Southern Cheese Crackers Recipe

Oh, honey, if you haven’t tried Southern Cheese Crackers yet, you’re in for a real treat. These little golden bites are perfectly crispy with a rich, cheesy punch that makes them utterly addictive. Picture this: flaky, buttery crackers bursting with sharp cheddar flavor, just begging to be dipped in your favorite soup or enjoyed straight from the jar. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll want to keep a stash on hand at all times—they’re that good!

Whether you’re looking for a snack to impress at your next get-together or a cozy nibble with afternoon tea, this recipe is a game-changer that’s easy to whip up and impossible to resist.

Why You’ll Love Southern Cheese Crackers

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re nibbling solo or sharing with friends, these crackers bring the charm of Southern hospitality right to your kitchen. Here’s why they’re a favorite:

Versatile: Great for snacking, entertaining, or adding crunch to salads and soups.

Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry staples that won’t break the bank.

Quick and Easy: A straightforward dough that comes together fast and bakes to perfection.

Customizable: Feel free to add spices like cayenne or smoked paprika for a little kick.

Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and grown-ups alike can’t get enough of these crispy delights.

Ingredients in Southern Cheese Crackers

Here’s the magic behind these cheesy gems:

Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show, packed with bold flavor.

All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to those crisp layers.

Butter: Unsalted, cold, and cubed for that flaky, tender texture.

Salt: To balance and enhance all the flavors.

Cayenne Pepper (Optional): Adds a subtle, smoky heat.

Water: Ice-cold to help bring the dough together without melting the butter.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Oven: Heat to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Make the Dough: In a bowl, mix flour, salt, and cayenne pepper if using. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar until evenly distributed.

Add Water: Slowly add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until dough just comes together.

Roll and Chill: Form dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Roll Out: On a floured surface, roll dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.

Cut Shapes: Use a cookie cutter or knife to cut into squares or desired shapes. Transfer to baking sheets.

Bake to Crispy Perfection: Bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.

Cool and Store: Let crackers cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: About 40 crackers
Calories per serving: Approximately 70 per 5 crackers

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour (including chilling)

How to Serve Southern Cheese Crackers

These crackers are as versatile as they come:

With Soups: Perfect for dunking in creamy tomato or chicken soup.

Snack Time: Enjoy straight up with a glass of iced tea or lemonade.

Cheese Boards: Add a crunchy element to your next cheese platter.

Salad Toppers: Crumble over salads for extra flavor and crunch.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: Dough can be made a day ahead and chilled overnight.

Spice It Up: Experiment with herbs like rosemary or thyme for different flavors.

Dietary Adjustments: Use gluten-free flour blends if needed.

Storage Tips: Keep in an airtight container for up to a week to maintain crispness.

Double the Batch: These freeze well—store dough in the freezer and bake fresh when you want.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A1: You can, but freshly shredded melts better and gives a better texture.

Q2: Can I make them dairy-free?
A2: Substitute butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Q3: How thin should I roll the dough?
A3: About 1/8 inch thick for the perfect crisp.

Q4: Can I use different cheeses?
A4: Yes! Sharp white cheddar, gouda, or even pepper jack add unique flavors.

Q5: Can I add seeds or nuts?
A5: Absolutely, sesame seeds or crushed pecans add great texture.

Q6: How long do they keep?
A6: Stored properly, they stay crisp for up to a week.

Q7: Can I bake them frozen?
A7: It’s best to thaw before baking for even cooking.

Q8: Can I make them gluten-free?
A8: Use a gluten-free flour blend, but expect slight texture differences.

Q9: Do I need to prick the crackers before baking?
A9: Not necessary, but a few fork pricks prevent puffing.

Q10: Can I make them ahead for parties?
A10: Yes, bake and store in airtight containers; they’ll stay fresh and crunchy.

Conclusion

Southern Cheese Crackers are the ultimate snack with buttery crispness and cheesy goodness baked right in. Easy to make and endlessly satisfying, they’re perfect for any occasion or just because you deserve a little tasty treat. So grab your rolling pin, preheat the oven, and get ready for a Southern-inspired snack that’ll keep everyone coming back for more!

Print