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Easy Crispy Southern Cheese Crackers

Easy Crispy Southern Cheese Crackers

Easy Crispy Southern Cheese Crackers are a flavorful and crunchy snack featuring bold sharp cheddar, a touch of seasoning, and a satisfyingly crisp texture. Perfect for parties, cheese platters, or casual snacking, these homemade crackers deliver classic Southern charm with simple, wholesome ingredients and quick preparation.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (substitute gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 23 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Grate the sharp cheddar cheese finely for even melting. Measure out all flour, salt, cayenne pepper (if using), and keep butter chilled until ready to use.
  2. Mix the Dough: In a bowl, combine flour, salt, and cayenne pepper. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until crumbly. Stir in the grated cheese, then add cold water gradually until the dough just comes together.
  3. Roll and Cut: On a floured surface, roll the dough evenly to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or cookie cutters to cut into preferred shapes such as squares or rounds.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Arrange crackers on a parchment-lined baking sheet with space between each. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crisp, watching closely near the end to avoid over-browning.
  5. Cool and Enjoy: Transfer crackers to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to crisp further. Serve immediately or store once fully cooled.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for best flavor rather than mild varieties.
  • Keep butter cold to ensure flaky, crunchy texture and prevent greasy dough.
  • Roll dough evenly to avoid uneven baking with burnt edges or undercooked centers.
  • Remove crackers from oven once golden to maintain perfect crunch and prevent bitterness.
  • Store cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature to keep crispy for up to one week.
  • Reheat stored or frozen crackers in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 2-3 minutes to restore crunchiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheese crackers, Southern snack, crispy crackers, cheddar crackers, homemade crackers, quick snack