Sesame white cheddar crackers

white and black sesame cheddar crackers // a little gathering

As a New Yorker who grew up (+ still lives) near NYC, my recipes are definitely inspired by the things I experience in the big city. Like one of my favorites, the black and white cookie. I used to look forward to sharing a black and white with my mom when I visited the city growing up!

What's a black and white cookie, you ask? It is a soft, buttery cookie half-dipped in chocolate frosting and vanilla frosting. It's. the. best.

I wanted to re-create the black and white I love, but switch it the up. In comes the white cheddar cracker version! Slice and bake crackers are super simple, and cheese takes them over the top.

The key to pulling off the black and white cookie effect is to use two types of sesame seeds. Otherwise these are so simple and delicious on their own or with a handful of grapes.

Sesame white cheddar crackers [for ~2 dozen crackers]

  • 1 cup butter, softened

  • 1 cup sharp white cheddar, shredded

  • 1 1/4 cups flour

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon white ground pepper

  • 2 tablespoon milk

  • White + black sesame seeds, for garnish

  1. Begin by preparing the dough. You'll want to start this ~2 hours to a day before you want to bake them so the dough firms up. Blend the butter in a mixer until smooth + fluffy. Add the cheddar cheese + continue to combine.

  2. Stir together the flour, salt + white pepper in a separate bowl. Add the flour mixture into the mixing bowl until incorporated. Finally add the milk while mixing. You'll want to make sure the dough comes together, not too wet, but not too dry either.

  3. Here's the fun part. Tear a large sheet of plastic wrap + lay it out on top of your counter. Scoop the dough on top of the plastic wrap. Shape the dough into a log. Wrap up the dough + place the dough the fridge up to a day to firm up.

  4. When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

  5. Remove the dough from the oven + slice each of the crackers into thin circular discs. Place each disc on a baking sheet, these won't spread too much but make sure there is enough room between each cracker.

  6. Before baking, sprinkle white sesame seeds on one half of the unbaked cracker. Sprinkle black sesame seeds on the other half. YO, you made a black + white cracker but you have to bake them.

  7. Bake for 13-15 minutes, until golden. Enjoy these!