Ingredients

  • 1 (1/4-ounce) packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 7 tablespoons warm water (110 degrees F to 115 degrees F)
  • 1 1/2 cups 00 flour, plus more for dusting the work surface
  • 1 packet cheese powder from 1 (6-ounce) box of macaroni and cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/4 stick)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for oiling the bowl
  • 2 jalapenos, sliced into thin rings

Method

  • In a small bowl, mix the yeast and sugar with the warm water.
  • Set aside to let the yeast come alive and turn slightly frothy, about 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in the bowl of your stand mixer, whisk together the flour, cheese powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
  • Set aside.
  • Gently heat the butter and measured vegetable oil until the butter is just melted.
  • Add to the yeast mixture.
  • Add the liquids to the dry ingredients.
  • With your stand mixers paddle attachment, mix on low till just combined, about 60 seconds.
  • At this point, the dough will look wet and wont clump together well.
  • Thats good!
  • Just scoop it all out and, with your hands, form it into a ball.
  • Place the ball in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
  • Let rise for 2 hours at room temperature.
  • Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • On a lightly floured work surface, flatten the dough ball with the palm of your hand, then pat it into a rough rectangle.
  • Use a rolling pin to roll it out to a larger rectangle, approximately 10 inches by 15 inches.
  • Fold each of the short sides in toward the center until they meetyou should have a rectangle measuring approximately 6 inches by 13 inches.
  • Turn the dough 90 degrees, then roll it out again to a 10-by-15-inch rectangle.
  • With a knife or pizza wheel, cut the dough into 2-inch squares.
  • Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper; transfer the squares to the baking sheets.
  • Separate the squares slightly so theyre not touching (if they do youll have to break them apart after baking).
  • Use a fork to prick each in a couple of places so the squares wont puff too much in the oven.
  • Press a jalapeno ring into each square.
  • Bake until the surface of the crackers takes on a light brown tint, about 10 to 12 minutes.
  • Careful, the cheese powder accelerates the browningthese burn very quickly!
  • Turn off the oven and open the door completely.
  • Let the crackers sit in the oven for 1 hour.
  • Theyll keep cooking and drying out, becoming crispy.
  • Serve right away or store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.