The kids are back in school and you know what that means...SNACKS!!
I swear...I can never pack enough snacks for my kids. They are always looking for fun foods to munch on for snack time, lunch time and for when they get home from school and are ravenous! These DIY Jarlsberg Cheese Crackers are a perfect after-school snack option or party offering.
One of my kid's go-to snacks are Jarlsberg Mini's, they love to find one or two of those tiny rounds of cheese in their lunchbox and often when they get home from school, my daughter especially loves to make herself a plate with grapes, a couple of Jarlsberg Mini's and a few crackers. She heads out to the trampoline for some fresh air and sunshine while simultaneously doing some of her homework while she munches away.
Last week, my 12-year-old son, Connor, decided to try his hand at making crackers. He is a huge fan of crackers, however, I am not always a fan of the ingredients. We had been thinking of making them for a while when we decided to do so using Jarlsberg as the cheese. They turned out better than we expected!
First of all, Connor truly had fun making these DIY Jarlsberg Cheese Crackers...he took full charge! From grating the cheese to using the food processor to cutting them out to devouring them...he owned it! Plus we had a blast together!
Kids are so chatty when they assist or take the lead in the kitchen! It truly is a good time for us and them when take the time to cook with them.
So funny, the first batch, Connor made plain...just with a bit of salt.
The second I recommended he spice it up a bit for ya know...the parentals since we wanted to snack too!
Guess which of the two HE devoured?? You guessed it...the spiced up version!! Of course he did, lol!
Connor decided to use a small pastry cutter...he chose the size and shape he wanted and got down to business. Decide how you want to season them, pop them in the oven and enjoy them plain or topped with a little something. The thinner you roll the dough, the more cracker-like they will be.
The spicy DIY Jarlsberg Cheese Crackers were made by sprinkling them with salt, black pepper, and red pepper, prior to baking.
If you enjoy tinkering in the kitchen as much as I do, try your hand at these Culinary DIY's
The BEST and Easiest Salsa - This salsa is my favorite! It's not chunky and explodes with layers of flavors. It's always a hit and BONUS it literally takes minutes to make!
Homemade Strawberry Lime Jam - No canning required! Once you get this recipe "down" you'll be making it often! Delicious AND it makes a great food gift!
Bacon Jam - I mean...the name says it all....Bacon!! This pairs well with these crackers too!
DIY Sriracha Salt - First of all THIS is delicious!! I use it on everything! It also makes a fantastic food gift for someone. I love finding cool Salt Cellars filling them with this homemade salt and giving it as a hostess or housewarming gift. Here are a few of my favorite salt cellars - This one is adorable and affordable plus it comes with a tiny spoon. This marble one is under $20 and this is the one I have and I love it, it's one of my very favorite possessions for some reason, lol! (The one pictured I found at a craft fair and gifted it to someone...wish I bought two!)
And last this fun and functional Glass Jar Garden
Enjoy!
& Connor
DIY Jarlsberg Cheese Crackers
Ingredients
- 8 oz shredded Jarlsberg either from the minis or a wedge
- ¾ cup flour
- 4 TBS butter room temp
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- A few dashes of black pepper
- 2-3 TBS ice cold water (place ice and water in a small bowl them measure out when needed.
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients EXCEPT the water in your food processor and pulse until combined and crumbly.
- Drizzle in 1 TBS of ice cold water in, pulse a few times.
- Add in a second TBS of ice cold water and pulse a few times until dough-y crumbs form. If you feel it needs more water to hold together well, add another ½ to 1 TBS ice cold water.
- Knead the dough into a ball, halve it and then between 2 sheets of parchment paper...roll the first ball out.
- The thinner the dough, the thinner and crunchier the cracker. Experiment until you find the way you or your kids enjoy them the most.
- Once you have your dough rolled out, transfer it to a baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Cut the dough out into cracker shapes with whichever pastry cutter you choose or simply cut into squares and place on parchment paper or a silicone mat lined baking sheet.
- Poke a hole in the middle of each cracker (to allow the steam to escape), sprinkle with Kosher salt (as well as additional spices if you wish) and bake at 350 for 11-15 minutes or until the edges begin to turn golden brown.
- Baking time varies based on the size of cracker you choose to make and dough thickness. Just keep peeking.
- Allow crackers to cool completely. Once completely cool, store in an air-tight container.
Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez says
Oh, they look perfect! I'm not a huge fan of storebought cheese crackers, but I can eat the heck out of some homemade ones. Must try!
Connie | URBAN BAKES says
This looks so savory it's making me hungry for some. And what a fun activity for kids! Love it!
Kate | Food Babbles says
These look outstanding! I love cooking with my kids also. You're 100% right about how chatty they get. I love hearing their thoughts as we make something together. These crackers look like they were a huge hit. I think my girls and I will have to give these a try together. Yum!
Angie Barrett says
I would love to take a jar of these crackers to work with me
Ginny McMeans says
What a beautiful cracker. I bet these disappear fast!
Lana@NevrEnoughThyme says
You're right - it's so much fun to get the kids working with you in the kitchen! Your kiddo did a great job on these crackers!
valmg @ From Val's Kitchen says
I love this idea! And they look totally amazing!
Susan says
These look great! The few times I've made crackers they've always surpassed store bought and jarlsberg has just the right taste for a cheesy cracker.
Melissa Bailey says
Those crackers look like buttery cheesy perfection!
Nikki says
Oooh! I love these crackers! They look and sound great! And that's so cool you got your son to be creative in the kitchen too 🙂
Kirsten/ComfortablyDomestic says
How fun are these crackers?! Jarlesburg is absolutely perfect in any form.
dina says
yummy crackers!
Terry says
I love the cracker recipe but must complain about that very invasive ad for a church closing. It is all over the internet, on your web page MULTIPLE times and it is pure advertising GARBAGE !!! I am not the only one many of my internet friends are shying away from site when this is the first thing you see. You are not doing yourself any favours and are loosing readership!!!
Colleen says
Thank you for letting me know, I will look into that.
Sharon Wayne says
Can’t find this cheese in our tiny town. Can I use other cheese?
Boddy says
I used Gouda and it was great
Colleen says
I will have to try that as well! TY!
Colleen says
Yes, Gouda will work (a reader just said they used that) Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack for a little kick. I am sure various creamy textured cheeses will work.
Carla J Tubby says
I wish I owned a food processor but since I do not do you have an alternative to making them without one?
Kim says
Can you substitute aTbsp. Of Franks hot sauce
For 1 of the Tbsp. Of water?
Brenda Osborn says
I am unable to get to the recipe. Please help
Colleen says
Sorry Brenda, what do you mean? You can't see it or you can't print it?
Debbie says
These are so fun and full of flavor! I used smoked paprika and kosher salt on some and the others I used dry ranch dressing. Very good and the possibilities are endless.
Colleen says
Awesome! Love the addition of smoked Paprika!
DJ Banta says
I've had more than my fair share of flops or just mediocre results with Pinterest recipes.
This recipe is a definite KEEPER ! The aroma is intoxicating, then the crispiness and flavor.
THANK YOU, CONNOR's MOM xxoo dj
Colleen says
Fantastic to hear!!
Susan says
Did anyone actually make these crackers? I mean the comments are nice, but I think comments are meant to help others decide to make or not make these recipes, not to comment on how good they look or how sweet your kids are, etc.