Short Description
Southern Cheese Crackers are rich, buttery, and packed with sharp cheddar flavor. These homemade crackers have a perfectly crisp texture with a hint of spice, making them an irresistible snack for any occasion. Enjoy them on their own, with dips, or as a complement to a charcuterie board.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheesy & Buttery – Made with real sharp cheddar and butter for rich flavor.
- Crispy & Crunchy – Baked to perfection for the ultimate homemade cracker texture.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick prep time.
- Perfect for Entertaining – A great addition to snack trays, parties, and charcuterie boards.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level or add herbs for different variations.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika (or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl or food processor, combine shredded cheddar cheese and softened butter. Mix until well blended.
- Add the flour, salt, paprika (or cayenne), and garlic powder (if using). Mix until the texture is crumbly.
- Gradually add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough lightly on a floured surface until smooth.
Step 3: Roll & Cut the Crackers
- Roll out the dough to about ⅛-inch thickness.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut into 1-inch squares, or use a small cookie cutter for fun shapes.
- Place crackers onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Use a fork or skewer to poke a small hole in the center of each cracker (this prevents puffing).
Step 4: Bake the Crackers
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 50 crackers
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Baking time: 15-18 minutes
Variations
- Extra Spicy – Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper for more heat.
- Herb-Infused – Mix in 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning.
- Parmesan Twist – Replace ½ cup of cheddar with Parmesan for a sharper taste.
- Seeded Crackers – Sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top before baking.
- Gluten-Free – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze raw dough for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
- Reheating: If crackers lose crispness, bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to refresh.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
It’s best to use freshly shredded cheese, as pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents that affect texture.
How do I make the crackers extra crispy?
Roll the dough thinly and bake until golden brown. Let them cool completely before storing.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
Yes, but the crackers will be slightly denser. You may need to add an extra tablespoon of water.
What’s the best way to cut uniform crackers?
Use a ruler and a pizza cutter for even squares.
Can I use a food processor?
Yes! A food processor makes the dough come together quickly.
Do I have to refrigerate the dough before rolling?
Not necessarily, but chilling for 15 minutes can make it easier to handle.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cheese substitute and vegan butter, though the texture may vary.
What dipping sauces go well with these crackers?
They pair well with ranch dressing, cheese dips, or spicy mustard.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking?
Roll it out on parchment paper or a lightly floured surface.
Can I add different seasonings?
Absolutely! Try smoked paprika, cumin, or onion powder for unique flavors.
Conclusion
Southern Cheese Crackers are the perfect homemade snack—crispy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making them for a party, a charcuterie board, or just a delicious treat, these crackers will quickly become a favorite. Try them today and enjoy the taste of homemade goodness!
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Southern Cheese Crackers
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 40-50 crackers 1x
Description
These Southern Cheese Crackers are buttery, flaky, and packed with bold cheddar flavor! A homemade twist on classic cheese straws, these crackers are crisp, cheesy, and slightly spicy, making them perfect for snacking, entertaining, or pairing with dips. A true Southern staple!
Ingredients
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
Preheat the Oven & Prepare Dough
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the shredded cheddar cheese and softened butter until smooth.
2. Add Dry Ingredients & Water
- Add the flour, salt, paprika (or cayenne), and garlic powder. Mix until the dough starts to form crumbly pieces.
- Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together into a ball.
3. Roll & Cut the Crackers
- Lightly flour a surface and roll the dough out to ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut into 1-inch squares (or use a small cookie cutter for fun shapes).
- Use a fork to poke small holes in each cracker to prevent puffing.
4. Bake & Cool
- Place crackers on the prepared baking sheet, spacing slightly apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crunch, bake an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Want a smoky flavor? Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: nack / Appetizer
- Method: Baking
