These Southern Cheese Crackers are a simple, buttery snack with a crisp edge and a tender, cheesy center. They smell rich and savory as they bake, and the sharp cheddar gives a bright, tangy flavor that shines through. They make a great snack, party nibble, or lunchbox treat.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 27–30 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 145 kcal (approx.)
- Protein: 3.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fat: 11 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
Why Make This Southern Cheese Crackers
These crackers are quick to make and use pantry staples. They deliver a crunchy bite with a rich, cheesy flavor and a hint of warmth from paprika and optional cayenne. They toast up golden and smell irresistible in the oven. Make them when you want a homemade snack that tastes far better than store-bought crackers.
How to Make Southern Cheese Crackers
You make a simple dough by combining sharp cheddar, softened butter, and flour with a pinch of spices. The dough comes together fast and can be rolled into small balls or logs, flattened, and baked until golden. The baking brings out the nutty, browned flavor of the cheese and gives the crackers a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat so the crackers don’t stick.
Step 2: Mixing
In a large bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar cheese and softened butter until well combined. Add the flour, salt, cayenne pepper (if using), and paprika. Mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too crumbly, add cold water one tablespoon at a time until it comes together.
Step 3: Shaping and Baking
Roll the dough into small balls or log shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each piece slightly with your palm or the bottom of a glass so they bake evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
Step 4: Cooling and Serving
Remove the crackers from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve once they are cool enough to handle.
How to Serve Southern Cheese Crackers
Serve warm or at room temperature. They pair well with soups, stews, or a cheese board. For parties, arrange them with sliced meats, pickles, or a tangy dip. Their crispy texture makes them great for snacking alone or alongside a bowl of chili.
How to Store Southern Cheese Crackers
- At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days to keep them crisp.
- In the fridge: Refrigeration can make them lose crispness; only refrigerate if storing longer, up to 7 days.
- In the freezer: Freeze fully cooled crackers in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. Re-crisp in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes.
Expert Tips for Perfect Southern Cheese Crackers
- Use cold water sparingly. Add only enough to bring the dough together; too much water makes them spread.
- Shred your own cheese from a block for better flavor and melting properties.
- Chill the dough 10 minutes if it gets too soft while shaping; cold dough holds shape better.
- Press crackers to an even thickness so they bake uniformly.
- Watch the last few minutes of baking; they can go from golden to too dark quickly.
- If you want extra crunch, bake for an extra 2–3 minutes but check frequently.
Delicious Variations
- Extra spicy: Increase cayenne to 1/2 teaspoon or add 1/4 teaspoon chili powder.
- Herby: Add 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or 1 teaspoon dried thyme to the dough.
- Different cheeses: Try sharp white cheddar, smoked cheddar, or a mix of cheddar and gruyère for a deeper flavor.
- Garlic-parmesan: Add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and swap 1/4 cup cheddar for 1/4 cup grated Parmesan.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and handle dough gently; texture will vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A: Yes, you can. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can slightly change texture, but it still works. Shredding your own cheese gives the best melt and flavor.
Q: Why is my dough crumbly?
A: Crumbliness means it needs a bit more moisture. Add cold water one teaspoon at a time until the dough holds together. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes. Wrap the dough tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature a few minutes if it becomes too firm before shaping. You can also freeze shaped, unbaked crackers for up to 1 month; bake from frozen, adding a minute or two.
Q: How do I keep crackers crisp?
A: Store fully cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature. Add a small paper towel to absorb any excess humidity. Avoid the fridge unless necessary.
Q: My crackers spread too much while baking. What went wrong?
A: The dough may have been too warm or had too much liquid. Chill the shaped crackers for 10–15 minutes before baking, and reduce added water. Also make sure butter was softened but not melted.
Q: Can I make them smaller or larger?
A: Yes. Smaller crackers will be crispier and bake a touch faster; larger ones will be chewier in the center. Adjust baking time accordingly and watch the oven.
Conclusion
These Southern Cheese Crackers are quick, flavorful, and comforting — a perfect homemade snack that fills the kitchen with a toasty, cheesy aroma. They’re easy to tweak with different spices or cheeses to match your taste. For a spicier twist and more ideas, check out this recipe: Spicy Southern Cheese Crackers – Brown Eyed Baker. Give them a try — they’re a small, satisfying bake that’s hard to resist.
Print
Southern Cheese Crackers
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Southern Cheese Crackers are a simple, buttery snack with a crisp edge and a tender, cheesy center, perfect for parties or lunchboxes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar cheese and softened butter. Add the flour, salt, cayenne pepper (if using), and paprika, mixing until a dough forms. Add cold water as needed.
- Roll the dough into small balls or log shapes, flatten them slightly and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown. Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
Serve warm or at room temperature. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
