Have you ever tried making homemade crackers? You might be surprised by how easily they come together! These parmesan shortbread crackers are a unique, fun party appetizer that can be prepared in advance. They’re a great combo to serve with white wine!
I remember the first time I brought these homemade crackers to a party.
One of my friends, who doesn’t really cook or bake, looked at them with confusion and said, “You made crackers?” I could tell her unspoken question was “Why would you bother doing that?“
Believe it or not, homemade crackers are easy, and I love having control over the flavor and shape.
These savory shortbread crackers have a texture that’s almost identical to sweet shortbread (maybe a bit flakier?), and they’re packed with flavor.
Parmesan adds salt and umami, the fresh rosemary and thyme add an earthy flavor, and ground black pepper adds a subtle heat at the end.
Recipe Notes
- If your grocery store carries it, I recommend using a block of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese instead of regular parmesan. It has such a nutty, rich flavor that really enhances the flavor.
- If you don’t like rosemary and/or thyme, you can try swapping them out for different herbs. I’ve made a variation on this recipe using cheddar cheese and chives, which is also a tasty combo. Keep in mind that a little goes a long way with fresh herbs.
- I used a 1 1/2-inch cookie cutter, but you can make these larger or smaller if you prefer. It may alter the bake time by a few minutes, so if you adjust the size, use the oven light and keep an eye on them. You’re looking for a golden color on the bottom with tops that are just starting to change color.
How to Measure Flour
For baked goods (as well as desserts like custard and ice cream), I always recommend using a kitchen scale to measure flour by weight instead of volume.
Weight (ounces, grams, etc) will always give an accurate measurement of dry goods; volume (cups) can create varied results.
A cup of flour can weigh anywhere from 3 1/2 to 5 ounces.
That could make a big difference in your recipe!
If you still want to use cups, there’s a proper technique to make sure you get the best results possible.Â
My post How to Measure Flour explains all of this in more detail.
More Shortbread Recipes
If you like these shortbread crackers, you may also enjoy some of my shortbread cookie recipes! Check out my Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Shortbread Cookies, Cardamom Vanilla Bean Toasted Coconut Shortbread, and Pecan Pie Bars (with a shortbread crust)!
Parmesan, Rosemary and Thyme Shortbread
Ingredients
- 4 ounces unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 ounces grated Parmesan cheese (about 2 cups; grate it yourself for the best flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 6 1/4 ounces all-purpose flour (approximately 1 1/4 cups)
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Place the butter in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and mix on medium-low speed until creamy. Add the parmesan, salt, pepper, herbs and flour one at a time until evenly combined. Last, add 1 tablespoon of water to help bring the dough together.
- Flatten the dough and wrap in plastic film. Chill until firm, at least 30 minutes.
- While the dough is chilling, place a rack on the center shelf and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface (or between two sheets of parchment paper), roll the dough to approximately 1/4-inch thick. Use a 1 1/2-inch cookie cutter to make small crackers, re-rolling the dough as needed. (An alternative method is to chill the dough in the shape of a log and then slice it, but the rounds might not be as uniform).
- Place the crackers on the prepared sheet pan (they shouldn’t spread much, but leave a bit of room to be safe). Chill for 15 minutes, then bake until lightly golden on the bottom, 16-21 minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Notes
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Variations: For a variation on this recipe, try my Cheddar Chive Crackers!
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Adapted from Ina Garten
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
Recipe Troubleshooting
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Joanne says
Homemade is ALWAYS the way to go in my opinion! Love the sound of this savory shortbread!
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
I love shortbread and the combination of Parmesan, rosemary, thyme sounds so heavenly!!! I’m first time here (thanks for visiting mine – how lucky I could find you!) and I enjoyed browsing your site! Nice to meet you Jen!
Alison Lewis (@alisonlewis) says
these look amazing! Thanks for stopping by my site so i could find yours!
TheWeeklySpoonful says
Can’t wait to try! You make me want to take a picnic somewhere!
Warm Vanilla Sugar says
These sound fantastic! And they are so unique. Great recipe!
Granny says
Looking for an excuse to make something different, says you? I’d like to respond, “No excuse necessary. You have got our full attention and approval!” I think I could dine on these alone!
Bam's Kitchen says
This would be the perfect little nibble to go with a glass of wine. Might even have to use my wine glass as the cookie cutter as I do not have any round ones.
rebecca says
lovely recipe fun for a savory change to shortbread
beyondpaisley says
Want. Though the real problem with these sorts of snacks is, they always manage to get in your mouth. :) They look fantastic, I need to make them soon.
Tracy (@sugarcrafter) says
These look amazingly good! What a great savory version of shortbread!
Tammi Kibler says
These look beautiful and very easy to prepare. Cheese crackers! I know they will be a hit with my family.
Savory Simple says
My husband calls them homemade cheez-its :)
cookparadise says
Tout à fait les savoeurs que j’aime
Bonne soirée
Valérie
sybaritica says
I’d love to try those… although it seems we never get fresh thyme AND fresh Rosemary in the stores at the same time :(
Aggie says
Love these! They look delicious! I made a cheese cracker many years ago & I was surprised how easy & tasty they were.
Jennifer Laceda (@jenlaceda) says
Brilliance indeed! When you can replace a store-bought item with homemade! Love these shortbread! They are savory little things with the richness of shortbread cookie! I’m officially drooling…