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
Scale
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.
