Step 1

Coarse salt, pepper, sesame or poppy seeds, minced garlic or whatever you like for sprinkling, optional

Step 2

Heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly dust with flour. Put flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, cheese, and butter in bowl of a food processor. Pulse until flour and butter are combined. Add about 1/4 cup cream or half-and-half and let machine run for a bit; continue to add liquid a teaspoon at a time, until mixture holds together but is not sticky.

Step 3

Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface until 1/2-inch thick or even thinner, adding flour as needed. Transfer sheet of dough to prepared baking sheet (drape it over rolling pin to make it easier). Score lightly with a sharp knife, pizza cutter or a pastry wheel if you want to break crackers into squares or rectangles later on. Sprinkle with salt or other topping if you like.

Step 4

Bake until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Cool on a rack; serve warm or at room temperature or store in a tin for a few days.