Homemade Salt Crackers with Poppy Seeds and Cheese

### **Instructions**:

1. **Prepare the Dough**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the **flour**, **cheddar cheese**, **baking powder**, and **salt**. Add the cold **butter** and use a pastry cutter or your hands to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key is to keep the butter cold so that it melts evenly during baking, resulting in **flaky crackers**.

2. **Add Water**: Gradually add the **cold water**, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. You might not need all the water, so add it slowly until the dough is soft but not sticky.

3. **Chill the Dough**: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about **30 minutes**. Chilling the dough helps to firm it up, making it easier to roll out and ensuring a crisp texture.

4. **Roll Out the Dough**: Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. Once the dough has chilled, place it on a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about **1/8 inch thick**. The thinner you roll the dough, the crispier your crackers will be.

5. **Cut the Crackers**: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into square or rectangular shapes. You can also use cookie cutters to make fun shapes for parties or special occasions.

6. **Add Poppy Seeds**: Sprinkle **poppy seeds** over the top of the crackers and gently press them down with your fingers to help them stick.

7. **Bake**: Transfer the crackers to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for **12-15 minutes**, or until the crackers are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end to ensure they don’t burn.

8. **Cool and Serve**: Allow the crackers to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. The result is a batch of **crispy, cheesy crackers** with just the right amount of salt and a satisfying crunch from the poppy seeds.

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## **Serving Ideas for Homemade Salt Crackers with Poppy Seeds and Cheese**

These crackers are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

– **With Dips**: Serve them with your favorite dips like **hummus**, **guacamole**, or a creamy **cheese dip**.
– **As a Snack**: Enjoy them on their own for a quick, satisfying snack.
– **Charcuterie Boards**: Add them to your **cheese platter** or **charcuterie board**. They pair wonderfully with both cheeses and meats.
– **With Soup or Salad**: Serve these crackers alongside a bowl of **soup** or **salad** for a crunchy, cheesy bite that complements your meal.

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## **Why You’ll Love These Crackers**

What makes these **Homemade Salt Crackers with Poppy Seeds and Cheese** so irresistible? The combination of **sharp cheese**, a touch of **salt**, and the light crunch from the **poppy seeds** makes each bite a delightful experience. The best part is, they’re completely customizable. Want a bit more cheese? Add it! Prefer a little more salt on top? No problem.

Making your own crackers means you can enjoy them **fresh**, with no preservatives or artificial additives, and you’ll love knowing exactly what goes into them. Plus, the recipe is simple, so you can easily make a large batch for your next gathering, or just to have around the house for snacking.

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## **Final Thoughts**

**Homemade Salt Crackers with Poppy Seeds and Cheese** are a fantastic snack that’s sure to impress family and friends. Whether you serve them with a dip, enjoy them on their own, or add them to a larger spread, these crackers are the perfect combination of **flavor** and **texture**. Simple to make and full of savory goodness, they’ll soon become a go-to recipe for your homemade snack repertoire. Happy baking! 🧀🌿