If you’ve ever attempted to make homemade crackers, you probably know the struggle. After years of experimenting with graham crackers that turned out bland, cheese crackers that didn’t have enough cheese, and wheat thins that were more wheat-y than crispy, I thought I’d never find the perfect homemade cracker.
But then, a game-changing recipe came into my life: pizza dough crackers. When I first saw Anne Burrell make these, I was both skeptical and intrigued. Could pizza dough really turn into a cracker that’s crispy, cheesy, and stays crunchy?
Spoiler alert: Yes. Yes, it can.
Here’s the thing: these crackers are ridiculously easy to make, and once you try them, you’ll understand why I’m so excited to share this recipe. The combination of pizza dough and cheese results in a snack that’s both simple and absolutely delicious. And the best part? These crackers stay crispy for days!
What You’ll Need for Pizza Dough Crackers
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the few ingredients you’ll need. It’s all about simplicity here, but with just the right amount of flavor.
- 1/2 cup grated Asiago cheese (or a mix of Parmesan and Romano)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or substitute with cracked black pepper for a milder taste)
- Coarse salt for sprinkling (optional, but recommended if you love a bit of extra seasoning)
- 1 pound prepared pizza dough (make sure it’s at room temperature)
- All-purpose flour (for dusting)
- 1 large egg (for the egg wash)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pizza Dough Crackers
Now, let’s get into the fun part—making these crispy, cheesy crackers! You don’t need any fancy equipment, just a few key steps, and you’ll be snacking in no time.
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps your crackers from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Make the Topping Mixture
- In a small bowl, combine the grated Asiago cheese and cayenne pepper (or cracked black pepper).
- Optional: Add a light sprinkling of coarse salt to enhance the flavors. This step is great for those who love an extra savory bite.
3. Roll Out the Dough
- Lightly dust your pizza dough with flour.
- Now, grab your pasta roller. Run the dough through the roller, starting at a thicker setting and gradually adjusting it thinner. Dust with flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- Roll the dough until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. If you’re using a pasta roller, I suggest using setting #6 for the perfect thinness.
4. Prepare the Egg Wash
- In a small bowl, whisk 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water. This will be your egg wash to give the crackers a golden, glossy finish.
5. Brush, Sprinkle, and Cut the Dough
- Brush the dough with the egg wash to ensure it’s evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the cheese and pepper mixture generously over the dough.
- Cut the dough into triangles using a pizza wheel. You can make them as large or small as you like—just keep in mind that smaller triangles yield more crackers.
6. Bake the Crackers
- Place the dough triangles onto your parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes at 350°F, or until the crackers are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them, as oven times can vary slightly.
- Let the crackers cool on the baking sheet. As they cool, they’ll become even crispier!
7. Store and Enjoy
- Once the crackers have cooled, you can store them in an airtight container or a Ziploc bag. They’ll stay crispy for days (yes, really—these crackers are perfect for snacking over time!).
Serving Suggestions for Pizza Dough Crackers
These crackers are great on their own, but they’re even better when paired with a dip. Anne Burrell serves hers with a roasted garlic dip, which sounds amazing. I opted for a homemade yogurt dip seasoned with Tuscan Herb Salt, and it was divine.
Here are a few other ideas for dipping:
- Hummus: Classic and flavorful.
- Pesto: For an herbaceous kick.
- Creamy cheese dips: Think goat cheese or a tangy blue cheese dip.
A Final Word on These Crackers
After years of battling with failed cracker attempts, I’m happy to say that these pizza dough crackers have won me over completely. They’re easy, flavorful, and best of all—they stay crispy for days. If you’re someone who loves homemade snacks but is tired of the usual cracker disappointment, give these a try. I promise, you won’t regret it.
So, the next time you’re craving a crunchy snack, skip the store-bought crackers and head to the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a batch of crispy, cheesy pizza dough crackers that are perfect for snacking, entertaining, or even as a homemade gift.
Let us know how your pizza dough crackers turn out—share your experience in the comments below!
Pizza Dough Crackers: The Crunchy Snack You Didn’t Know You Needed
Ingredients
1/2 cup grated Asiago (or Parmesan/Romano)
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or cracked black pepper)
Coarse salt (optional)
1 lb pizza dough (room temperature)
All-purpose flour (for dusting)
1 egg + 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Asiago and cayenne (or pepper) in a bowl.
- Dust dough with flour and roll it thin (about 1/8 inch).
- Brush dough with egg wash, sprinkle with cheese mixture.
- Cut into triangles and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Serve with dips like hummus or roasted garlic dip.