The perfect grilled cheese dippers
Are you ready to embark on a mouth-watering journey filled with cheesy goodness? Look no further! We’ve got the perfect recipe for delicious grilled cheese dippers, ideal for dunking into your favorite soup. Say goodbye to boring store-bought crackers and hello to these scrumptious homemade delights. Homemade cheese crackers are the best!
Cheese dippers in a few words
- Transform ordinary grilled cheese into ooey-gooey cheesy goodness with our homemade dippers!
- Get creative with flavors and sauces, plus explore the wild world of crunchy veggies, meats & fruits.
- Make ahead and store in an airtight container or freeze for later - just don’t let them linger too long or you’ll end up crumbly!
The cheese dippers recipe
Imagine diving into a warm bowl of tomato soup with the ultimate sidekick: crispy, cheesy homemade crackers that add a delightful crunch to every bite. Our grilled cheese dippers are the secret ingredient to transform your ordinary grilled cheese sandwich into an extraordinary dipping experience. With a chewy dough surrounding a generous portion of mozzarella cheese, these pizza sticks are the epitome of ooey-gooey goodness. The pizza sticks feature a perfect balance of flavors that will leave you craving more.
This great recipe is easy to whip up, and the result is far superior to any store-bought crackers you’ll find. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some delicious grilled cheese dippers!
Ingredients
To create these heavenly homemade cheese crackers, you’ll need a few simple ingredients.
- cheese (of course!)
- flour
- corn starch
- salt
- butter
- water
We recommend using a combination of cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese for the perfect blend of flavor and meltiness.
In addition to the basic ingredients, you’ll also need a baking sheet, parchment paper, and a pizza cutter for slicing your dough into perfect dippers. Preheat your oven, and let’s get started!
Preparation
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to create the perfect grilled cheese dippers dough. Here’s how:
- Mix together the flour, cheese, fresh basil, salt, egg whites, and egg yolk.
- Combine everything until a smooth dough forms.
- If the dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 5-10 minutes to make it easier to work with.
Once the dough is ready, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. If you have leftover dough, simply re-roll it and continue making pizza sticks until you’ve used it all up.
Preparing the baking sheet
Before placing your dippers onto the baking sheet, make sure it’s properly prepared to prevent sticking. Coat the baking sheet with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter. This will not only help with easy removal, but also add an extra layer of flavor to your grilled cheese dippers.
For an even crispier dip, you can also sprinkle a light layer of breadcrumbs.
Cutting the dippers
When cutting your dough into dippers, there’s no need for precise measurements. Simply aim for squares or rectangles that are around 4 by 4 inches, or you can have dough sticks. You can use a fluted pastry wheel, pizza cutter, or sharp knife to slice the dough into perfect dipping pieces.
Once you’ve cut your dippers, transfer them to the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each piece to allow for even baking.
Baking the grilled cheese dippers
To achieve that perfect golden-brown color and irresistible crunch, start by baking.
- Preheat your oven to 375ºF.
- Cut the dough into dippable pieces using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife.
- Transfer the dippers onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the dippers for 10-12 minutes, or until they reach a delicate golden hue. Be sure to keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures may vary.
Grilling the dippers
Get the cheese dippers out of the oven and heat the top grill. Sprinkle some grated cheese over the cheese crackers and place the baking sheet under the grill until the cheese melts, 5-10 minutes.
Get the baking sheet out of the oven and allow the grilled cheese dippers to cool down.
Serving suggestions
Now that you’ve got your delectable grilled cheese dippers, it’s time to think about the perfect accompaniments. Classic pairings like tomato soup, marinara sauce, and ketchup are always winners. But why not think outside the bowl and try something new?
Pair your dippers with:
- Crunchy vegetables
- Flavorful deli meats
- Tangy pickles
- Sweet fruits
The options are endless, so have fun experimenting with different combinations to find your perfect match.
Flavor variations
Looking to spice things up? Grilled cheese dippers can be customized to suit any taste preference. Try swapping out the cheeses, or experiment with different seasonings and sauces. Some tantalizing flavor additions to consider include:
- Mustard
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cranberry dipping sauce
For an unexpected twist, incorporate ingredients like bacon, kimchi, or jalapenos into your dippers. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and cater to your inner (or outer) picky eater!
Making ahead and storing
Want to enjoy your homemade cheese crackers at a later date? No problem! The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Once baked, store your dippers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their freshness.
If you’ve got leftovers, fret not! Your dippers will stay crunchy for a few days when stored in a loosely covered container. Just be mindful not to let them linger too long, or they may turn into a valley of crumbs.
Freezing instructions
If you’d like to freeze your grilled cheese dippers for later enjoyment, the process is quite simple. Here’s what you need to do:
- Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap.
- Place the wrapped sandwiches in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Store them flat on a baking sheet or other flat surface for about an hour in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen dippers, transfer them to an airtight container and let them thaw at room temperature for a short time. They’ll be just as delicious as the day you made them!
Whole wheat grilled cheese dippers are a healthier alternative
For a more nutritious twist on this classic snack, try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This simple swap adds a boost of whole grains to your dippers, without sacrificing any of the delicious flavor.
Feel free to get creative with your healthier dippers by adding fruits, vegetables, or other wholesome ingredients. Regardless of the variation you choose, rest assured that these whole wheat grilled cheese dippers will be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
In conclusion, this delicious grilled cheese dippers recipe is the perfect way to elevate your soup-dipping experience. With endless flavor variations and serving possibilities, these homemade cheese crackers are a fun and tasty alternative to store-bought versions. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the oven or storing them for later, these dippers are sure to be a hit with friends and family. So go ahead and indulge in this cheesy goodness – you deserve it!
Any questions about cheese dippers?
What are good things to put on grilled cheese?
For the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, don’t be afraid to get creative and top it off with your favorite ingredients - bacon, avocados, tomatoes, jalapeos, onions, and even pickles. Not only will it add some extra flavor, but it’ll make your grilled cheese way more exciting!
What extras go on a grilled cheese sandwich?
It’s time to get creative with your grilled cheese! Transform your classic sandwich with flavor-packed extras like mayo (for a crispier crust), bacon, pickles, tomatoes, red peppers, and any number of herbs and condiments. Deli meats, avocado slices, and even fruit can make great additions too. So let your taste buds explore, and enjoy the perfect grilled cheese!
What else can I put with grilled cheese?
Put down the plain old American cheese and get creative! Some famous chef spiced up his grilled cheese with kimchi – and we guarantee you won’t regret trying it. All you need to do is slather some butter on your bread slices, sprinkle a little salt, add in the cheesy kimchi mixture, and let that pan sizzle. Yum!
Which cracker is best for kids?
For the best crackers for kids, go with a classic like Ritz or Breton! They’re soft and easy to chew, come in low-sodium options, and don’t have big seeds or nuts to cause a choking hazard.
It’s just the kind of snack that can make any kid smile!
Can I use a different type of cheese for my grilled cheese dippers?
Oh yeah, of course!
Don’t be afraid to get creative - you might even discover a new favorite cheesy delicacy!