Spicy Cheddar Cheese Crackers ~ Gluten Free (Just Like "Cheese Straws")

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Do you remember those wonderful "Cheese Straws" that were always around in abundance during the Holidays? Well, these little "Spicy Cheddar Cheese Crackers" will take you right back to your childhood! And, if you're Gluten-Free, fear not, these are not only Gluten-Free, but are so easy to make and only require 7 ingredients (if you include water) 😉 I chose to cut my dough into leaf shapes for the Autumn season, but any shape will do (Christmas Trees, Snowmen, Wreaths, Holly Leaves, etc.) These make the perfect little Holiday Gifts 🙂 Enjoy!!! Note: The original non-GF recipe can be found in just about every cookbook out there, but I want to give credit to Ree Drummond (aka: "The Pioneer Woman") for her non-gf version of this recipe that I adapted to "fit" our family (please see the "Copycat Cheez-It" version for the GF and non-spicy recipe for these same crackers) 😉
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Refrigerator Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Appetizers, Hors d'Oeuvres, Snacks
Servings 12 Dozen (2" Crackers)

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  • 1 Cup GF All-Purpose Flour I use "Caputo" brand - it makes an incredible dough to work with
  • 4 Tbsp Salted Butter cold and cut into small pieces
  • ½ tsp Kosher Salt
  • ½ tsp Seasoned Salt I use "Season All"
  • 1/8-1/4 tsp Cayenned Pepper I use 1/4 tsp for a little more "kick"
  • 3 Tbsp Ice Water

Instructions
 

  • Place all of the ingredients, except for the Water, into a Food Processor and pulse until the mixture looks like "sand."
  • With the Food Processor running, slowly add the Ice-Cold Water, one Tbsp at a time, through the shoot until the dough forms a large ball.
  • Wrap the Cheese dough ball in plastic and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  • When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Line 1-2 baking sheets with Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats; set aside.
  • Roll the dough out to 1/4" thickness on a lightly floured surface, cut into desired shapes and place on the prepared baking sheets.
  • Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. *See notes for "crisping" up crackers if they turn soft.
  • Allow the crackers to cool completely on a wire rack to develop the flavors and desired crispness.
  • Enjoy 🙂

Notes

*Note: if your crackers get a little soft, simply toss them onto a baking sheet and re-heat in a 275 degree oven for about 8-10 minutes. Let cool and gobble them up!
Keyword cheddar cheese, cheese, cheese straws, crackers, Gifts, gluten-free, Holiday Gifts, Holidays, parties, Spicy