
This savory homemade dill cheese cracker recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients into crisp, flavorful bites that outshine anything from a box. The combination of aged cheese and fresh dill creates addictive snacks perfect for entertaining or everyday snacking.
I first developed these crackers when planning a wine tasting evening and wanted something homemade yet impressive. The batch disappeared within minutes, and now they're requested at every gathering I host.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: Forming the base structure while keeping the texture light and crisp
- Cold butter: Creating flaky pockets throughout the crackers for that perfect crumbly bite
- Aged Havarti Cheese or Gruyère: Providing rich flavor that intensifies during baking
- Fresh dill: Adding bright herbal notes that complement the cheese perfectly
- Heavy cream: Binding everything together while adding richness
- Salt: Enhancing all flavors while balancing the richness of the cheese
- Onion powder: Contributing subtle savory depth without overpowering the dill

Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Add the grated cheese, cold diced butter, flour, salt, onion powder, and dill to your food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse sand with small butter pieces still visible. Gradually add the cold cream, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the dough begins to clump together. Avoid overmixing.
- Shape and Chill the Dough:
- Turn the crumbly dough onto plastic wrap. Press it into a disk shape about 1-inch thick, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling ensures better texture.
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Set your oven to 400°F. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Roll and Cut:
- Roll the chilled dough to 1/4 inch thickness between parchment sheets. Use cookie cutters or a pizza cutter for shapes. Transfer carefully to the baking sheet, leaving 1/2 inch between crackers. Prick crackers with a fork to prevent uneven puffing.
- Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, rotating halfway through. Look for golden edges and dry centers. Allow crackers to cool completely on the pan for crisping.
The secret to these crackers is definitely the aged cheese. I once tried them with fresh mozzarella, and the results were disappointing. The aged varieties contain less moisture and more concentrated flavor that truly make these crackers special. My grandmother actually taught me to always use the highest quality cheese I can afford in recipes like this where it's the star ingredient.
Make-Ahead Magic
These dill cheese crackers actually improve with a day of rest after baking. The flavors meld and intensify, making them perfect for preparing in advance of gatherings. The dough itself can be made up to three days before baking and stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. You can even freeze the rolled, uncut dough for up to a month, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cutting and baking. This makes them exceptionally convenient for impromptu entertaining.
Storage Solutions
Store completely cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For maximum crispness, add a small silica packet or piece of paper towel to absorb any moisture. If crackers lose their crunch, refresh them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. These crackers freeze beautifully after baking—freeze in bags with parchment between layers for up to 3 months.
Flavor Variations
The basic dough serves as a canvas for countless flavor combinations. Replace dill with rosemary and Havarti with Parmesan for an Italian twist. Experiment with different cheese and herb pairings such as cheddar and chives or blue cheese and thyme. Add a pinch of cayenne for spice, or finely chop nuts for texture. The versatility of this base recipe lets you customize it for any occasion.

These savory crackers are sure to become a favorite in your home. Serve them proudly at your next gathering for rave reviews!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different cheese instead of Havarti?
Yes, aged Gruyère or any other sharp, aged cheese can be a great substitute. It enhances the flavor and texture.
- → Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to a month. Let it soften slightly before rolling.
- → What can I use instead of fresh dill?
If fresh dill isn't available, you can use dried dill. Use 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried dill for the recipe.
- → How do I ensure the crackers are crispy?
Roll the dough thinly, bake at the recommended temperature, and prick the crackers with a fork to prevent puffing. Let them cool completely for the crispiest texture.
- → Can I add other herbs or spices?
Yes! Try adding thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of chili powder for a unique twist. Adjust to your taste preferences.