Kaaskoekjes
BelgianSnack

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

Kaaskoekjes are traditional Belgian cheese crackers that originated in Flanders and have become a staple snack throughout the country. These buttery, crispy biscuits are made with aged Gouda cheese, butter, and flour, creating a perfect balance of rich, savory flavors. The dough is rolled into logs, chilled, and sliced into rounds before baking until golden. These cheese crackers are incredibly versatile - enjoyed as an afternoon snack with coffee, served alongside aperitifs, or packed in lunchboxes. The key to authentic kaaskoekjes is using high-quality aged cheese and cold butter to create a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Their irresistible cheesy flavor and satisfying crunch make them a favorite among both children and adults. Belgian families often bake these in large batches, as they store well and disappear quickly.

Instructions

step by step
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  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 200g softened butter with 200g finely grated aged Gouda cheese. Mix until well combined and creamy.

  2. Add 250g all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter-cheese mixture.

  3. Using your hands or a wooden spoon, work the ingredients together until a cohesive dough forms. Do not overmix.

  4. Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a log approximately 4cm in diameter.

  5. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.

  6. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

  7. Remove one log from the refrigerator and slice into rounds approximately 5mm thick using a sharp knife.

  8. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2cm apart.

  9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the crackers are crisp.

  10. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

  11. Repeat with the second log of dough.

  12. Once completely cooled, store in an airtight container.

Kaaskoekjes

4.2 (15)

Crispy Belgian cheese crackers made with aged Gouda and butter, perfect for snacking or serving with drinks. These savory biscuits are a beloved treat throughout Belgium.

easy
35 min
24 servings

Ingredients

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main

  • 200 grams butter, softened
  • 200 grams cheese-cheddar, finely grated
  • 250 grams flour, sifted

seasoning

  • 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoons black-pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/8 teaspoons cayenne (optional)

Chef Tips

expert advice
For the best flavor, use aged Gouda that has been matured for at least 6 months.
The sharper the cheese, the more intense the flavor.
If you prefer a milder taste, young Gouda works well too.
You can customize these crackers by adding dried herbs like thyme or rosemary, or a pinch of paprika for extra color.
For perfectly uniform crackers, use a ruler to measure your slices.
The dough logs can be frozen for up to 3 months - just slice and bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
These crackers pair beautifully with Belgian beer, especially a crisp pilsner or abbey ale.
Try serving them with mustard, pickles, or alongside a cheese board.
For a festive touch, sprinkle extra grated cheese on top before baking.