Cheddar Cheese Coins

Discover the allure of homemade Cheddar Cheese Coins, an irresistible treat that marries the flavors of extra-sharp cheddar cheese, butter, and delicate seasonings. This recipe presents a foolproof method to create savory and buttery crackers with just the right touch of spice. Often, store-bought cheddar cheese coins fall short on flavor and texture, but this recipe ensures a triumphant result. The combination of flour, cheese, butter, and simple seasonings results in a delicious snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer, party nibble, or alongside your favorite beverage, these coins offer a delightful symphony of tastes and textures.

MAKES ABOUT 5 DOZEN COINS

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups)
• 1½ cups (7½ ounces) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces and chilled
• 3 tablespoons water

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a food processor, combine shredded cheddar cheese, flour, cornstarch, salt, cayenne pepper, and paprika. Pulse until combined.
2. Scatter chilled butter pieces over the mixture and process until it resembles wet sand (about 20 seconds).
3. Add water and process until a cohesive dough forms (about 10 seconds). Transfer the dough to the counter and divide it in half.
4. Roll each half of the dough into a 10-inch log. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm (at least 1 hour, up to 3 days).
5. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Unwrap the chilled logs and slice them into ¼-inch-thick coins. Give the log a quarter turn after each slice to maintain a round shape.
7. Place the coins on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them ½ inch apart.
8. Bake the coins until they turn light golden around the edges (approximately 22 to 28 minutes). Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking.
9. Let the coins cool completely on the sheets before serving.

VARIATIONS:

Parmesan and Rosemary Cheese Coins:

• Substitute 8 ounces finely grated Parmesan for cheddar.
• Replace cayenne pepper with black pepper.
• Use 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary instead of paprika.

Gruyère, Mustard, and Caraway Cheese Coins:

• Swap cheddar for Gruyère cheese.
• Add 1 teaspoon caraway seeds to the food processor with the spices.
• Substitute 4 tablespoons whole-grain mustard for water.

Blue Cheese and Celery Seed Cheese Coins:

• Replace 1 cup cheddar with 1 cup crumbled blue cheese.
• Increase paprika to 2 teaspoons and cayenne pepper to ½ teaspoon.
• Add 1 teaspoon celery seeds to the food processor with the spices.
• Omit water.

TIPS:

• Cheese Selection: Begin with 8 ounces of extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded to yield 2 cups. The sharpness of the cheddar lends depth and complexity to the coins.
• Chilled Butter: Utilize 8 tablespoons (1 stick) of unsalted butter, cut into pieces and chilled. The chilled butter helps achieve the desired texture in the dough.
• Balanced Seasonings: The coins’ seasonings include salt, cayenne pepper, and paprika. These simple yet impactful spices infuse the dough with flavor and a hint of heat.
• Cornstarch Addition: Incorporating 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with the flour ensures the coins turn out tender. This addition contributes to their desirable texture.
• Food Processor Technique: Use a food processor to combine the dry ingredients, shredded cheese, and chilled butter. This technique minimizes dough handling, leading to a tender result.
• Dough Preparation: After adding water, process the mixture until a cohesive dough forms. Divide the dough in half and roll each half into a 10-inch log. Refrigerate the logs until firm.
• Slicing and Baking: Slice the chilled logs into ¼-inch-thick coins. Place the coins on parchment-lined baking sheets, and bake them in a moderate oven until lightly golden and crisp.
• Variations: Experiment with different flavors by substituting ingredients. The recipe offers variations such as Parmesan and Rosemary, Gruyère, Mustard, and Caraway, and Blue Cheese and Celery Seed.

Indulge in the delectable world of Cheddar Cheese Coins, where simple ingredients and skilled techniques combine to create a versatile and savory snack. With variations to explore, this recipe offers endless possibilities to suit your palate and occasions.