Are you ready to elevate your snacking game with a delightful taste of Spain? These Manchego Cheese Crackers with Marcona Almonds are not just any ordinary snack; they are a crunchy, cheesy, and nutty masterpiece that will have your taste buds dancing! With a simple preparation time of just 5 minutes and a total cooking time of 15 minutes, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible crackers that are perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy night in. So, grab your apron and get ready to impress your friends and family with this gourmet treat that’s surprisingly easy to make!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated manchego cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup marcona almonds, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the crackers from sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of grated Manchego cheese. Stir well to ensure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Add 1/4 cup of softened unsalted butter to the flour and cheese mixture. Use a fork or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Incorporate 1/4 cup of chopped Marcona almonds into the mixture, followed by 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of paprika. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Gradually add a small amount of cold water (about 1 tablespoon at a time) to the dough, mixing until it holds together but is not sticky. You may not need to use all the water.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into desired shapes, such as squares or circles.
- Place the cut crackers onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about 1 inch apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Brush the tops of the crackers with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden color as they bake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
- Once baked, remove the crackers from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve the Manchego cheese crackers with Marcona almonds as a delightful snack or appetizer. Enjoy!
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your crackers hinges on the quality of the Manchego cheese and Marcona almonds. Opt for authentic Spanish Manchego for the best taste.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: When mixing the dough, be careful not to overwork it. You want it to come together just enough to hold its shape without becoming tough.
- Experiment with Shapes: Feel free to get creative with the shapes of your crackers! Use cookie cutters to make festive designs for special occasions or simply cut them into rustic squares.
- Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your crackers as they bake. They should be golden brown and crisp, but not burnt!
- Serve with Dips: Pair your Manchego cheese crackers with a selection of dips like hummus, olive tapenade, or a spicy salsa to add an extra layer of flavor.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers (which is unlikely!), store the crackers in an airtight container to maintain their crispness. They can last for up to a week!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
