squares or rectangles.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your crackers as they bake. Ovens can vary, and you want them to be golden brown without burning.
- Storage Tips: To maintain their crunch, store your cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days—if they last that long!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 35kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 6mg
