Savory Parmesan & Poppy Seed Crackers – Perfect Pairing for Cheese Platters and More

These crisp and flavorful crackers are an ideal companion to an elegant cheese platter with fresh fruits like apples, grapes, and plums, alongside nuts and marinated olives. Whether you’re hosting a refined dinner or a casual gathering, these crackers elevate the snack game effortlessly. For wine lovers, pairing these with a dry red wine works beautifully, but if you prefer simplicity, a cold beer complements them just as well!

🕒 Prep & Baking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ 1 hour chilling)
Bake Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Approx. 30 crackers (about 5 cm squares)

📝 Ingredients

60 g whole wheat flour
60 g all-purpose flour
4 tsp poppy seeds
150 g finely grated Parmesan cheese (I used ready-grated from Napolact)
80 ml vegetable oil
3 tsp soy sauce
6–8 tbsp cold water

🔪 Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a bowl, combine both flours, Parmesan, and poppy seeds.
Add Wet Ingredients:
- Stir in the oil mixed with soy sauce. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with your hands until a smooth dough forms.
Chill Dough:
- Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Roll & Cut:
- Take half the dough out, keeping the rest chilled. Roll it out between two sheets of plastic wrap as thin as possible (thinner dough yields crispier crackers).
- Remove the top plastic sheet and cut the dough into approx. 5 cm squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Gather any uneven edges, re-roll, and cut again.
Prepare for Baking:
- Place parchment paper on a baking tray.
- Transfer the sheet of dough (still on the plastic wrap) onto the tray. Remove the plastic wrap carefully.
- Gently separate the crackers on the tray so they bake evenly.
Bake:
- Bake at 160°C (320°F) for 10 minutes.
- Flip the crackers carefully and bake for another 10 minutes or until golden brown on the underside.
- Adjust baking time depending on thickness—keep an eye to avoid burning.
Cool & Store:
- Let crackers cool completely—they will crisp up as they cool. Store in an airtight container to preserve crunchiness.

💡 Tips & Variations

Rolling dough very thinly is key for maximum crispness.
If you like, add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for an aromatic twist.
These crackers make an excellent gift when packaged in a decorative box or jar.
For gluten-free option, experiment with almond or oat flour blends, adjusting moisture as needed.

🧾 Final Thoughts

These Parmesan and poppy seed crackers bring a perfect balance of savory richness and delicate crunch, making them a versatile snack or elegant accompaniment to your favorite cheeses and wines. Their simplicity belies their ability to impress guests and elevate any cheese board or casual snack spread. Enjoy crafting them and sharing their delightful flavors!