Great British Bake Off: Cheese Crackers

Episode 2: Biscuits

Recipe (Signature Challenge): Savory Cheese Cracker

And episode 2…here we go!

Ok so when I found out this was the ‘Biscuit’ episode, I thought I had this in the bag. After all, I am the cookie queen! The first challenge was a savory cracker and already I was brainstorming ideas on what to do. To be honest, I have never made a savory cracker before. I remember making a breadstick type appy when I was in high school, but not something I would really call a cracker. Immediately I knew I wanted to do a grown up version of a goldfish cracker – the ubiquitously bright orange snack that’s cheesy, crunchy, and cute.

And unfortunately, I failed. I tried making these roquefort crackers but they were more like a pastry. They weren’t very crunchy at all and when I rerolled the dough, it caused it to shrink when I baked it – creating fish of all different sizes! Which, was quite adorable laid out on a plate but not at all what I wanted to achieve. So it was back to the drawing board. Back to a more basic dough. And of course, it was Martha to the rescue (who also provided the recipe for the “quick sticks”) with a recipe for a ‘Cheese Cracker’. Recipe here (give it a try!)

What I liked about the recipe is that it allows you to modify it. Add tomato paste! Add crumbled bacon! Add herbs!

So I did – but unfortunately no tomato paste or bacon. But I did include some dried herbs and added in a few dashes of worchestershire sauce. And they came out pretty tasty!

The concept was pretty simple – process softened butter, cheese and a few ingredients and then add in flour. I didn’t soften the butter long enough so it didn’t come together in the food processor very well – so off in the mixer it went! My note to people who want to try this recipe is to be more generous on the salt if you use a milder cheese. I used a strong cheese but I shouldn’t of held back. Also! Slice them a bit thinner than the recommended 1/4″ for a snappier cracker!

I don’t think the intention of Martha’s recipe was to have flecks of cheese…but I quite liked them! And also when they bake they bubble and it’s kinda adorable.

I was impressed at how well they kept. I took them up to a girls’ weekend retreat and they were thoroughly enjoyed! (Pairs well with all kinds of alcohol) This easy slice & bake recipe is suitable for all levels and the options for mixins leaves the creativity in the hands of the baker!

Overall: 8/10 (even if it was a redo)

Next up: Technical Challenge – the Florentine!