Cheese Nips Recipe
Overview:
Delicious crackers, reminiscent of the popular commercial “CheezIts” or “Cheese Nips,” these homemade treats are not only flavorful but also gluten-free, adapted from Bette Hagman’s “The Gluten-Free Gourmet” recipe. Perfect for a quick snack or to accompany your lunch spread, these cheesy delights are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 12 dozen
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ingredients:
- 8 cups cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 cups butter
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
- 3/4 cup potato starch
- 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1 tablespoon cold water (if needed)
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). |
| 2 | Grate the cheddar cheese until you have approximately 2 cups. Set aside. |
| 3 | In the bowl of a mixer, place the butter and beat until creamy. |
| 4 | Add the egg, salt, and ground pepper, then beat until well blended. |
| 5 | Gradually beat in the grated cheese, one-third at a time, until completely combined. |
| 6 | Stir in the potato starch and xanthan gum until thoroughly blended. |
| 7 | Work the dough into a ball. If the dough doesn’t stick together, add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until a ball can be formed. Don’t worry about overworking the dough. |
| 8 | Divide the dough in half. Place one half on a baking sheet, cover it with plastic wrap, and roll it out as thinly as possible. Repeat with the other half. |
| 9 | Sprinkle the rolled-out dough with salt, if desired, and cut it into 1-inch squares using a pastry wheel. |
| 10 | Bake the crackers for 4 to 6 minutes, or until they are deep golden in color. |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 147.4
- Fat: 8.8g
- Saturated Fat: 5.4g
- Cholesterol: 42.6mg
- Sodium: 235.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Sugar: 0.3g
- Protein: 6.1g
Recipe Notes:
- These Cheese Nips can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, although they are best enjoyed fresh.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste preferences by adding herbs, spices, or even a sprinkle of paprika for an extra kick.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for variations in flavor. Sharp cheddar, smoked Gouda, or even Parmesan can lend their unique profiles to these crackers.
- For a fun twist, use cookie cutters to cut the dough into various shapes before baking. This is a great way to involve kids in the kitchen and make snack time even more enjoyable.
Enjoy these homemade Cheese Nips as a satisfying snack or a crunchy addition to your lunchtime routine!
