If you’re craving a snack that’s crunchy, flavorful, and downright addicting, you have to try this Irresistible Oven Baked Cottage Cheese Crackers Recipe. These crackers combine the creamy tang of cottage cheese with a sprinkle of savory seasoning and melted cheddar to create a snack so satisfying you might find yourself making multiple batches. Bake them until perfectly golden and crisp, and you’ll discover a homemade treat that’s just as delightful as anything you’d find on a fancy cheese board, but much simpler and healthier to whip up at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each one plays a vital role in the taste, texture, and color of your homemade crackers. From the creamy cottage cheese to the sharp cheddar and the aromatic seasoning blend, these components come together beautifully to create an unforgettable snack.
- 1.25 cups cottage cheese: Choose a thick, creamy variety like Good Culture for the best texture and flavor base.
- 1.5 tsp seasoning: Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel seasoning adds a delightful savory punch.
- Small pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing and lifting every bite.
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, finely shredded: Melts evenly to bind the mixture and provide cheesy richness.
- Olive oil spray: Helps create a crisp, golden finish when baking.
- 350 °F oven, preheated: Ensures even heat distribution for perfectly baked crackers.
How to Make Irresistible Oven Baked Cottage Cheese Crackers Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and letting it heat for at least 15 minutes to achieve a consistent temperature that helps the crackers crisp up just right. While the oven warms, line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps your crackers from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Blend the Base
Pour the cottage cheese, Everything But The Bagel seasoning, and a pinch of salt into a blender. Blend on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, which should take about 1-2 minutes. This step is key to breaking down any lumps for an even texture. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides halfway through blending so everything gets fully incorporated.
Step 3: Fold in the Cheese
Gently fold the finely shredded cheddar into the blended cottage cheese mixture. The shredded cheese melts more uniformly, helping the crackers hold together and adding a wonderful depth of cheesy flavor. Let the mixture rest briefly to let the cheese soften slightly, making it easier to work with.
Step 4: Shape the Crackers
Using a small spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of your mixture onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart and flatten each mound into a thin circle about 1/8-inch thick using the back of a spoon or a small offset spatula. Thinner crackers will bake into a crispier snack, which is exactly what you want.
Step 5: Add Olive Oil and Bake
Lightly spray each cracker with olive oil spray to promote browning and crispness while baking. Place the tray in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges turn a lovely light golden brown and the centers are set. Remove the crackers and let them cool on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes, allowing them to firm up perfectly.
Step 6: Optional Extra Crisping
If you adore extra-crispy snacks, pop the baking sheet back in the oven at 300°F for another 5 minutes. This slower heat will gently dry the crackers out further without burning the edges. Cool completely before serving or storing.
How to Serve Irresistible Oven Baked Cottage Cheese Crackers Recipe
Garnishes
These crackers are wonderful on their own, but a touch of fresh herbs like chives or dill can take them to another level. A light brush of melted butter or a dusting of smoked paprika before baking adds a gourmet flair anyone will appreciate.
Side Dishes
Serve your crackers with creamy dips such as hummus, tzatziki, or a tangy yogurt-based ranch. They also make an excellent partner for cheese boards, fresh-cut veggies, or even a bowl of homemade soup for a crunchy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun appetizer, stack these crackers with slices of smoked salmon, a dollop of cream cheese, and a sprig of fresh dill. Or use them as mini bases for bruschetta-style toppings like tomato and basil. These versatile crackers invite all kinds of creative serving ideas.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your cottage cheese crackers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp and delicious for up to 4 days, making them perfect for quick snacks during your busy week.
Freezing
These crackers freeze beautifully! Place cooled crackers on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, about an hour. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them come to room temperature or reheat briefly to regain crunch.
Reheating
If your crackers lose a bit of their crispness after storage, pop them in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes. This will revive that fresh, irresistible crunch that makes this Irresistible Oven Baked Cottage Cheese Crackers Recipe such a beloved snack.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that lower-fat cottage cheese may result in a less creamy texture, which could slightly affect the final cracker consistency, but the flavor will still be delicious.
What other seasonings can I use instead of Everything But The Bagel?
Feel free to experiment with your favorites—garlic powder, Italian herbs, or even a smoky chipotle blend work wonderfully and bring their own unique twist to the crackers.
Can I make these crackers gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses cottage cheese and cheese as the base with no flour involved, so it’s perfect for those avoiding gluten altogether.
How thin should I flatten the crackers?
About 1/8-inch thick is ideal. Any thicker and the crackers might be softer in the center, thinner ones crisp up beautifully and deliver that satisfying crunch you’re craving.
Can I add herbs or spices to the dough?
Yes! Adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, or spices like paprika or cumin, can add extra flavor layers and make the recipe your own signature snack.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to discover a tasty, healthy snack that’s simple yet packed with flavor, this Irresistible Oven Baked Cottage Cheese Crackers Recipe is your new best friend. Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo, these crackers combine wholesome ingredients with a crispy, cheesy finish that’s impossible to resist. Give them a try and soon they’ll be a staple in your kitchen, ready to brighten snack time anytime.
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Irresistible Oven Baked Cottage Cheese Crackers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20-24 crackers
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These irresistible Oven Baked Cottage Cheese Crackers are a simple, wholesome snack made with creamy cottage cheese, savory cheddar, and flavorful seasoning. Crispy on the edges and tender inside, they’re easy to prepare and perfect for a healthy bite any time of day.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.25 cups cottage cheese (preferably Good Culture for thick consistency)
- 1.5 tsp Everything But The Bagel seasoning (Trader Joe’s preferred)
- Small pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
- Olive oil spray for finishing
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to heat for at least 15 minutes to ensure even baking and proper crisping of the crackers. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
- Blend Cottage Cheese and Seasoning: In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, Everything But The Bagel seasoning, and a small pinch of salt. Blend on medium-high speed for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides halfway through blending for uniform texture.
- Incorporate Cheddar Cheese: Fold the finely shredded cheddar cheese into the blended cottage cheese mixture. This helps the cheese melt evenly, creating a cohesive texture. Let the mixture rest for about a minute so the residual heat softens the cheese slightly.
- Form and Flatten Crackers: Using a small spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each mound into thin circles approximately 1/8-inch thick using the back of a spoon or a small offset spatula. Thin crackers crisp better.
- Apply Olive Oil Spray: Lightly spray the tops of the flattened crackers with olive oil spray to promote browning and crispiness during baking. Use a quick and even mist to avoid soggy spots.
- Bake the Crackers: Bake the crackers in the preheated 350°F oven for 25-30 minutes, until edges are light golden brown and centers are set. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes; they will firm up and crisp as they cool.
- Optional Extra Crisping: For extra-crispy crackers, return the baking sheet to the oven at 300°F for an additional 5 minutes to further dry them out without burning. Allow crackers to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Use finely shredded cheddar to ensure even melting and better texture.
- Flatten crackers to about 1/8-inch thickness for optimum crispiness.
- Cool thoroughly on the baking sheet to allow crackers to firm up before handling.
- Store cooled crackers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- If you don’t have Everything But The Bagel seasoning, you can substitute with a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
