Parmesan & Thyme Crackers
49 comments » 
I absolutely adore Ina Garten. I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned that here before, so I needed to throw it out there. I used to watch The Food Network religiously, but not much of the programming appeals to me anymore, with the exception of Ina. I DVR every episode of Barefoot Contessa and am still working on buying every cookbook she has put out. I just love the simple, classy vibe she has going on. I daydream about being her neighbor in the Hamptons, being invited to her fabulous dinner parties, lunches on the beach, and snipping fresh flowers in her gorgeous garden. Oh, who am I kidding? I don’t want to be Ina’s neighbor, I want to be Ina Garten. And these crackers are just so Ina. Simple, classic and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, perfect to serve with cocktails or on a cheese plate with grapes for an appetizer.
This recipe presented me with my first opportunity to use the fresh thyme that is thriving on my back deck. This is my first year growing fresh herbs and I am in love with it. Walking out into the fresh air to pinch off some fresh herbs as I need them makes me feel so… earthy. Close to my food. I seriously love it. My grandfather passed away when I was only five years old, but oh how I remember his garden. It took up the entire backyard and had most everything you could imagine. I tried to find a picture of me “helping” him shovel when I was 3 or 4 years old, but I was unable to find the picture. I hope one day I have the space to duplicate such an effort with the same passion he had for growing his food. Until then, though, I will settle for herbs and vegetables I can grow in pots.
These crackers are what I love about Ina Garten recipes – simple, quality ingredients, relatively easy prep, and an impressive taste and presentation. You can even make the roll ahead and freeze it for up to 6 months. Defrost it overnight in the refrigerator and then slice and bake when you’re ready to serve the crackers.
One year ago: Classic Fudge
Three years ago: Cheesy Baked Ziti with Sausage
Parmesan & Thyme Crackers
Yield: 24 crackers
Prep Time: 15 minutes (active), 30 minutes (inactive)
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
¼ pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
4 ounces freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 cup)
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1¼ cups all-purpose flourDirections:
1. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter for 1 minute. With the mixer on low speed, add the Parmesan, thyme, salt, and pepper and combine. With the mixer still on low, add the flour and combine until the mixture is in large crumbles, about 1 minute. If the dough is too dry, add 1 teaspoon water.
2. Dump the dough onto a floured board, press it into a ball, and roll into a 9-inch log. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or for up to 4 days.
3. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the log into 3/8-inch-thick rounds with a small, sharp knife and place them on the baking sheet. Bake for 22 minutes, rotating the pan 180 degrees halfway through baking, until very lightly browned. Cool and serve at room temperature.
(Recipe from Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics
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I love the recipe for these crackers. They sound absolutely delicious!
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I love Ina, too! I really DO want to be her neighbor. Can you IMAGINE?!? Yes, I can.
I’ve seen her make these and they sounded delicious. Thanks for testing out the recipe.
I’ll have to try them now!
PS…love those memories of your grandfather!
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These look delicious! Would love these with a bit of cheese and glass of wine later tonight. YUM.
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I, too, am obsessed with Ina Garten. I am obsessed with her easy elegance, everything she cooks, and her garden, of course. And I have also started growing my own herbs! Nothing too crazy, just a few pots on my balcony. But it’s been fantastic! Can’t wait to give these crackers a try, been eyeing them for a while! xxSAS
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I am a Ina fan too. I agree the Food Network seems to be loosing some of its luster these days!
The crackers look like they are bursting with flavor!
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I agree with you…she’s great! I’ve yet to try this. It must be delish!
Carmen
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There is nothing I love more than Ina. In my book she can do no wrong. And these crackers are a prime example! They look great.
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Holy Awesome Crackers, Batman! Those look so good! Beautiful pics, too!
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Homemade crackers are the best!
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Love Ina! I made a similar “cookie” a few months ago and they were excellent with salads!
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I love this recipe! Homemade crackers are simply the best!
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i love love love Ina too.
i’ve been wanting to try these!
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These would be wonderful with a glass of chilled white wine. I’m a fan of Ina too – her recipes are seemingly foolproof.
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I heart Ina too. These crackers are lovely!
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Ina was actually the first chef was introduced to, and the first cookbook I ever received. she is amazing, and so are these crackers! I have made this recipe myself before, and I can agree that it does come out wonderfully and the taste is phenomenal. Great recipe, everyone should try it!!!
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I love these crackers. Been wanting to make them for a while now. And I heart Ina! She’s my guru and I’ll confess.. I want that house and garden! Isn’t it amazing?!
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ZomppaPatty is a Ina Garten fan, too. These look great!
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I used to be obsessed with Ina. I have every Barefoot Contessa book, I see every episode of the show and I have cooked my way through the first book and most of Back to Basics. I love her simple recipes, so classy, tasty, and elegant and just delicious. I haven’t tried these crackers though. I might have to now. They look so tasty.
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I love Ina too! Her food is so classic and elegant. I like your home-grown herbs! You’re soon becoming Ina!
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I want to bake these! I’ve never made crackers in my life and it looks so easy.
Have you ever made them with another cheese? Just curious…they do sound fab as is! Love your photos, too!
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Michelle on May 11th, 2010 at 10:50 pm
Hi Katty,
Thanks! I haven’t made them with another cheese, but I imagine you could substitute other hard cheeses for the Parm if you’d like.
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I’ve tried a different version of these from a Canadian Food Network host, Ricardo Larrivee. And these are super easy to make and delicious. I love growing herbs, but eventually mine die for some reason. I think it’s because I have a black thumb (as opposed to a green one).
Great post!
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Ina is awesome. I love her class and elegance, but without a hint of snotty.
I must try these, they sound amazing.
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I’m so excited you posted these crackers, I’ve been anxiously awaiting them since you tweeted about them. I will me making these soon! yum!
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oooooh, I saw those once on Ina’s show and have been looking for an excuse to make them ever since. You may have just pushed me over the edge!
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I love fresh herbs! We’re not growing thyme this year… or so I thought. I may have to go get some!
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I have so much thyme in my herb garden, that this kind of recipes are very much welcomed
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I cannot believe I missed this post yesterday! I was looking for a recipe almost exactly like this. Went with cheddar and cayenne instead, but I will SO be making these next!!
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You are not alone in your love of all things Ina. I make so many of her recipes, and those ones seem to get the greatest compliments. Great post!
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I plan to grow thyme this year (if the snow ever departs). What an elegant recipe. I’m saving this to my recipe box!
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I found a recipe for Earl Gray Tea cookies (from my girl Martha) – they are similar to these in their simplicity. One tip that I thought was the coolest idea ever is to make the log, then slide it into an empty paper towel tube. It really helps them keep their shape, especially with such a soft dough. I’m going to be trying these very soon – I LOVED the Parmesan and black pepper biscotti you had up a couple of months ago.
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Ok, we can be friends! I love Ina! Her food is so elegant and real, without being pretentious. These look fabulous!
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I made these for a wedding shower that I catered and put them out with a cheese and fruit platter. They were a huge hit and aboslutely delicious. Plus, everyone ooh’s and ahh’s that you made your own crackers, but what they dont know is that they are so simple to make!
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I loooove homemade crackers! I’ve only tried making regular cheese crackers though. Can’t wait to try these out – they look amazing. I love Ina too – really need to try out more of her recipes.
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Oooo! I’ve made these before! Little Parmesan shortbread crackers. How much better could they be?
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These crackers look tasty!
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I just made these tonight with some homeade cream of potato soup….they are great. Thanks so much for the recipe, my thanks to Ina as well.
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Michelle on June 18th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
Hi Stephanie,
So glad you enjoyed these. Now I’m craving cream of potato soup! What a great pairing!
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These sound so delicious and I love the idea of making these logs and freezing them for the unexpected guests or when time is tight!I I love Ina too, her approach to entertaining is exactly what I aspire too- creating not only a meal but an experience!
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I’ve been wanting to make these for a long time (when I saw Ina make them), I don’t know what I’m waiting for! They look so yummy! Beuatiful pics!
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Do you think these would be good using dried thyme? If so what quantity would you suggest? I’m think of making these soon! Thanks!
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Michelle on December 10th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Hi Tania, Yes you could substitute dried thyme – I would use 1/4 to 1/3 tsp of dried thyme.
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Just made them and the dough is in the fridge. Am going to cook up s few for tonight and freeze the rest of the dough. Love, hearing others’ comments!!!
I have all of Ina’s books and they are enjoyable not only for her wonderful recipes but also the commentaries. Ina has made me look like an accomplished chef time after time!!
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