Ina Garten Jalapeño Cheddar Crackers – Spicy, Buttery, and Totally Addictive

Ina Garten’s Jalapeño Cheddar Crackers are savory, cheesy, and just the right amount of spicy. Made with sharp cheddar cheese, butter, flour, and finely chopped jalapeños, these homemade crackers have a flaky, buttery texture and a kick of heat in every bite. They’re the perfect addition to a cheese board, soup, or even just as a stand-alone snack.

These crackers are easy to make and keep well, making them ideal for entertaining or anytime you crave something salty and satisfying.

What Are Ina Garten’s Jalapeño Cheddar Crackers?

These crackers are a homemade savory shortbread-style snack, made by combining cheddar cheese, butter, flour, and jalapeños into a dough that’s chilled, sliced, and baked until golden. Ina’s method results in crackers that are crisp on the edges, tender in the middle, and bursting with cheesy flavor and a hint of heat.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

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

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Jalapeño Cheddar Crackers

• Bold cheddar flavor with a spicy kick – A great alternative to store-bought snacks
• Buttery and crumbly texture – Similar to savory shortbread
• Perfect for entertaining – Impress guests with homemade crackers
• Easy to prepare ahead – Dough can be made and frozen
• Customizable heat level – Use more or less jalapeño as you prefer
• Pairs well with dips, soups, or cocktails – Versatile and flavorful
• Bake-and-slice method – No rolling pin required

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Jalapeño Cheddar Crackers

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for more heat)
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, diced
• 1/2 pound sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat)
• 1–2 tablespoons cold water (as needed)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Jalapeño Cheddar Crackers

Step 1: Prepare the dry mix

In a food processor, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Pulse to mix.

Step 2: Add butter and cheese

Add the cold diced butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the grated cheddar and pulse again until incorporated.

Step 3: Add jalapeños and bring the dough together

Add the chopped jalapeños and pulse once or twice. While pulsing, slowly add 1 tablespoon of cold water until the dough just begins to come together. Add the second tablespoon only if needed.

Step 4: Form and chill the dough

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

Step 5: Slice and prepare for baking

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

Step 6: Bake until golden

Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Jalapeño Cheddar Crackers

• Creamy dips like ranch or sour cream – Cool contrast to the heat
• Tomato soup or chili – Savory and warming pairing
• Sharp cheeses and charcuterie – Great addition to a cheese board
• Sparkling wine or chilled beer – Balances spice and salt
• Guacamole or salsa – Amplifies the bold flavors
• Roasted red pepper hummus – Smooth, smoky complement
• Egg salad or tuna salad – For a quick snack or lunch addition

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Jalapeño Cheddar Crackers

• Use cold butter and cheese – Ensures the flaky texture
• Chill dough thoroughly – Helps with clean slicing and even baking
• Remove jalapeño seeds for milder heat – Adjust spice to your taste
• Use a sharp serrated knife for slicing – Prevents squishing the dough
• Don’t overbake – Crackers continue to crisp as they cool
• Grate cheese fresh – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents
• Freeze dough for later use – Great for prepping in advance

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Jalapeño Cheddar Crackers

• Use smoked cheddar or pepper jack – For a deeper or spicier twist
• Add chopped herbs like thyme or chives – For a fresh, savory note
• Top with flaky sea salt before baking – Adds a burst of flavor and crunch
• Mix in crumbled bacon – For extra indulgence
• Add a touch of mustard powder – Enhances the cheddar flavor
• Swap jalapeño for chipotle or roasted red pepper – A smoky variation
• Roll dough in sesame seeds before slicing – For texture and appearance

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Jalapeño Cheddar Crackers

• Store cooled crackers in an airtight container – Keeps well for 4–5 days
• Keep at room temperature – In a dry, cool area
• Freeze unbaked dough logs – Wrap tightly and use within 1 month
• Do not refrigerate baked crackers – Can lose crispness

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Jalapeño Cheddar Crackers

• Oven: Warm at 300°F for 3–4 minutes – Refreshes crispness
• Avoid microwave reheating – Makes crackers soft
• Re-toast in a dry skillet briefly – Brings back texture
• Let cool before serving again – To retain crunch

Nutritional Value (per cracker, approx.)

• Calories: 80
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 100mg

Rich, flavorful, and portion-friendly—a great snack with real ingredients.

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten jalapeño cheddar cracker dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made up to 24 hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it for up to 1 month—just thaw slightly before slicing and baking.

Can I make these crackers less spicy?

Absolutely. Simply remove the seeds from the jalapeños or reduce the amount used. For no heat at all, substitute with finely chopped green bell pepper.

How do I keep homemade crackers crispy?

Store the baked crackers in an airtight container at room temperature. To restore crispness, reheat them in the oven at 300°F for 3–4 minutes.

Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar?

Yes, you can substitute with sharp cheeses like Gruyère, pepper jack, or even a smoked cheddar for more depth and variation in flavor.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Jalapeño Cheddar Crackers are a delightful, savory snack that brings the warmth of cheddar cheese and the kick of jalapeños together in every bite. They’re perfect for parties, afternoon cravings, or even gifting. Once you make a batch, you’ll want to keep a dough log in the fridge at all times—just slice and bake when needed.

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