These Southern Cheese Crackers are everything a savory snack should be—crispy, buttery, cheesy, and with just the right kick of spice. A Southern staple, they’re perfect for everything from holiday entertaining to casual snacking. Made with real cheddar, a touch of cayenne, and a simple flour dough, they bake into golden, flaky crackers that disappear fast!
Why You’ll Love Southern Cheese Crackers
- Bold cheesy flavor: Sharp cheddar shines with just the right spice.
- Simple pantry ingredients: No fancy tools or ingredients needed.
- Customizable: Change the shape, adjust the spice, or try new cheese blends.
- Perfect for any occasion: Ideal for charcuterie boards, dips, or on their own.
- Make-ahead friendly: Dough can be chilled and baked later.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 2–3 tablespoons cold water (if needed)
Directions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Mix the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine:
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (if using)
- Mix with a spatula or hands until the dough starts to come together.
- If the dough is too crumbly, add cold water 1 tablespoon at a time, just until the dough is cohesive and pliable.
Roll Out the Dough
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
- Roll it out evenly to about 1/8 inch thick.
Cut the Crackers
- Use a knife, pizza cutter, or cookie cutter to slice the dough into shapes—squares, circles, or festive cutters.
- Transfer the shaped crackers to the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the crackers are light golden brown around the edges and firm to the touch.
- For extra crispness, let them go the full 15 minutes.
Cool and Serve
- Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve immediately or store once fully cooled.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Use high-quality cheddar: Sharp, aged cheddar delivers the best flavor and texture.
- Make it spicier: Add a splash of hot sauce or increase cayenne.
- Swap the cheese: Try Gouda, white cheddar, or pepper jack.
- Add herbs: Rosemary, thyme, or chives give a delicious twist.
- For extra crunch: Bake a few minutes longer, checking closely to avoid burning.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with soups or chili as a cheesy, crunchy side.
- Serve on a charcuterie board with meats, fruits, and spreads.
- Add to lunchboxes or snack trays for a savory treat.
- Dip in ranch, hummus, or a spicy cheese dip.
Storage / Reheating
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Store baked crackers in a zip bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Refresh crackers in a 350°F oven for 3–5 minutes to regain crispness.
- Make-ahead dough: Chill dough in the fridge for up to 2 days before rolling and baking.
Notes
- Dough can be made in advance and frozen—thaw overnight before rolling.
- These crackers will firm up more as they cool, so don’t overbake.
- For extra festive fun, use themed cookie cutters for holidays.
FAQs
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes—substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
What if I don’t have cayenne pepper?
Try paprika or leave it out for a milder version.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
You can, but freshly shredded cheese melts and blends better.
Do they really taste like store-bought cheese crackers?
Even better! They’re fresher, flakier, and packed with real cheese.
Can I refrigerate the dough overnight?
Yes! Chill tightly wrapped dough for up to 2 days.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just roll and bake in batches.
Conclusion
These Southern Cheese Crackers bring a nostalgic, cheesy crunch with a hint of spice to every bite. Whether you serve them with dips, soups, or on their own, they’re guaranteed to become a go-to in your homemade snack rotation. Easy to bake, fun to customize, and impossible to stop at just one—go ahead and make a double batch!