If you are craving a snack that brings together golden crunch, rich sharpness, and a hint of Southern charm, look no further than this Crispy Cheesy Southern Cheese Crackers Recipe. These crackers are an irresistible combination of savory cheddar, a touch of heat, and buttery crispness that will have you reaching for more with every bite. Perfect for snacking, entertaining, or pairing with your favorite dips, these cheese crackers are deceptively simple to make and utterly delicious, embodying everything you love about Southern comfort food in one crunchy package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, ensuring your Crispy Cheesy Southern Cheese Crackers Recipe turns out just right every time.
- Extra sharp cheddar cheese (1 lb, grated): The star of the dish, providing bold, tangy flavor and that unmistakable cheesy richness.
- Cold unsalted butter (1 stick, cubed): Adds a tender, flaky texture and depth of buttery goodness.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Acts as the base to bind everything together, with gluten-free options available for a special touch.
- Cayenne pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces a subtle heat that elevates the crackers without overpowering them.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Balances flavors and enhances the cheesy notes perfectly.
- Hot sauce (2-3 dashes): A little kick that complements the cayenne and adds complexity.
- Heavy cream (6-8 tablespoons): Brings moisture and richness, helping the dough come together with just the right consistency.
How to Make Crispy Cheesy Southern Cheese Crackers Recipe
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients and Butter
Start by adding the flour, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper to a food processor. Give it several pulses to evenly mix these dry ingredients. Then, toss in the cold, cubed butter and the dashes of hot sauce. Process for about 10 seconds until the mixture resembles coarse meal—this step ensures your crackers will have the right crumbly texture and a hint of spice.
Step 2: Add the Cheese
Next, add the freshly grated cheddar cheese to the food processor. Pulse until the cheese is well incorporated into the buttery flour mixture. If your food processor is on the smaller side, consider dividing the mixture into two batches to make this step easier and more efficient.
Step 3: Incorporate Heavy Cream
Now it’s time to add the heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time. Keep pulsing and adding cream until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the processor. This usually means about 3 to 4 tablespoons if working in halves, or 6 to 8 tablespoons for the full batch. The cream brings everything together without making the mixture too wet.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and press it into a ball. It may still feel a little crumbly, but that’s okay. Cut the dough into halves, then shape each half into logs about 12 to 14 inches long. Wrapping each log in wax paper or parchment will make them easier to roll and slice later. You should end up with four logs in total if you divided the dough properly. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for several hours, which helps the flavors meld and the dough firm up for slicing.
Step 5: Preheat and Prepare to Bake
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 6: Slice and Arrange
Remove the chilled dough from the fridge and slice the logs as thinly and evenly as possible. Place the slices on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them out to allow for a slight spread while baking.
Step 7: Add Finishing Touches
If you’d like to add a bit of flair, sprinkle a pinch of extra salt or paprika on top of the crackers before baking. For a decorative touch, you can even prick the crackers lightly with a fork to create charming patterns.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Bake the crackers for about 10 to 12 minutes or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are delightfully crisp. Keep a close eye towards the end to avoid burning and ensure perfect crunch.
How to Serve Crispy Cheesy Southern Cheese Crackers Recipe
Garnishes
These crackers are fantastic on their own, but adding garnishes like a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a light dusting of smoked paprika can take them to the next level. Fresh herbs such as finely chopped chives or thyme also enhance the flavor profile and make your snack look inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair your Crispy Cheesy Southern Cheese Crackers Recipe with creamy dips like pimento cheese spread, ranch dressing, or guacamole for a Southern-infused gathering. They also complement soups and salads wonderfully, adding a satisfying crunch to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by arranging these crackers on a rustic wooden board alongside a variety of cheeses, cured meats, and fresh fruits. You can stack them neatly in jars or mini baskets for a charming picnic vibe. For parties, use them as edible scoops with spreads to delight everyone with crisp, cheesy bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store your cheese crackers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp for several days, making them perfect for snacking later or packing in lunchboxes.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked dough logs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to one month and slice off pieces as needed. This makes it incredibly convenient to enjoy fresh crackers anytime with minimal effort.
Reheating
If your crackers lose some crispness, a quick 3-5 minute toast in a warm oven at 300 degrees will restore their delightful crunch without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While extra sharp cheddar is traditional and provides great flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like smoked gouda, Parmesan, or a sharp white cheddar for a unique twist.
Is it necessary to use a food processor?
A food processor makes mixing quick and ensures an even texture, but if you don’t have one, you can cut the butter into the flour by hand and mix thoroughly. Just be patient to achieve that perfect crumbly consistency.
How thin should I slice the dough logs?
Try to slice as thinly and evenly as possible, about 1/8 inch thick or thinner. Thin slices will bake evenly and deliver the crunch that makes this Crispy Cheesy Southern Cheese Crackers Recipe so addictive.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend such as King Arthur’s Measure for Measure Gluten-Free Flour, which works wonderfully in this recipe.
How long do the crackers keep once baked?
Stored in an airtight container, these crackers stay fresh and crispy for about 3 to 5 days. After that, they may start to lose their crunch, but a quick reheat can bring them back to life.
Final Thoughts
There’s really nothing quite like biting into these Crispy Cheesy Southern Cheese Crackers Recipe for the first time — that perfect crunch combined with a bold cheesy punch and a subtle heat is pure joy. Whether you’re making them for a casual snack, holiday party, or just to treat yourself, these crackers will quickly become a beloved staple. So grab your ingredients, fire up that food processor, and enjoy the charming flavors of the South in every crispy bite.
Print
Crispy Cheesy Southern Cheese Crackers Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 dozen crackers
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
These Crispy Cheesy Southern Cheese Crackers are a deliciously savory snack featuring extra sharp cheddar cheese and a hint of cayenne for a subtle kick. Made with a buttery dough and baked to golden perfection, these crackers offer a perfect balance of cheesy flavor and crispy texture. Perfect for serving alongside soups, salads, or enjoying on their own.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 1 lb extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (King Arthur’s Measure for Measure Gluten-Free Flour can be substituted)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2–3 dashes of hot sauce
Binding
- 6–8 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper to a food processor and pulse several times to blend the dry ingredients evenly.
- Add Butter and Hot Sauce: Incorporate the cold cubed butter and 2-3 dashes of hot sauce into the food processor. Process for about 10 seconds until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
- Mix in Cheese: Add the grated extra sharp cheddar cheese and pulse just until combined. For smaller food processors, divide the mixture into batches to aid processing.
- Add Heavy Cream: Gradually add heavy cream by the tablespoon, pulsing until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the processor. Use about 3-4 tablespoons per batch or 6-8 tablespoons if processing all at once.
- Shape Dough: Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and press into a ball. It may still seem crumbly. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log approximately 12-14 inches long. Wrapping each log in wax or parchment paper helps maintain shape. If divided earlier, you will have four logs total. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill for several hours.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare and Slice Logs: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the chilled logs as thinly and evenly as possible. Arrange the slices spaced apart on the baking sheet as the crackers will spread slightly.
- Optional Toppings: Sprinkle with a little extra kosher salt or paprika for added flavor and color. You can also prick the tops with a fork to create a decorative design if desired.
- Bake: Bake the crackers for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet before serving.
Notes
- Substitute King Arthur’s Measure for Measure Gluten-Free Flour for a gluten-free option.
- The dough may feel crumbly but will hold together after chilling.
- Slicing the logs as thinly as possible yields crispier crackers.
- Use extra sharp cheddar for the best flavor impact.
- Crackers will keep well stored in an airtight container for up to one week.
