There’s something irresistible about Southern Cheese Crackers. Buttery, crispy, and packed with sharp cheddar flavor, these homemade bites are a Southern staple that combine rustic charm with unbeatable taste. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, prepping snacks for a road trip, or just craving something savory and cheesy, this easy cheese crackers recipe is the answer.
Southern kitchens have long known the magic of cheese and butter, often transforming humble pantry ingredients into addictive party snacks. Referred to as cheese pennies, Southern cheese biscuits, or just “those cheesy things everyone asks for,” this recipe delivers a snack that’s flaky, cheesy, and perfectly spiced.
If you’ve ever searched for a cheese crackers recipe Add a Pinch style or just want to ditch store-bought snacks for something homemade, these Southern Cheese Crackers deserve a spot in your kitchen rotation.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Southern Cheese Crackers Recipe
These are not just crackers. They’re nostalgic, homemade, and full of character. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
Simple ingredients: Just a few pantry staples come together in under 30 minutes.
Make-ahead friendly: These crackers store well and even freeze beautifully.
Perfect for entertaining: They’re a hit on any appetizer table, snack board, or holiday spread.
Versatile: Add herbs, spices, or swap cheeses to make them your own.
Addictive flavor: Buttery, savory, and with just the right crunch.
Pair them with cranberry cream cheese dip for a holiday twist, or serve with a bowl of pumpkin chicken chili for the ultimate fall game day bite.
Ingredients for Southern Cheese Crackers
To make these deliciously addictive crackers, you’ll need:
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (use freshly grated for best melt and flavor)
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
½ teaspoon salt
1–2 tablespoons cold water, as needed
Optional add-ins:
1 tablespoon finely chopped chives or rosemary for extra flavor
A dash of smoked paprika for color and depth
Looking for something sweet after your savory snack? Try these chocolate chip cheesecake bars or some buttery mini Halloween cookies.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Food processor or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Rolling pin
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Cookie cutter or knife
Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Cheese Crackers
Step 1: Pulse the ingredients
In a food processor, combine the flour, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne. Add the cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 2: Add the cheese
Toss in the shredded cheddar and pulse again. Add cold water one tablespoon at a time until the dough just begins to come together. Don’t overmix.
Step 3: Chill the dough
Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps the butter firm up and prevents shrinking during baking.
Step 4: Roll and cut
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thick. Cut into small squares, circles, or use a mini cookie cutter for fun shapes.
Step 5: Bake
Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until lightly golden and crisp on the edges.
Step 6: Cool and enjoy
Cool the crackers on a wire rack and store in an airtight container for snacking anytime.
Tips for Perfect Southern Cheese Crackers Every Time
Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese has added starch that can affect texture.
Keep ingredients cold to maintain a flaky texture.
Don’t skip chilling the dough—it prevents the crackers from spreading too much in the oven.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika for richer color and depth.
For a gluten-free version, try using almond flour with a bit of cornstarch to hold things together.
If you enjoy unique seasonal snacks, try our pumpkin twists for a savory-sweet alternative.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using pre-shredded cheese: This often contains additives that prevent melting and reduce flavor.
Overbaking: Watch your crackers closely in the last few minutes—too much time and they become bitter.
Adding too much water: Makes the dough sticky and difficult to work with.
Skipping the salt: Even sharp cheddar needs a little extra seasoning to shine.
Recipe Variations and Add-Ins
Want to customize your easy cheese crackers recipe? Here are some delicious twists:
Cheese Pennies: Add ¼ teaspoon dry mustard and shape into coins. A true Southern classic.
Spicy Kick: Use pepper jack cheese or increase the cayenne for more heat.
Herb Crackers: Mix in dried rosemary, thyme, or finely chopped fresh herbs for a gourmet touch.
Smoky Snack: Swap cheddar for smoked gouda or aged white cheddar.
Cheddar Cheese Desserts: Serve topped with a thin apple slice and a drizzle of honey for a sweet-savory pairing.
For fun holiday ideas, serve these crackers alongside our apple pie dip with cinnamon sugar chips or our beloved fruit dip on a festive snack board.
Serving Suggestions
Southern Cheese Crackers shine in so many settings. Serve them:
As a holiday appetizer or party snack
On a grazing board with dips and veggies
In a lunchbox or picnic basket for a fun finger food
Paired with hearty soups like creamy mushroom soup or lentil stew over mashed potatoes
Alongside spreads like sweet chili meatballs or whipped Parmesan pecan cheese dip
How to Store Southern Cheese Crackers
These crackers are just as practical as they are tasty. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
In the Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough disks wrapped in plastic for up to 3 months.
To Refresh: Reheat baked crackers in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to restore their crispness.
Want to prep a full brunch or snack board? Pair your crackers with slow cooker pumpkin pie oatmeal for a cozy, autumn-inspired table.
What Goes Well With Southern Cheese Crackers?
These buttery bites pair wonderfully with:
Cranberry lime mocktail for a festive non-alcoholic sip
Garlic butter corn with melty cheese
Make-ahead breakfast bowls for morning entertaining
Pumpkin whipped cottage cheese as a creamy dip
Mini pancake cereal for a quirky brunch combo
Related Recipes You Might Love
If you’re loving these Southern-inspired bites, you’ll want to try:
Snake Charmers Pretzels – crunchy, spicy, and full of flavor
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs – the ultimate comfort food
Mini Halloween Pizzas – fun and family-friendly
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls – soft, spiced, and perfect for fall
Cottage Cheese Flatbread – protein-packed and low-carb
You can find more snacks, sides, and appetizers in our Appetizers section.
FAQs About Southern Cheese Crackers
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for best results.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. Freeze the dough wrapped tightly and thaw in the fridge before rolling and baking.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can try white cheddar, smoked gouda, or even pepper jack for variety.
Can I make them spicier?
Of course. Add more cayenne, crushed red pepper, or even a pinch of chipotle powder for smoky heat.
Final Thoughts: Try This Southern Cheese Crackers Recipe Today
These Southern Cheese Crackers are more than just a snack. They’re buttery, flaky, and full of bold cheddar flavor. Whether you’re serving them on a party tray, gifting them in jars, or keeping them all for yourself, they’re a reliable go-to for Southern kitchens—and now, your kitchen too.
If you’ve been searching for an easy cheese crackers recipe that’s better than anything from a box, this is it. Add a pinch of spice, a handful of herbs, or just enjoy them in their classic simplicity.
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Southern Cheese Crackers
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 40–50 crackers 1x
Description
These Southern Cheese Crackers are buttery, flaky, crispy, and packed with bold sharp cheddar flavor. A true Southern classic, these homemade cheese biscuits—also known as cheese pennies—are easy to make, incredibly addictive, and perfect for holidays, road trips, grazing boards, or everyday snacking. Made with simple pantry staples, they come together quickly, store wonderfully, and can be customized with herbs, spices, or different cheeses for endless variations.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (freshly grated preferred)
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1–2 tbsp cold water, as needed
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 tbsp finely chopped chives or rosemary
- A dash of smoked paprika
Variations:
- Cheese Pennies: Add ¼ tsp dry mustard.
- Spicy: Use pepper jack or extra cayenne.
- Herb Crackers: Mix in thyme, rosemary, or fresh herbs.
- Smoky: Try smoked gouda or white cheddar.
Instructions
- Pulse Dry Ingredients: In a food processor, combine flour, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne. Add the cubed butter and pulse until coarse crumbs form.
- Add Cheese: Add the shredded cheddar and pulse. Gradually add cold water until the dough just comes together.
- Chill: Form dough into a disk, wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll & Cut: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough ¼-inch thick and cut into small squares, circles, or shapes.
- Bake: Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake 12–15 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Cool & Serve: Cool on a wire rack and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
- Keep the butter and dough cold for flaky crackers.
- Do not skip chilling—prevents spreading.
- Add smoked paprika for extra depth and color.
- Almond flour can be used with cornstarch for gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 crackers
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Southern Cheese Crackers, Cheese Crackers Recipe, Cheese Pennies, Southern Snacks, Cheddar Crackers, Homemade Crackers
