Lucy M. These Dorchester Crackers are a perfect snack—crispy, cheesy, and with a delightful nutty crunch from the pistachios. The combination of cheddar cheese and a hint of mustard powder makes these crackers irresistibly tasty.
It was a rainy afternoon, and I found myself craving something warm, cheesy, and homemade. I rummaged through my pantry, looking for inspiration. That’s when I remembered a recipe my grandmother used to make—Dorchester Crackers. They were always a hit at family gatherings, with their perfect balance of sharp cheddar and a little surprise from the pistachios. As the smell of melted cheese filled the kitchen and the crackers crisped up in the oven, I couldn’t help but smile. These crackers, with their nutty crunch and cheesy goodness, have a way of turning an ordinary moment into something special. If you’re looking for a snack that’s both simple and satisfying, these Dorchester Crackers are just what you need.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (115g) sharp Cheddar, grated
- 1 cup (115g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (115g) salted butter, softened
- 20 pistachios, shelled and chopped
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- A pinch of salt
Dorchester crackers make a perfect snack, and if you enjoy them, don’t miss our recipe for traditional rock cakes to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Combine dry ingredients. In a bowl, mix the flour, mustard powder, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
- Mix the cheese and butter. In a separate bowl, combine the grated cheddar and softened butter. Use a fork or your fingers to blend them until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the flour mixture. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and cheese mixture, stirring as you go. You should end up with a dough that’s a bit crumbly but holds together when pressed.
- Incorporate the pistachios. Add the chopped pistachios to the dough and gently mix them in, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Roll out the dough. Place the dough between two pieces of parchment paper and roll it out to about 1/8-inch thick. If it’s too sticky, you can sprinkle a little flour on top.
- Cut the crackers. Using a cookie cutter or a knife, cut the dough into small square or round shapes.
- Bake. Arrange the crackers on the baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and serve. Once baked, let the crackers cool on a wire rack. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or party treat!
Dorchester Crackers
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Combine dry ingredients. In a bowl, mix the flour, mustard powder, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
- Mix the cheese and butter. In a separate bowl, combine the grated cheddar and softened butter. Use a fork or your fingers to blend them until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the flour mixture. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and cheese mixture, stirring as you go. You should end up with a dough that’s a bit crumbly but holds together when pressed.
- Incorporate the pistachios. Add the chopped pistachios to the dough and gently mix them in, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Roll out the dough. Place the dough between two pieces of parchment paper and roll it out to about 1/8-inch thick. If it’s too sticky, you can sprinkle a little flour on top.
- Cut the crackers. Using a cookie cutter or a knife, cut the dough into small square or round shapes.
- Bake. Arrange the crackers on the baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and serve. Once baked, let the crackers cool on a wire rack. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or party treat!
Notes
Making Dorchester Crackers Ahead of Time: Storage Tips
If you’re preparing Dorchester Crackers ahead of time for a party, gathering, or just to have a snack ready, storing them properly is key to keeping them fresh and crispy. Here are some easy storage tips to make sure your crackers stay perfect:- Cool Completely
After baking, let the Dorchester Crackers cool completely on a wire rack. This helps prevent condensation from forming and keeps them crisp. - Airtight Containers
Once cooled, store your crackers in an airtight container. This helps lock in their freshness and prevents them from becoming stale. A plastic container or a glass jar with a tight lid works best. - Layering with Wax Paper
If you need to stack your crackers, place a layer of wax paper between the crackers. This prevents them from sticking together and maintains their texture. - Freezing for Long-Term Storage
If you want to keep your Dorchester Crackers for longer, freeze them. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the oven for a few minutes to bring back their crunch. - Room Temperature Storage
If you plan to eat your crackers within a week, you can store them at room temperature. Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from heat or humidity, for the best results.
Making Dorchester Crackers Ahead of Time: Storage Tips
If you’re preparing Dorchester Crackers ahead of time for a party, gathering, or just to have a snack ready, storing them properly is key to keeping them fresh and crispy. Here are some easy storage tips to make sure your crackers stay perfect:
- Cool Completely
After baking, let the Dorchester Crackers cool completely on a wire rack. This helps prevent condensation from forming and keeps them crisp. - Airtight Containers
Once cooled, store your crackers in an airtight container. This helps lock in their freshness and prevents them from becoming stale. A plastic container or a glass jar with a tight lid works best. - Layering with Wax Paper
If you need to stack your crackers, place a layer of wax paper between the crackers. This prevents them from sticking together and maintains their texture. - Freezing for Long-Term Storage
If you want to keep your Dorchester Crackers for longer, freeze them. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the oven for a few minutes to bring back their crunch. - Room Temperature Storage
If you plan to eat your crackers within a week, you can store them at room temperature. Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from heat or humidity, for the best results.
By following these storage tips, your Dorchester Crackers will stay fresh and delicious, ready for whenever you need them!
Nutritional Value (per serving, about 15 crackers)
- Calories: 118 kcal
- Fat: 9.2 g
- Carbs: 6.2 g
- Protein: 2.9 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 123 mg
Conclusion
These Dorchester Crackers are the perfect mix of savory, cheesy goodness and a delightful nutty crunch from the pistachios. They are super easy to make, and you can enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store them for later. Whether you’re serving them at a party or snacking on them during the day, they’ll definitely be a hit! Try making these crackers for your next gathering—you won’t regret it.
