Crunchy Southern Cheese Crackers Recipe: Homestyle Delight!

Southern cheese crackers burst with zesty flavor that dance across homemade cracker magic.

Tucked inside this classic Southern cheese crackers recipe are crispy, golden bites packed with sharp cheddar and rich butter.

Generations of southern kitchens have perfected these savory nibbles with simple ingredients and rustic charm.

Cheese lovers will adore the delicate crunch and bold taste that emerge from these delightful crackers.

Each bite promises a delectable blend of sharp cheese and buttery warmth that melts in your mouth.

The aroma alone will draw hungry guests to the kitchen, eager to sample these irresistible homemade treats.

Serve these crackers at your next gathering and watch them disappear in moments of pure culinary bliss.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with various hard cheeses like Parmesan, Gruyère, or sharp white cheddar to create unique flavor profiles.

• Is it necessary to refrigerate the dough before baking?

Absolutely. Chilling the dough helps the butter firm up, preventing the crackers from spreading too much and ensuring a crisp texture.

• How can I tell if the crackers are done baking?

Look for golden edges and a firm texture when you touch them. The crackers will crisp up more as they cool down.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Definitely. You can prepare the dough log and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to a month before slicing and baking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 148 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients That Build Bold Southern Cheese Crackers

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base structure for crispy, delicate crackers with a tender crumb.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the richness of cheese.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds a subtle, warming heat that complements the cheese's sharpness.

• Butter: Creates a flaky, rich texture and adds deep, creamy undertones to the crackers.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp, tangy flavor and helps create a savory, golden-brown crust.

• Cold Water: Helps bind the dough together if it's too crumbly, ensuring perfect consistency.

Kitchen Tools for Crunchy Southern Cheese Cracker Success

• Food processor: Essential for quickly mixing and combining dry ingredients, butter, and cheese into a crumbly dough.
• Parchment paper: Perfect for lining baking sheet and preventing crackers from sticking.
• Sharp knife: Needed for slicing chilled dough into uniform cracker rounds.
• Baking sheet: Crucial for baking and creating crispy, golden crackers.
• Wire rack: Helps crackers cool evenly and maintain their crisp texture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities.

How to Bake Southern Cheese Crackers with a Kick

• Whip Up the Dough Base

Grab your food processor and toss in flour, salt, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Give it a quick pulse to blend the dry ingredients smoothly.

• Blend Creamy Elements

Toss in cold butter cubes and grated cheddar cheese. Pulse until the mixture looks like rough, crumbly sand. If it seems too dry, splash in a bit of cold water to help it come together.

• Shape and Chill

Roll the dough into a neat log about two inches thick. Wrap it snugly in parchment paper and let it relax in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This chilling time helps the flavors mingle and makes slicing easier.

• Slice and Crisp

Pull out your chilled dough log and cut into thin rounds. Arrange these on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them into a preheated oven at 350F and bake until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown, about 12-15 minutes.

• Cool and Enjoy

Let the crackers rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, they’re ready to munch and share!

Tips for Spicing Up Southern Cheese Crackers

• Elevate Your Snack Game
• Use ultra-cold butter straight from the refrigerator to ensure flaky, crisp crackers with perfect texture and rich flavor.
• Experiment with different aged cheddars or mix sharp and mild cheeses for complex, tangy flavor profiles that'll make your crackers stand out.
• Adjust cayenne pepper levels to match your heat preference, or swap with smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier undertone.
• Replace wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and add a pinch of xanthan gum to maintain cracker structure and achieve similar crispy results.
• Prepare dough logs in advance and store wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months, enabling quick homemade cracker preparation anytime.

Serving Southern Cheese Crackers with Dips or Drinks

• Cheese Cracker Companion Platter: Create a stunning appetizer board with various cheeses, cured meats, olives, and fresh herbs to complement the Southern Cheese Crackers' bold flavor.
• Dip Delight Zone: Pair these crispy crackers with homemade pimento cheese, ranch dip, or spicy tomato salsa for an extra flavor punch that'll make taste buds dance.
• Wine and Snack Pairing: Match these zesty crackers with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to balance the rich, cheesy crunch.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve these crackers alongside chili, use as a side for soups, or break them up as a crunchy topping for salads for an unexpected Southern twist.

Storing Southern Cheese Crackers That Stay Crispy

• Wrap the crackers in an airtight container, keeping them fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature. Glass jars or sealed plastic containers work best to maintain crispness.
• Stack crackers between parchment paper layers inside a freezer-safe container. These delightful bites will stay tasty for 2-3 months when frozen. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Sprinkle extra cayenne or black pepper on crackers before storing to intensify their zesty profile. The spices will continue to develop deeper notes during storage.
• Add a small silica gel packet in the storage container to absorb excess humidity, ensuring crackers remain crisp and crunchy throughout their shelf life. This simple hack prevents unwanted softening.

Crispy Southern Cheese Crackers Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Southern cheese crackers blend traditional Southern hospitality with sharp cheddar and buttery richness. Crisp edges and intense flavor make these homemade crackers a perfect appetizer or snack for gatherings and casual entertaining.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 23 tbsps (345 ml) cold water (if needed)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Pulse flour, salt, and cayenne pepper in a food processor to create a uniform dry mixture, establishing a flavor-infused foundation.
2. Dough Formation: Incorporate cold butter cubes and grated cheddar cheese, pulsing until the mixture resembles coarse, crumbly fragments that barely cling together, adding minimal cold water if needed to achieve proper binding.
3. Chilling Process: Form the dough into a cylindrical log on parchment paper, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for one hour to solidify ingredients and intensify flavors.
4. Shaping and Cutting: Extract chilled dough log and slice into uniform 1/4-inch thick rounds, positioning them methodically on a parchment-lined baking sheet with strategic spacing.
5. Baking Technique: Slide the prepared sheet into a 350F (175C) oven, baking until cracker edges turn golden and surfaces develop a crisp, perfect texture.
6. Cooling Method: Transfer crackers briefly to a wire rack, allowing complete cooling to maximize crispness and ensure optimal texture for serving.

Notes

• Control Moisture Carefully: Ensure the dough remains just moist enough to hold together, avoiding excess water that can make crackers tough or soggy.
• Chill for Precision: Refrigeration isn’t optional; it stabilizes butter, enhances flavor development, and prevents spreading during baking.
• Slice with Consistency: Use a sharp knife to create uniform 1/4-inch rounds, guaranteeing even baking and professional-looking crackers with consistent texture.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust cayenne pepper to personal heat preference – reduce for mild taste or increase for a spicier kick without compromising cracker structure.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 148
• Sugar: 0.3 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 10.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 6.2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 11.9 g
• Fiber: 0.4 g
• Protein: 3.7 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg