Ina Garten Chipotle Cheddar Crackers

Ina Garten’s Chipotle Cheddar Crackers are a bold, savory snack that pairs the richness of sharp cheddar with the smoky heat of chipotle peppers. These buttery, shortbread-style crackers are slice-and-bake, making them easy to prep ahead and bake fresh when needed. They’re perfect for serving with cocktails, on a cheese board, or as a satisfying homemade snack.

With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and hint of heat, these crackers are as addictive as they are elegant.

What Are Ina Garten’s Chipotle Cheddar Crackers?

These crackers are Ina’s spin on savory shortbread. Made with flour, butter, sharp cheddar, and a bit of finely chopped chipotle in adobo sauce, the dough is rolled into a log, chilled, sliced, and baked until golden. The result is a rich, flaky cracker with subtle heat and bold cheesy flavor.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Jalapeño Cheddar Crackers
• Ina Garten Ribollita
• Ina Garten Sesame Noodles
• Ina Garten Maple Scones

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Chipotle Cheddar Crackers

• Smoky and spicy flavor – Chipotle adds a warm, complex heat
• Easy to prep ahead – Slice-and-bake dough stores well
• Savory shortbread texture – Crisp, buttery, and tender
• Great for entertaining – A crowd-pleasing snack with a twist
• Pairs beautifully with wine or cocktails – Ideal party appetizer
• No special equipment needed – Just a bowl, knife, and baking sheet
• Customizable – Adjust spice level to your liking

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Chipotle Cheddar Crackers

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, diced
• ½ pound sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon finely minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1–2 tablespoons cold water (as needed to bring dough together)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Chipotle Cheddar Crackers

Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients

In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Pulse or whisk to blend.

Step 2: Add butter and cheese

Add the cold butter and pulse (or cut in using a pastry blender) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the grated cheddar and pulse again just until combined.

Step 3: Add chipotle and form dough

Add the minced chipotle and pulse. Slowly drizzle in 1 tablespoon cold water while pulsing until the dough starts to form. Add the second tablespoon only if needed to bring the dough together.

Step 4: Shape and chill the dough

Transfer the dough onto plastic wrap and shape it into a log, about 1½ inches in diameter. Wrap tightly and chill for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours).

Step 5: Slice and prepare for baking

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch thick rounds and place them 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake until golden

Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Chipotle Cheddar Crackers

• Cream cheese or goat cheese spread – Balances the heat
• Chili or black bean soup – Adds a crisp, spicy companion
• Cocktails or bold red wine – Think smoky bourbon or Merlot
• Fresh guacamole or salsa – Great for dipping
• Crisp apples or grapes – Offers sweet contrast
• Charcuterie platter – Complements meats and cheeses
• Hot honey drizzle – Adds a sweet-spicy balance

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Chipotle Cheddar Crackers

• Use cold butter and cheese – Keeps the texture flaky and short
• Chill dough fully – Helps with even slicing and baking
• Adjust chipotle to taste – 1 tablespoon adds gentle heat, more for bolder spice
• Slice dough evenly – Ensures consistent baking
• Don’t overbake – They crisp more as they cool
• Grate cheese fresh – Avoid pre-shredded varieties with anti-caking agents
• Store properly – Airtight container keeps them fresh for days

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Chipotle Cheddar Crackers

• Swap cheddar for smoked Gouda – Boosts the smoky flavor
• Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary – For earthiness
• Top with sesame seeds or flaky salt before baking – For texture
• Include a hint of garlic powder – Deepens the savory profile
• Add chopped green onions – For a little onion bite
• Make them mini-sized – Perfect for party platters
• Form into shapes using cookie cutters – Fun for holidays or themed events

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Chipotle Cheddar Crackers

• Store in an airtight container at room temp – Best within 5 days
• Freeze unbaked dough logs – Wrap tightly and use within 1 month
• Avoid refrigerating baked crackers – Can soften over time
• Let cool completely before storing – Maintains crispness

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Chipotle Cheddar Crackers

• Oven: 300°F for 3–5 minutes – Refreshes the crunch
• Avoid microwaving – Makes them soft
• Cool completely after reheating – For best texture
• Reheat only what you’ll eat – Multiple reheats reduce quality

Nutritional Value (per cracker, approx.)

• Calories: 85
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 105mg

A flavorful, portion-friendly snack with a spicy, savory profile.

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten’s chipotle cheddar cracker dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours or frozen for up to 1 month. Just slice and bake when ready.

How spicy are chipotle cheddar crackers?

They have a gentle, smoky heat. For less spice, reduce the amount of chipotle or remove the seeds. For more heat, add extra or include cayenne.

What cheese works best for chipotle cheddar crackers?

Sharp white cheddar is ideal, but you can also use extra-sharp cheddar, smoked Gouda, or a blend to complement the chipotle flavor.

Do I need a food processor to make these crackers?

No, a pastry blender or your hands will work to cut in the butter. A food processor just speeds things up and ensures even blending.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Chipotle Cheddar Crackers are everything a great savory snack should be—crisp, buttery, boldly flavored, and just a little bit spicy.

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